Bailey’s work will reinforce Heartland Forward’s commitment to ensure the 20-state heartland region leads in AI
Bentonville, Arkansas – Heartland Forward, a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank working to accelerate economic growth in states and local communities in the middle of the country, today announced a new Fellow. John Bailey, a nationally recognized expert on technology and public policy, will serve as the organization’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellow. He will support Heartland Forward’s AI Caucus and other AI-related efforts to advance responsible AI action and position the heartland as a national leader in AI-driven economic growth.
“AI is quickly reshaping industries, jobs, and economies—and the heartland is well positioned to lead what comes next,” said Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward. “We have the talent, the ideas and the momentum to seize this opportunity. John brings the experience to turn that potential into real results and ensure AI delivers for our states and communities.”
As Heartland Forward’s AI Fellow, Bailey will help inform policy conversations around AI as a tool for economic competitiveness across the 20 heartland states. He will contribute to Heartland Forward’s AI research agenda and Pulse of the Heartland publication, as well as offer senior advisory support to the organization’s AI Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and executive leaders working to advance smart AI action. Bailey will support caucus priorities and programming, provide insight on emerging federal and state AI developments and contribute to practical strategies for heartland communities.
“AI represents one of the most significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation in the heartland, and decisions about how to move forward should be shaped by the residents and communities it will impact most,” said John Bailey. “The question is not whether the heartland participates, but whether it leads. That will depend on the choices policymakers and local leaders make now – how they build talent, adopt these tools, and create the conditions for innovation.”
Bailey brings experience across government, philanthropy, and the private sector, advising entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers on emerging technologies. He has helped shape and execute investment strategies for major philanthropies and venture funds, supporting founders and building the partnerships, capital pathways, and policy alignment needed to scale impact. Earlier in his career, Bailey served as a domestic policy advisor in the White House, deputy policy director at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and director of educational technology at the U.S. Department of Education.
Learn more about Heartland Forward’s work to harness the power of AI in the heartland here.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings—focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.