Power Forward
Speaker Series
With Zack Kass | FuturistFebruary 12, 2025Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
Power Forward
Speaker Series
With Zack Kass | FuturistFebruary 12, 2025Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
Futurist
The 11th installment of First Commerce Credit Union’s Power Forward Speaker Series, in partnership with the FSU Division of Research, will bring Futurist Zack Kass, the former head of Go to Market for OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT — to Tallahassee’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall February 12. Zack will share his experiences working at the epicenter of technological revolution. His 14 years in the field of the emerging technology put Kass front and center building AI strategies with some of the world’s largest companies.
About the Speaker

Zack Kass
Zack Kass is the former Head of Go-To-Market for OpenAI, the company behind the massively popular ChatGPT.

Tallahassee Democrat Q&A with Kass
From scientific discoveries to major implications for businesses of all sizes — and even potentially ushering in a future where “our identities are going to be much less rooted in our work than most humans in history have experienced” — AI is already changing the world. Read this Q&A in the Tallahassee Democrat with Power Forward speaker and futurist Zack Kass

WCTV Interview with Kass
‘Prepare for tremendous change’: Power Forward speaker Zack Kass speaks on AI, evolving technology. Watch the interview on WCTV.

Zack Kass
Zack Kass is the former Head of Go-To-Market for OpenAI, the company behind the massively popular ChatGPT.

Tallahassee Democrat Q&A with Kass
From scientific discoveries to major implications for businesses of all sizes — and even potentially ushering in a future where “our identities are going to be much less rooted in our work than most humans in history have experienced” — AI is already changing the world. Read this Q&A in the Tallahassee Democrat with Power Forward speaker and futurist Zack Kass

WCTV Interview with Kass
‘Prepare for tremendous change’: Power Forward speaker Zack Kass speaks on AI, evolving technology. Watch the interview on WCTV.
Thank you to our co-sponsor, FSU Division of Research. The Florida State University Division of Research is the administrative arm that supports faculty and student researchers in their scientific and creative endeavors. Managing on average more than $328.6 million in research awards from state, federal and private sources, the Division of Research staff focuses its efforts on helping faculty move their work forward at every stage of the research process from identifying potential funding opportunities to protecting intellectual property to identifying potential industry partners. They ask the big questions, build partnerships, innovate, solve problems and make an impact. Their faculty and students pursue real-world solutions in sciences and engineering while enriching knowledge and experiences through the arts and humanities. Florida State is where the life-saving drug Taxol was first synthesized. It’s home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory where every day, scientists make breakthroughs in materials, biomedical research and energy. It’s where dedicated researchers are working daily to ensure all children are at reading at grade-level by second grade. FSU pursues knowledge and solutions to make the world a better place. Learn more at Research.FSU.edu
Platinum Sponsor

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) was established in 2016 as the economic development agency representing the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. OEV advances the implementation of key policy and program initiatives set forth by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors and the Intergovernmental Management Team to create and retain jobs, maximize the utilization of minority- and women-owned businesses, and provide targeted business support. By leveraging the region’s unique assets and fostering strategic partnerships, OEV plays a critical role in attracting new businesses, strengthening existing industries, and driving workforce development. Through initiatives that promote innovation and inclusion, OEV supports a vibrant and sustainable local economy, ensuring long-term prosperity for all residents.For more information, visit OEVforBusiness.org

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) was established in 2016 as the economic development agency representing the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. OEV advances the implementation of key policy and program initiatives set forth by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors and the Intergovernmental Management Team to create and retain jobs, maximize the utilization of minority- and women-owned businesses, and provide targeted business support. By leveraging the region’s unique assets and fostering strategic partnerships, OEV plays a critical role in attracting new businesses, strengthening existing industries, and driving workforce development. Through initiatives that promote innovation and inclusion, OEV supports a vibrant and sustainable local economy, ensuring long-term prosperity for all residents.For more information, visit OEVforBusiness.org
Previous Power Forward Speakers
Power Forward speakers inspire and motivate our community’s leaders and business owners. Past speakers have included:

Barbara Corcoran & Robert Herjavec - '24
Barbara Corcoran is a motivational and inspirational speaker. She has been an investor/Shark for the past ten seasons on ABC’s four-time Emmy award winning show, Shark Tank, investing in over 80 businesses to date. Fellow Shark and executive producer of the show, Robert Herjavec is a globally recognized business leader and trusted cybersecurity expert.

Jim Kelly - '16
Your Financial Partner for Life
Established in 1940, First Commerce is a full-service, not-for-profit credit union with locations across North Florida and South Georgia. We are a member-owned cooperative and committed to the communities we serve. Our purpose is to empower people to enhance their financial well-being by helping them achieve their financial goals – whether it’s simplifying their day-to-day finances, buying their first car or home, or building a great retirement. When you bank with First Commerce, you get a truly personal experience backed by 80 years of financial expertise.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate; APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Six Pillars Financial Advisors products and services are not federally insured; are not obligations of or guaranteed by First Commerce Credit Union; involve investment risk; and may be offered by a dual employee who accepts deposits on behalf of First Commerce Credit Union and also sells non-deposit investment products on behalf of Six Pillars Financial Advisors.
You are now leaving our site.
By accessing the link you have clicked on, you will be leaving First Commerce's website. Our website contains links to trusted partners' sites and other third-party sites not controlled or operated by First Commerce. Once you link to another site, you are subject to the privacy/security policies and terms of use of the new site, which we encourage you to review and may differ from those of First Commerce. Click the link below if you would like to continue or cancel to stay on this page.
Please Note
Some documents on our website may not be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. If you are having trouble viewing a document on our website, please contact us for assistance at 850.488.0035 or 1.800.533.5772. Thank you.