In this episode, Chris Mohr sits down with Bethany Abbate, Manager of AI Policy at SIIA, to discuss how emerging technologies are shaping public policy—and what it takes to build trust, drive innovation, and protect civil society in the age of artificial intelligence. Bethany shares her personal journey into tech and policy, the role storytelling plays in effective advocacy, and why nuanced legislation matters more than ever as AI tools become embedded across every sector.
With a background in cybersecurity and public service, Bethany has held roles in state government, high-profile federal offices, and the financial services industry. Since joining SIIA in 2023, she’s led efforts to shape AI policy around principles of responsible innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and pragmatic regulation. Her work reflects a growing need to translate complex technologies into accessible, future-facing frameworks that empower both policymakers and the public.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
How Bethany’s early experiences in tech and government shaped her approach to AI policy
What SIIA hopes to see in the administration’s upcoming AI action plan
Why sector-specific, harm-based legislation is key to building public trust
The importance of public education and AI literacy in shaping the future of innovation
How Congress is evolving its understanding of AI—and where real legislative progress may happen first
What it means to keep humans “in the loop” as AI reshapes industries from education to national security
Bethany’s passion for accessible, balanced policy makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of technology, regulation, and impact.
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