AI Governance in Practice: How Leaders Are Turning AI into Advantage

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to enterprise execution, creating new expectations for both leadership teams and boards. As organizations accelerate adoption across functions and industries, directors and executives are being challenged to move beyond conversations about emerging technology and risk to address a more pressing question: how can AI be implemented in a way that strengthens decision-making, empowers the workforce, and creates long-term enterprise value?

Join NACD Heartland for a timely hybrid panel discussion featuring senior leaders from construction, finance, governance, public service, and professional services as they share practical insights into how AI is being deployed within their organizations today. We are pleased to welcome John Jacobs, CIO, JE Dunn Construction; Jim Shay, CFO, Hallmark Cards & Director, Vermeer; Robin Carnahan, Former Secretary of State, MO and moderator Ed Bartak, Managing Partner, RSM. This conversation will explore how leadership teams are integrating AI into core operations, aligning initiatives with strategic priorities, and navigating the governance and cultural considerations that accompany rapid change.

A central focus of the discussion will be the evolving relationship between people and AI. Panelists will examine how organizations can position AI not as a replacement for human contribution, but as a tool that expands employee capability, enhances performance, improves efficiency, and supports innovation. The program will also address the role of leadership in building trust, reducing uncertainty, and fostering workforce engagement during periods of transformation.

Designed for board directors and senior executives, the program will provide real-world perspectives on leadership ownership, board oversight, organizational readiness, and the practical challenges emerging as companies move from pilot programs to enterprise-wide implementation. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how organizations are balancing opportunity, governance, culture, and value creation as AI continues to reshape the business landscape.

Agenda

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Lunch and Networking
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual doors open, Panel discussion and Q&A
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Optional | Extended Q&A, peer discussion

Registration for our Kansas City area Members:

In-Person Registration

Virtual registration for our members in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, St. Louis and other outlying and national locations:

Virtual Registration

We gratefully acknowledge the support RSM in helping make this gathering possible.

How is AI being adopted within the organization—and what is the role of leadership in guiding that adoption?
This program will move beyond theory to explore how organizations are:

• Integrating AI into core operations
• Engaging and enabling the workforce to use AI to expand, enhance, and elevate their contributions
• Aligning AI initiatives with business strategy and growth

Agenda

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Lunch and Networking
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual doors open, Panel discussion and Q&A
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Optional | Extended Q&A or in-person peer discussion