Practice Areas/Artificial Intelligence

Practice Area

Artificial Intelligence

AI is moving faster than the rules around it. The people who wrote federal AI policy, set the standards, and deployed these systems in government can help you get ahead of both.

When people seek this expertise

Situations that bring organizations here

  • Building an AI governance program: boards and executives want AI adopted responsibly, and former officials who wrote government AI guidance know what credible governance actually looks like.

  • Navigating emerging regulation: AI rules are taking shape across federal agencies, states, and international bodies at once, and people who worked inside that process read the direction of travel earlier.

  • Selling AI to government: winning federal and state AI work means meeting procurement, security, and risk requirements that former agency technology leaders have applied from the buying side.

  • Assessing AI risk: deploying models in high-stakes settings calls for the testing, evaluation, and documentation discipline that government AI programs pioneered.

  • National security questions: AI intersects with export controls, foreign investment review, and defense applications, and former national security officials navigate that terrain daily.

  • Briefing leadership and boards: directors want a grounded view of AI opportunity and exposure, delivered by someone who has advised at the highest levels of government.

Where this expertise comes from

Agencies and roles behind the directory

  • OSTP (White House Office of Science and Technology Policy): former staff map to national AI strategy and cross-government coordination.

  • NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology): former standards and measurement professionals map to AI risk management frameworks, testing, and evaluation.

  • Defense and intelligence AI offices: former Department of Defense and intelligence community technology leaders map to mission deployment, procurement, and security review.

  • Agency chief data and AI officers: former CDOs and CAIOs map to enterprise adoption, data governance, and responsible-use programs.

  • Regulators and enforcement: former FTC and sector-regulator officials map to consumer protection, algorithmic accountability, and marketing claims about AI.

  • Congressional technology staff: former committee advisors map to legislative outlook and hearing preparation on AI issues.

The organizations that get AI right will be the ones that understood the rules while they were still being written. Browse the professionals below and reach out directly.

Members in this practice area

Artificial Intelligence

Showing 1–20 of 70
Ranked by relevance to Artificial Intelligence from verified member profiles.
Duane C. Pozza
Duane C. Pozza
Verified7 years of government experience
Tech Optimist | Partner at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryServed as Assistant Director at FTC, focusing on consumer protection in financial technology. Specializes in consumer protection, technology regulation, and data privacy, advising on emerging technologies.

Current
PartnerWiley Rein LLP
Consumer ProtectionCivil Litigation
Former Government
AttorneyFederal Trade Commission (FTC)
Attorney
Practice Areas
PaymentsTrade AssociationsConsumer Protection & Antitrust+1
Sectors
Financial Data & Stock ExchangesTrade, Transportation, & UtilitiesTelecommunications+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Usman M. Sheikh
Usman M. Sheikh
Verified3 years of foreign government experience
Partner at Baker McKenzie LLP

AI SummaryUsman M. Sheikh served at the Ontario Securities Commission. His roles in technology law and litigation make him suited for advising on emerging tech and digital assets.

Current
Partner, Chair of the Blockchain & FinTech Practice Baker McKenzie LLP
Civil LitigationAttorney Advisor
Former Government
Enforcement CounselOntario Securities Commission
Attorney AdvisorInvestigations
Practice Areas
Capital MarketsTechnologyCommercial Litigation+1
Sectors
Financial Data & Stock ExchangesGovernment ServicesTechnology+1
Toronto, OntarioView Profile →
BT
Bryan T. Byrne
8 years of foreign government experience
GLOBAL STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS EXECUTIVE

AI SummaryServed at USAID, managing trade, partnerships, and development programs. Specializes in international trade, partnerships, and development strategy.

Former Government
Director, Development Partnerships and InnovationUSAID
Management
Practice Areas
Alternative EnergyForeign RelationsAgriculture+1
Sectors
Financial ServicesProduct DevelopmentFood & Agriculture+1
Erin M. Prest
Erin M. Prest
18 years of government experience
Partner and Co-Lead, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

AI SummaryFormer Privacy & Civil Liberties Officer and Deputy General Counsel at the FBI, Erin Prest specializes in federal privacy law and data security strategy, advising on data breaches and AI governance.

Current
PartnerMcCarter & English, LLP
AttorneyPrivacy
Former Government
Acting Unit ChiefFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
PrivacyPrivacy Law
Practice Areas
Privacy / Data PrivacyCybercrimeArtificial Intelligence +1
Sectors
Legal
Washington , District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Rob O'Brien
Rob O'Brien
Verified
International trade associate in Baker McKenzie LLP

AI SummaryServed at US Department of Commerce; specializes in international trade law, export controls, and sanctions. Experienced in legal research, regulatory analysis, and compliance.

