Dylan Hayden

AI & Public Policy | Government Data Leader

Dylan Hayden's profile photo
LocationBaltimoreMaryland, United States
Current rolePractice Associate Professor University of Pennsylvania · since Jul 2025
Government service11yrsU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

About

Dylan Hayden is an AI policy expert and data strategist with extensive experience in federal, state, and local government. He has led enterprise data initiatives, developed AI governance frameworks, and advised on policies shaping public sector innovation. A former HUD and VA analyst, Dylan specializes in data-driven decision-making, process improvement, and AI adoption in government.

He is also the founder of Publius AI

(www.publiusai.com), where he helps organizations navigate the intersection of AI and public policy through consulting, speaking, and training.

Roles

Jul 2025–Present
Current role

Practice Associate Professor

University of Pennsylvania

Data ScientistPublic PolicyEducationArtificial Intelligence

At Penn’s Fels Institute of Government, I teach AI for Public Sector Leadership and Public and Nonprofit Finance in the Master of Public Administration program. My work bridges applied AI, data equity, and public administration, helping current and future public leaders understand how emerging technologies can enhance governance, policy, and service delivery. I provide weekly updates on AI in the public sector through The Public AI Brief. https://brief.dylanhayden.com/

Jan 2025–Present
Current role

Founder & CEO

Publius AI

Baltimore, Maryland

ConsultingPublic PolicyArtificial Intelligence

I lead Publius AI, a mission-driven firm that helps public agencies and policy organizations harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively. Our work focuses on practical applications of generative AI, data equity, and digital transformation, bridging technology innovation with the values of public service and ethical governance.

Jan 2024–Jul 2025
Former role

Capstone Advisor

University of Pennsylvania

Public PolicyEducation

Advised MPA students on applied research and consulting projects for public and nonprofit clients, guiding them in using data, policy analysis, and emerging technologies to address real-world governance challenges.

Nov 2015–May 2025
Former role

Enterprise Open Data Lead

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD), Office of the Chief Data Officer

District of Columbia

Federal GovernmentData ScientistPublic PolicyArtificial Intelligence

Led cross-agency efforts to expand data accessibility, quality, and equity across HUD programs. Developed open data strategies, advanced the use of AI and analytics for policy insight, and contributed to federal data governance and equitable data initiatives supporting evidence-based decision-making.

Sep 2014–Oct 2015
Former role

Administrative Officer

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Palo Alto Healthcare System

California

Healthcare & MedicalAdministrative

Managed operations and process improvement initiatives within a major VA medical center, supporting programs that enhanced service delivery and organizational efficiency. Contributed to data-informed management and coordination across clinical and administrative functions serving veterans.