AI in Government: From Promise To Practice at #MACoCon

As artificial intelligence moves from buzzword to backbone, counties are learning how to apply AI in ways that improve services and earn public trust.

The “AI in Government: From Promise to Practice” session brought a standing-room-only crowd to MACo’s Winter Conference for a grounded discussion on how counties are moving artificial intelligence from concept to day-to-day operations, and doing so responsibly.

Moderated by Washington County Commissioner President John Barr, the session centered on practical applications already underway in Maryland counties, with speakers emphasizing that AI success depends as much on governance and strategy as on technology. Panelists shared real-world examples of how counties are improving service delivery, strengthening cybersecurity, and supporting staff decision-making while remaining mindful of risk and ethics.

Stephen Pereira, CIO for Calvert County, highlighted the county’s proactive approach to AI governance, including the creation of an AI advisory committee. With that structure in place, Calvert County has been able to deploy several AI use cases already in production, demonstrating how clear guardrails and oversight can enable innovation rather than slow it down.

Ty Howard, CIO and Interagency IT Director for Frederick County, discussed aligning AI efforts with the County Executive’s strategic priorities and offered a memorable analogy comparing AI maturity to the evolution of a locomotive, helping attendees visualize where their organizations may be today and how incremental progress can build long-term momentum.

From an internal innovation perspective, Anne Arundel County Deputy CIO Michael Tarquinio shared how the county’s development team is building and testing large language model (LLM) use cases in-house. His remarks underscored the value of empowering internal teams to experiment responsibly, ensuring solutions remain mission-driven while managing security and operational risks.

Ted Pibil of ePlus Technology reinforced that message by stressing the importance of AI Centers of Excellence. He noted that sustainable AI programs require strong governance and scalable infrastructure to protect sensitive data and maintain public confidence.

Together, the panel made clear that while AI holds significant promise for county governments, successful adoption requires thoughtful leadership and cross-departmental coordination. The session left attendees with actionable insights and a realistic roadmap for navigating AI’s growing role in local government.

Title: AI in Government: From Promise to Practice

Speakers:

  • Ted Pibil, Sr Government Advisor, ePlus Technology, inc.
  • Stephen Pereira, Director, Technology Services; Chief Information Officer, Calvert County
  • Ty Howard, Chief Information Officer & Interagency IT Director, Frederick County
  • Michael Tarquinio, Deputy CIO, Anne Arundel County

Moderator: The Honorable John Barr, Commissioner President, Washington County

More about MACo’s Winter Conference: