The 11^th installment of First Commerce Credit Union’s Power Forward Speaker Series, in partnership with the FSU Division of Research, will bring the former head of Go to Market for OpenAI, Zack Kass, to Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Kass has been on the forefront of bringing AI to the masses, spending more than a decade in AI leadership where he built sales, partnerships and solutions teams for the AI research and deployment company behind ChatGPT, one of today’s most widely used AI tools. Kass will share experiences from his 14 years working in the field of emerging technology. He will also offer relatable examples for adapting to the accelerating wave of AI and help businesses grasp both the essence and potential of AI – distinguishing what it is from what it is not.

“For more than a decade, the Power Forward Speaker Series has brought world-renowned entrepreneurs and innovators to Tallahassee to inspire our local business leaders and ignite our region’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “Next, we are excited to bring Zack Kass from the front lines of ChatGPT’s Open AI to empower our local business and community leaders with actionable insights about AI.”

Kass focuses on the possibilities for businesses to harness the full potential of AI by demystifying it and demonstrating what AI can bring to their everyday operations and positively impact their bottom line. But Kass’s vision isn’t limited to corporations. He’s also an advocate for the idea that AI can be a game-changer for local governments, equipping them with tools that could redefine community service. By introducing AI to local governance, Zack hopes to ensure that advancements benefit every strata of society, leveling the playing field in unprecedented ways.

“The Florida State Division of Research is proud to help bring Zack Kass to Tallahassee to share his insight on this transformative technology,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Florida State University is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of AI, where groundbreaking research and forward-thinking initiatives are unlocking new possibilities in health care, energy research, scientific discovery and more.”

Kass has also written a soon-to-be-released book titled, “The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential.” The book explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, challenging readers to rethink the present and envision a future defined by groundbreaking innovations.

Established as Tallahassee’s largest annual business event, Power Forward draws nearly 1,000 attendees each year, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as college and high school students, to hear from well-known entrepreneurs that they may not otherwise have a chance to see. The latest event with Zack Kass is set for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on FSU’s campus. Tickets are on sale now through the FSU Fine Arts Ticket Office. Prices start at just $20 ($10 for students) and are available for purchase at Tickets.fsu.edu. Sponsorships including special VIP opportunities are also available.

Power Forward has established a record of bringing highly successful celebrity entrepreneurs and innovators to Tallahassee to share their journeys and experiences, as well as insights that provide tangible takeaways to help drive economic development through our local businesses. Past speakers have included Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary of ABC’s “Shark Tank;” Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak; Randi Zuckerberg from the Facebook startup team; Spencer Rascoff, Co-Founder of Zillow and tech entrepreneur; Chip Conley from Airbnb; Chris Gardner, CEO of Happyness; Peter Diamandis, Founder of the XPrize Foundation; and NFL legend and entrepreneur Jim Kelly.

Stay connected with the Power Forward Speaker Series on social media using the hashtag #PwrFwd and follow @FirstCommerceCU and @FSUResearch for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

For more information about the Power Forward Speaker Series, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/PowerForward.