Understanding AI in the Public Sector
Hosted by COLERA
Program
This presentation will provide information regarding issues employers, and their employees, should assess when considering the implementation of AI in the public sector workplace.
During this event, the speaker will discuss current trends, topics, and concerns related to the use and impact of AI in the public sector. The speaker will share insights and observations from his perspective as a consultant and Director of Assessment and Research & Development at a consulting firm that specializes in supporting public agencies. He will discuss topics such GenAI usage as of the summer of 2026, three big shifts in current AI experiences, guidelines for the practical usage of AI, and AI’s potential impact on human resources. Attendees will gain practical insights into the questions they should ask when implementing AI, the guardrails he recommends be used in order to ensure AI usage is done ethically and responsibly, factors that should be considered when screening and procuring potential AI vendors/software, and current case law and regulation related to AI federally and in the state of Ohio.
Date and Time
October 20, 2026 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Speaker
Dr. Bob Bickmeier is currently the Director of Assessment and Research & Development at PRADCO where he leads the design, validation, and implementation of data-driven talent solutions. With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Organizational Science, Dr. Bickmeier partners with organizations to translate research into practical strategies that improve hiring, development, and organizational effectiveness.
Dr. Bickmeier possesses deep expertise in measurement development, validation, and organizational analysis. He applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that assessments and consulting engagements are grounded in sound science while tailored to the unique needs of each organization. His work spans leadership assessment and development, employee engagement, and large-scale organizational analyses, including SWOT analyses, divisional analyses, and benchmarking studies.
In addition to directing assessment strategy, Dr. Bickmeier oversees research and product development efforts that drive innovation across PRADCO’s offerings. He also serves as the Chair of the PRADCO’s AI Council, helping guide the responsible oversight of emerging technologies.
Dr. Bickmeier regularly works with public sector and private organizations and has delivered presentations on topics like resilience, succession planning, and the application of AI in the workplace, including at OHPELRA and PSHRA. He has also presented research at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Southern Management Association, and he has contributed to the SAGE Encyclopedia of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 2nd Edition.
Dr. Bickmeier obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University. He obtained an M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Organizational Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Location
Lower-Level Meeting Room
FOP Building
222 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Take the elevator or the back stairs down to the lower level.
FREE Parking Available
Holiday Inn Columbus Downtown-Capitol Square by IHG,
175 East Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, is providing free parking in their lot! Also, metered parking available in front, or spaces in the lot behind the building off of Chapel Street.
Cost and Registration
$25 for Members, with lunch included
$30 for Visitors, with lunch included
$15 for Students, with lunch included
Refunds will not be offered unless requested more than 5 calendar days prior to the Event date.
Attendees must register by 12 PM on the day prior to the Event date to guarantee lunch will be available to them.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.