Ireland Degges
The Department of Homeland Security is on a journey to unlock the benefits artificial intelligence has to offer. Ensuring AI tools are deployed responsibly requires a skilled team of experts with a strong understanding of the technology, and the department is taking steps to bolster its AI workforce.
Learn about DHS’ approach to AI implementation from public and private sector experts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13. At this exciting event, leaders from across the department and industry will dive into the top issues DHS faces today and consider pathways to future mission success. Reserve your spot at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit today to get exclusive access to these insights.
The event will consider the ways in which DHS is strengthening its AI leadership team during a panel titled “DHS’ New AI Corps.” Keep reading for a preview of what the panelists will discuss.
DHS’ AI Strategy
In March, DHS published its first-ever AI Roadmap, which set three lines of effort to guide its AI endeavors:
- Responsibly leveraging AI to advance homeland security missions
- Promoting nationwide AI safety and security
- Continuing to lead in AI through strong, cohesive partnerships
DHS’ efforts to integrate AI with care are guided by an emphasis on trust and rigorous testing to ensure the protection of privacy, civil rights and civil liberties; address any harmful biases; and maintain transparency with its workforce and customers.
Though AI presents many opportunities for DHS, the strategy highlights several challenges that have emerged as adversaries simultaneously pursue the technology, most notably the risk of large-scale AI-based attacks on critical infrastructure. Cyber and physical security, the strategy states, “is foundational to the safety and security of AI.”
DHS Enhancing AI Leadership Team
To support its AI goals, DHS is investing heavily in its AI leadership team. One way the department has done so is the establishment of its AI Corps, a group of AI experts led by Director Michael Boyce. Formed in June, the team is focused on the intersection of responsible AI and cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, immigration services and more.
The formation of the unit followed the September 2023 appointment of Eric Hysen as DHS’ inaugural chief AI officer. In this position, Hysen, who also serves as CIO of the department, is responsible for driving responsible AI innovation, FedScoop reported.
Meet the “DHS’ New AI Corps” Panelists
Matt Gilkeson
Matt Gilkeson is chief technology officer and chief data officer of the Transportation Security Administration, where he leads agency initiatives concerning data governance, data sharing, technology innovation and AI.
Gilkeson has been with TSA for over 11 years. Prior to assuming his current role, he was director of the agency’s Innovation Task Force. Before joining TSA, he served as an information systems project manager for the Marine Corps Systems Command, and earlier, he held several technology-focused roles at private companies.
Phil Miller
As senior vice president of law enforcement and judiciary programs at Procentrix, Phil Miller is responsible for building relationships with current and potential clients to bring them modern technology offerings.
He carries more than 25 years of experience in both public and private sector roles, having held positions within the U.S. Army, Immigration and Naturalization Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement before joining Procentrix.
Elizabeth Puchek
Elizabeth Puchek has held her current position as chief data officer of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services since December 2020. She has been with the agency for six years, previously serving as deputy CDO.
Before joining USCIS, she spent over seven years at Customs and Border Protection, during which she served as requirements and architectures branch chief, director of system engineering and most recently chief of staff for enterprise services.
Sean Duguay
Sean Duguay, president and chief revenue officer of M9 Solutions, will moderate the panel. He is a government contracting industry veteran, having held roles in the field for nearly three decades.
Before joining M9 Solutions, Duguay was principal for national security and defense at Capgemini, and earlier, he served as vice president of business development at ICF. He has also held executive roles at Excella, Visionary Integration Professionals, Federated IT and CGI. Prior to entering the commercial sector, he conducted criminal investigations for the U.S. Marine Corps’ recruiting branch.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from these elite homeland security leaders. Secure your spot at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit to unlock the expertise they have to offer.
