In this episode of Work Trends RU, host Dr. Carl Van Horn sits down with Dr. Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey’s Chief AI Strategist and former head of the New Jersey Office of Innovation. Together, they explore how technology, data, and responsible AI are reshaping government services to be faster, fairer, and more accessible. From modernizing unemployment and business systems to training thousands of public workers in responsible use of AI, Dr. Noveck explains what it takes to transform government and why empowering people, not replacing them, is the key to lasting progress.

Resources:

New Jersey Office of Innovation

Business.NJ.gov

InnovateUS

In this episode of Work Trends RU, host Dr. Carl Van Horn talks with Dr. Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, about the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities. Dr. Fichtner also shares insights on the Council’s Opportunity Agenda, which focuses on expanding dual enrollment, supporting adult learners, improving student success, and aligning education with the demands of a changing economy.

In this episode of Work Trends RU, Dr. Carl Van Horn is joined by James Moore, Principal at KPMG and a veteran leader in workforce development at the local, state, and federal levels. Mr. Moore shares reflections from his career and discusses the need to modernize workforce and unemployment systems, the critical role of frontline staff, gaps in training for workforce professionals, and how AI and technology can improve services for job seekers.