What's Possible? The Future of AI in Government & Society

The Hornets Policy & Politics Alumni (HPPA) Chapter hosted a “What’s Possible?” speaker panel focused on how AI is reshaping government, public policy, workforce development, and society. Panelists from government, academia, and beyond discussed the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities of AI. Panelists included: • Senator Christopher Cabaldon, MPPA '94, California State Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection • Marcie Kahbody, Deputy Secretary of Technology & Agency Information Officer for CalSTA and CIO for Caltrans • Ronak Daylami, Vice President for Advocacy, Privacy, Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at CalChamber • Dr. Sadaf Ashtari, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Interim Department Chair of Information Systems & Business Analytics at Sacramento State • Jeffery Marino, Director, California Office of Data and Innovation Moderated by Russ Nichols, Former California CIO/CTO Recorded 6/4/2026