Current
Associate, International TradeBaker & McKenzie LLP
Attorney AdvisorInternational Trade Law
Former Government
Legal Intern, Foreign Legal Development U.S. Department of Commerce(DOC)
Regulatory SpecialistLegal
Practice Areas
TechnologyArms TradeInternational Trade Commission (ITC)+1
Sectors
TelecommunicationsGovernment ServicesAdvisory & Financial Services+1
San Francisco, CaliforniaView Profile →
Dylan Hayden
Dylan Hayden
10 years of government experience
AI & Public Policy | Government Data Leader

AI SummaryDylan Hayden served as an analyst for HUD and VA, specializing in data-driven decision-making and AI governance. His current roles as a data strategist and educator in AI for public sector leadership suit him for consulting on AI and public policy.

Current
Founder & CEOPublius AI
ConsultingPublic Policy
Former Government
Enterprise Open Data LeadU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)
Federal GovernmentData Scientist
Practice Areas
Income InequalityHealth CareGrant Review+1
Sectors
Professional & Business ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
Baltimore, MarylandView Profile →
Tony Phillips
Tony Phillips
Verified4 years of government experience
Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

AI SummaryServed as Director & Associate General Counsel - Integrity at Meta; trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice; expertise in complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and white-collar defense.

Current
Executive Board Member (Vice President-District Operations)Scouting America National Capital Area Council
Non-Profits / NGOs
Former Government
JAG (Judge Advocate General) OfficerU.S. Air Force
AttorneyMilitary and Protective Services
Practice Areas
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act TechnologyArtificial Intelligence +1
Sectors
Aerospace & DefenseGovernment ServicesReal Estate+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Nazak Nikakhtar
Nazak Nikakhtar
Verified7 years of government experience
Chair, National Security, Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryNazak Nikakhtar served as Assistant Secretary for Industry & Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2018 to 2021, specializing in international trade law and national security.

Current
Partner, International Trade and National Security Practice (Co-Chair) Wiley Rein LLP
International Trade LawNational Security Law
Former Government
Under Secretary of Industry and Security (Performing Non-Exclusive Duties)U.S. Department of Commerce(DOC)
Planning, Policy, StrategyInternational Trade Law
Practice Areas
Unfair CompetitionTelecom: Litigation & ArbitrationInternational Trade Commission (ITC)+1
Sectors
Trade, Transportation, & UtilitiesTelecommunicationsGovernment Services+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Jacquelynn Ruff
Jacquelynn Ruff
Verified4 years of government experience
Consulting Counsel at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryJacquelynn Ruff served at the FCC and Verizon, focusing on international policy and trade. She specializes in telecom, media, and technology, advising on global issues and strategic direction.

Current
Consulting CounselWiley Rein LLP
ConsultingTechnology
Former Government
Associate Chief and Chief of StaffFederal Communications Commission (FCC)
Communications LawPlanning, Policy, Strategy
Practice Areas
Digital & E-Commerce Engagement & InnovationConsultant/ExpertDigital Assets & Web3+1
Sectors
Financial Data & Stock ExchangesInformation TechnologyAdvisory & Financial Services+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Tracye Winfrey Howard
Tracye Winfrey Howard
Verified9 years of government experience
Government Contracts Partner at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryTracye Winfrey Howard served as a law clerk at the Court of Federal Claims and a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate, specializing in legal research and drafting, which suits her current role as a government contracts partner at Wiley Rein LLP.

Current
AttorneyWiley Rein LLP
ProcurementAttorney
Former Government
Law ClerkCourt of Federal Claims
Law ClerkResearch
Practice Areas
International Trade Commission (ITC)Communications Law / FCCCommercial Litigation+1
Sectors
Information TechnologyAdvisory & Financial ServicesLegal
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Megan L. Brown
Megan L. Brown
Verified2 years of government experience
Co-Chair, Privacy, Cyber and Data Governance, Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryFormer senior Department of Justice official, Megan L. Brown, specializes in cybersecurity, privacy, and national security law, advising global clients and associations on regulations and best practices.

Current
PartnerWiley Rein LLP
Supply Chain AnalystTechnology
Former Government
ClerkU.S. Attorney’s Office
Legal
Practice Areas
Securities Litigation & EnforcementNational SecurityCybercrime+1
Sectors
Government ServicesLegal
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Brian L. Levine
Brian L. Levine
Verified9 years of government experience
Leading at the intersection of law and technology

AI SummaryServed as National Coordinator for federal cyber prosecutors; specializes in cybersecurity, privacy, AI, and law. Advises on incident response, regulatory strategy, and digital risk management.

Current
Founding Executive Consortium Member AIUC-1
TechnologyCybersecurity
Former Government
Senior Counsel U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
ProsecutorCybercrime
Practice Areas
Incident ResponseCybersecurity Cybercrime+1
Sectors
Public ServicesTechnologyConsulting Services+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
William Konrad Vesey
William Konrad Vesey
8 years of government experience
For a more secure, more private, and more pleasant world

AI SummaryWilliam Konrad Vesey served at the NSA and IARPA, specializing in cybersecurity and cryptography. His expertise in AI, privacy, and cybersecurity suits him for roles in technology and national security sectors.

