AI in the Workplace: A Great Opportunity for the Twin Counties

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn and do business, and this September, that conversation is coming right here to the Twin Counties.

The Strategic Twin Counties Education Partnership (STEP) will host the Twin Counties Education & Business Leaders’ Summit on Thursday, September 24, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

This year’s theme, “AI in the Workplace: Opportunity, Responsibility and Readiness,” will bring together professionals from business, education, government and technology to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for our workplaces and communities.

She will be joined by a diverse group of leaders and professionals, including Benton Moss, President & CEO of Simmons & Harris, Inc.; Representative Dante Pittman, representing NC House District 24; Dr. David Whitman, Director of Software Engineering at Fidelity Investments; Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, Founding Director of the Institute of AI and Emerging Research at North Carolina Central University; Dr. Lane Freeman, Director of Online Learning for the North Carolina Community College System; Robert Hiett, Executive Director and Chief AI Officer of the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments; Allyson Russell, Director of Intelligent Automation at UNC Health; and Meredith Hill, Emerging Technology Consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear sessions focused on some of the conversations surrounding AI today. Dr. David Whitman will discuss responsible and human-centered AI adoption, Robert Hiett will cover policy, privacy and guardrails, and Dr. Lane Freeman will explore a roadmap for using AI in teaching and learning.

As AI becomes more common in workplaces and classrooms, this summit gives the Twin Counties a great opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in these areas and learn more about both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this rapidly growing technology.

Register Today

The Twin Counties Education & Business Leaders’ Summit will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

Register for the Education & Business Leaders’ Summit

With professionals from across business, education, government and technology coming together right here in our community, the summit is a great opportunity to learn more about AI and be part of a conversation that will continue to shape the future of the Twin Counties.