Join us for lunch and a thought-provoking talk, "Responsible Innovation, Responsible Innovators" featuring Reggie Townsend, Vice President of the Data Ethics Practice, SAS. Townsend will explore how organizations are leveraging data and artificial intelligence to responsibly drive innovation, equity, and impact. 

This program is offered through the Dean’s Speaker Series, hosted by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in partnership with the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and made possible through the generous support of the Archie K. Davis Endowment.

The event will take place from 1:30 - 2:30 PM on Tuesday, November 4, in the Kenan Center Dining Room. Lunch will be provided and available at 1 PM.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the world, Townsend, a leading voice on responsible innovation, will offer insights into how organizations are achieving business goals while successfully navigating the AI era with integrity and strategic vision. Through his work, Townsend empowers businesses to harness data and technology to not only advance business growth but to ensure communities are protected.

“Our vision is a world where data empowers people to thrive. We pursue that vision through trustworthy and responsible innovation,” says Townsend.

This session offers a timely opportunity to explore how ethical approaches to data and AI bridge innovation with accountability. Attendees will learn how these practices are helping organizations build a more agile, future-ready workforce. 

As vice president of the SAS Data Ethics Practice, Townsend leads a global effort to ensure AI and advanced analytics are applied in fair, sustainable and human-centered ways. Townsend's work spans healthcare, where he has guided organizations in leveraging AI to drive clinical insights and advance life-improving medicines, and government, where he has helped shape policy as a member of the U.S. National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee. 

Townsend earned an MBA in technology management and marketing from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a bachelor's in electronics engineering and management from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.  

Admission to this public talk is complimentary; however registration for the Dean Speaker’s Series is required, as lunch will be provided.


Questions? Contact Tya Smith, Events Manager at tya_smith@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.



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