Former Government
DirectorNational Security Agency (NSA)
Practice Areas
Technical TestingCybersecurity National Security+1
Sectors
Data Processing, Hosting, & Related ServicesCommunicationsAerospace & Defense
Ann Dunkin
Ann Dunkin
14 years of government experience
Corporate Advisor | Author | 4X CIO | Digital Leader

AI SummaryAnn Dunkin served as CIO for the U.S. Department of Energy, managing IT and cybersecurity for national labs and power grids. Her expertise in national security, energy, and technology innovation suits her for advising on digital transformation and strategic planning.

Current
Distinguished Professor of the Practice & Distinguished External FellowGeorgia Institute of Technology
National SecurityInfrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities
Former Government
Chief Information OfficerU.S. Department of Energy(DOE)
National SecurityPrivacy
Practice Areas
Operational Technology (OT) / OT SecurityCybersecurity Technology Transformation+1
Sectors
Information TechnologyAerospace & DefenseGovernment Services+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Crystal Tully
Crystal Tully
Verified10 years of government experience
Public Policy Attorney at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryCrystal Tully served in various roles at the U.S. Senate and federal agencies, specializing in public policy, telecommunications, and cybersecurity.

Current
Special CounselWiley Rein LLP
Civil LitigationFederal Government
Former Government
Policy Director & Counsel for Communications and TechnologyU.S. Senate
TechnologyPublic Policy
Practice Areas
Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Government Law & Consulting+1
Sectors
Air TransportationGovernment ServicesSecurity & Protection Services
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Michael A. Battle
Michael A. Battle
Verified9 years of government experience
State & Federal Courts Criminal & Civil Matters Lawyer

AI SummaryMichael served as a judge, U.S. attorney, and director at the DOJ. His current role as a litigator suits his background in criminal and civil law.

Current
PartnerBarnes & Thornburg LLP
ProcurementCivil Litigation
Former Government
JudgeCounty Court
JudgeCriminal Law
Practice Areas
Privacy / Data PrivacyLaw Enforcement CoordinationArtificial Intelligence +1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public HealthFinancial Data & Stock ExchangesGovernment Services+1
Brian Hengesbaugh
Brian Hengesbaugh
Verified
Partner, Baker McKenzie, Chair of Global Data & Cyber

AI SummaryBrian Hengesbaugh served as special counsel at the US Department of Commerce, focusing on privacy and electronic commerce. His expertise in international policy and cybersecurity suits him for roles in data protection and cyber law.

Current
PartnerBaker & McKenzie
Civil LitigationLegal Assistance
Former Government
Special Counsel U.S. Department of Commerce(DOC)
International Trade Law
Practice Areas
National SecurityHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)Cybersecurity +1
Sectors
Specialty Industrial MachineryTechnologyManufacturing
Kelechi Okengwu
Kelechi Okengwu
Verified1 years of government experience
Attorney | Problem Solver

AI SummaryKelechi Okengwu served as a Judicial Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court. Their roles in litigation, compliance, and complex commercial disputes suit them for government investigations and high-stakes litigation.

Current
AssociateBaker McKenzie LLP
Civil LitigationSecurities Law
Former Government
Judicial Law ClarkU.S. District Court
Law ClerkResearch
Practice Areas
Banking, Commercial, & Consumer FinanceLabor & EmploymentArtificial Intelligence +1
Sectors
Business & FinanceLegal
New York, New YorkView Profile →
Jonathan Lenzner
Jonathan Lenzner
Verified17 years of government experience
Crisis Management and Gov. Investigations Partner at Fenwick

AI SummaryJonathan Lenzner served as Chief of Staff to the FBI Director, specializing in crisis management and investigations. His roles include acting U.S. Attorney, CEO, and partner at Fenwick & West LLP, focusing on white-collar crime and government investigations.

Current
PartnerFenwick & West LLP
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Acting United States AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Practice Areas
Privacy / Data PrivacyArtificial Intelligence Securities Litigation & Enforcement+1
Sectors
Life SciencesTechnologySemiconductors
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Rachel Ehlers
Rachel Ehlers
Verified5 years of foreign government experience
Cyber and Privacy Partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP

AI SummaryRachel Ehlers served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. Her roles in compliance, privacy, and legal assistance suit her current work in cybersecurity and data privacy.

Current
PartnerBaker & McKenzie LLP
TechnologyMergers and Acquisition
Former Government
Presidential ScholarU.S. Department of Agriculture
Office AssistantAgriculture
Practice Areas
Life SciencesMergers & AcquisitionsHealth Care+1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public HealthLife SciencesTechnology+1
Austin, TexasView Profile →

Engaging an AI professional

Why work with a former government professional on AI?

Government wrote the frameworks everyone now borrows from and runs some of the highest-stakes AI deployments anywhere. People from that world bring judgment tested where failure was not an option.

How do I choose the right background for my situation?

Match the problem: governance and risk point to standards and White House backgrounds; government sales point to former agency technology buyers; security questions point to defense and intelligence alumni.

How does contacting someone work?

Open a profile and reach out directly. FormerGov connects you with the professional; there's no intermediary or fee to make contact.

Do members work independently or through firms?

Both. Some advise through firms or entities, others independently; each profile describes how that professional engages.

For former officials

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