The Future of AI Adoption in Government: A Conversation with Andrew Mapes
Imagine a world where government agencies can make data-driven decisions at lightning speed, streamlining processes and improving outcomes for citizens. That’s the promise of artificial intelligence, and it’s a reality that’s becoming increasingly within reach. At the AI & Data Exchange 2026 conference, Andrew Mapes, Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) at the Department of Health and Human Services, shared his insights on how to accelerate AI adoption across entire departments.
Mapes’ team has made significant strides in leveraging AI to drive decision-making. They’ve developed a robust data catalog that catalogs and standardizes data across the department, making it easily accessible to analysts and researchers. This effort has already yielded impressive results, with AI-driven insights informing policy decisions and driving cost savings. For instance, the department was able to reduce the time it takes to process and review medical records from months to mere minutes, a game-changer for healthcare providers and patients alike.
One of the key takeaways from Mapes’ presentation was the importance of creating a department-wide culture of data literacy. By empowering employees to work with data and encourage experimentation, the Department of Health and Human Services has fostered a community of innovators who can harness AI to drive real impact. This grassroots approach has also helped to overcome common barriers to AI adoption, such as lack of expertise and resources.