Cooper’s role will help shape recommendations on AI competitiveness, research advancements and workforce development
Bentonville, Ark. – Last week the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the appointment of Angie Cooper, Heartland Forward, executive vice president to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC). The announcement follows the first 27 appointments to the National AI Advisory Committee in 2022 after its establishment in response to the National AI Initative Act of 2020. Cooper joins distinguished experts to provide vital insights and guidance on AI to the President and the White House, furthering Heartland Forward’s commitment to driving innovation and policy development in the AI space.
“I’m honored to join the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee at such a pivotal time for AI development,” said Angie Cooper. “Heartland Forward’s latest research shows the immense potential of AI to transform industries and drive economic growth in the heartland. I look forward to applying thoughtful insights and recommendations to advocate for smart policy – ensuring responsible AI adoption that benefits all communities.”
As executive vice president, Angie turns Heartland Forward’s research into action, creating new partnerships, leading on public policy solutions and serving as a resource for state and local communities across the 20 states in the heartland region. Before joining Heartland Forward, Angie worked in international and domestic public policy and government affairs for Walmart Stores, Inc. for more than 16 years, most recently as senior director of global public policy.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a policy think-and-do-tank dedicated to being a resource for states and local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address the needs of the heartland – all while helping to change the narrative about the middle of the country and kick-starting economic growth.
Heartland Forward’s on AI
A recent poll by Heartland Forward revealed optimism about AI’s potential to transform key industries in the heartland, with over 75% of respondents seeing positive impacts in health care, agriculture, manufacturing, education and beyond. While concerns about privacy and job displacement persist, nearly 100% of respondents support government regulation to ensure responsible AI adoption. Employees are looking to their employers for support on the future of AI with 52.6-65.5% agreeing or strongly agreeing they should receive AI training in the workplace.
Additionally, Heartland Forward hosted salon-style dinners in several heartland communities to discuss how best to leverage AI for good. Heartland Forward has also published white papers on AI titled Exploring the Impacts of AI in the Heartland States, Artificial Intelligence Presents New Opportunities For Heartland States and Heartland Has Less to Fear from AI. Cooper’s role on the NAIAC positions her to champion policies that align with these priorities, helping the heartland lead in AI-driven innovation and economic growth.
About the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee
Established in 2022, the NAIAC provides recommendations on key areas such as the current state of the U.S. AI competitiveness, advancements in AI research and workforce development challenges. The committee also advises on the management and coordination of the initiative, ensuring a balanced approach to activities and funding. NAIAC members are selected from public nominations, representing a diverse range of expertise across AI-related fields in academia, industry, nonprofits and civil society. U.S Department of Commerce announcement can be found here.