Adam Hecktman of Microsoft

AI for Good is Microsoft’s $125 million commitment to empower those working around the world to solve humanitarian issues, advance global sustainability, and amplify human capability. AI for Good is made up of four programs — AI for Earth, AI for Accessibility, AI for Humanitarian Action, and AI for Cultural Heritage — and is part of our overarching effort to ensure that AI is used to advance society. AI for Good puts the Microsoft cloud and AI technologies in the hands of those working to address some of society’s biggest challenges. In this presentation, you will hear from Microsoft Philanthropy’s AdamHecktman discuss the motivation for the AI for Good programs, and interesting use cases of AI applied to these areas of societal impact.

Biography:

Adam J. Hecktman is Director of Corporate Affairs in Microsoft Philanthropies. In this capacity, he works to advance the company’s mission by making the opportunities of our rapidly evolving digital economy accessible to all people, particularly those most at risk of being left behind. Microsoft believes technology is a force for social and economic inclusion, and Adam works to create a future where everyone has access to the benefits it provides and the opportunities it creates.

Prior to this role, Adam worked in Microsoft’s Technology and Corporate Responsibility team to help Chicago’s civic leaders – and the communities they serve – use cutting-edge ideas around technology to solve the city’s biggest social challenges. Prior that, Adam was the Director of the Microsoft Technology Center – Chicago, helping organizations ensure long-term success when facing their toughest business challenges and opportunities. He has been with Microsoft in Chicago since 1991.

Adam received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing his Master of Data Science at DePaul University. Adam has served his community in various capacities and appointments at non-profit, civic, and professional organizations including:

· Board of Directors of The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (workforce board)

· Board of Directors of 1871

· Board of Directors of The Chicago Public Library Foundation

· Board of Directors of Genesys Works Chicago

· Leadership Council of THRIVE Chicago

· Leadership Council of Civic Consulting Alliance

· Founder of the Chicago City Data Users Group

· Advisory Board of IT Knowledge Abilities Network

· Editorial board of The International Journal of Innovation Science

· Past Board of Directors of TechForward

· Past Board Chair of The Family Institute at Northwestern

· Past Board of Directors of Chicago Children’s Museum

A lifelong Chicago resident, Adam lives with his family in the Old Town neighborhood. He can be found http://twitter.com/AdamHecktman and http://blogs.microsoft.com/chicago.

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