Where expertise meets purpose

Where expertise meets purpose

How we lead through complexity and change

Grounded in real-world needs

Every effort begins by understanding what public leaders and communities actually need and designing technology to serve those needs effectively and responsibly.

Driven by shared expertise

We bring together the insight of public leaders, practitioners, and technologists to address challenges that no single sector can solve alone.

Anchored in lasting impact

We look to uplift technology solutions that make tangible differences in the lives of everyday people.

Meet the people powering our work

Our team blends deep experience across government, technology, and policy.

Together, they help public agencies navigate emerging technology with steadiness and care—turning complexity into clarity and ensuring progress in systems translates into progress for people.

Center for Civic Futures Team

Amy Ashida

Program Manager, Public Benefit Innovation Fund

Raegan Brozek

Operations Associate

Read Holman

Senior Advisor, Public Benefit Innovation Fund

Cassandra Madison

Executive Director

Marlena Medford

Senior Director of Strategic Engagement

Malcolm Phelan

Program Manager, AI Advisors

Michael Roach

Engagement Manager

Kirsten Tillett

Senior Director of Strategic Operations

Leon Wong

Senior Fellow and Technology Advisor

Center for Civic Futures Senior Advisors

Justin Brown

Founder and Senior Advisor

Fariborz Pakseresht

Senior Advisor

Kristi Putnam

Senior Advisor

Ginger Zielinskie

Senior Advisor

Center for Civic Futures Advisory Committee

Carrie Bishop

Data & AI Portfolio | Government Innovation

Bloomberg Philanthropy

Dorothy Chou

Director of Policy & Public Engagement

Google DeepMind

Galen Hines-Pierce

Founder and Principal

Minerva Fund

Marina Nitze

Partner

Layer Aleph

Tim Shaw

Policy Director

Aspen Institute Financial Security Program

Mike Wilkening

Former Secretary, California Health & Human Services Agency & Senior Fellow

The Aspen Institute

John Bailey

Former Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (2007-09) & Nonresident Senior Fellow

AEI

Andrew Coy

President & CEO

Digital Harbor Foundation

Kumar Garg

President

Renaissance Philanthropy

Korey Klein

Director, Technology & Data

Ballmer Group

Yuri Kim

Senior Program Officer, U.S. Economic Mobility & Opportunity

Gates Foundation

Answers to common questions

How did Center for Civic Futures start?

Center for Civic Futures began in 2023 as the Center for Public Sector AI (CPSAI), created to help state governments navigate the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. What started as a small initiative to build understanding and share practical tools quickly grew into a national network of public leaders.

As our work expanded beyond AI to include broader questions of technology, capacity, and governance, our name evolved to reflect that shift. Today, Center for Civic Futures represents our larger mission—to help governments harness emerging technology responsibly and strengthen the systems people rely on every day.

Who does Center for Civic Futures work with?

We primarily work with government agencies—especially at the state, territorial, and Tribal levels—but welcome engagement from all forms of government. Our work spans agency leaders, policy teams, and technologists who share the common goal of using emerging technology to strengthen how government serves people.

To advance this mission, we collaborate regularly with civic technology organizations, academic partners, and responsible industry leaders. If you’re a government leader or potential partner interested in working with us, reach out anytime at info@centerforcivicfutures.org to learn more.

How is Center for Civic Futures funded?

Center for Civic Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative fiscally sponsored by Digital Harbor Foundation. Our work is supported by philanthropy which allows us to help governments test new ideas, fund pilots, and build practical resources for the field.

How do you decide which projects or topics to focus on?

We focus on the areas where government leaders are facing the greatest pressure to adapt—especially where emerging technologies intersect with core public systems like health and human services, and workforce development. Each project is informed by input from our network of state, territorial, and Tribal leaders, ensuring our work stays practical, relevant, and aligned with public priorities.

How can I get involved or work with you?

We collaborate with government leaders, partners, and organizations that share our commitment to using emerging technology responsibly in public service. Whether you’re exploring a new project, testing an idea, or looking to connect, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at info@centerforcivicfutures.org to start the conversation.