| Course Title | Delivery Method | Date(s) | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Technology Leadership for Public Managers: AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Governance CELG-6185-SP26-1 | FULLY ONLINE (Zoom & Canvas) | April 13 - May 8, 2026 Mandatory Live Session Dates: April 17, 12:00pm-1:00pm ET April 24, 12:00pm-1:00pm ET May 1, 12:00pm-1:00pm ET May 8, 12:00pm-1:00pm ET (all Fridays) | $2,000 | Register Online |
Program Overview
Technology now underpins every function of local government, from payroll and permitting to public safety and resident services. When technology fails, operations stop. Cybersecurity breaches are not IT problems; they are management crises.
The Technology Leadership for Public Managers: AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Governance certificate program prepares municipal administrators, department heads, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders to govern technology with confidence and accountability.
Delivered in four focused modules, the course provides practical, non-technical frameworks for overseeing cybersecurity risk, artificial intelligence, data use, vendor relationships, and smart technology initiatives. Rather than focusing on technical implementation, the program emphasizes fiduciary responsibility, budgetary discipline, governance, and public trust.
You do not need to understand algorithms or network architecture or how to set up a firewall. You need to understand risk, accountability, and impact. This program equips you to lead technology conversations at the executive table and ensure that innovation serves your community, not the other way around.
A camera and microphone are required to participate.
For information related to taking our online courses, visit our Online Course Information page.
Module 1: Foundation - Building Technology Leadership
This module reframes technology from a technical function to a leadership responsibility. Participants are introduced to the concept of technology fitness, emphasizing that effective management requires continuous attention to planning, budgeting, and priority setting. The module underscores the importance of having a trusted technology expert “at the table” and establishes cybersecurity and data protection as foundational risk management obligations.
Module 2: Innovation, AI, and Data
This module addresses innovation, data use, and artificial intelligence as infrastructure decisions, not trends. Participants learn how to approach AI incrementally: starting small, engaging staff early, measuring outcomes, and maintaining transparency. Emphasis is placed on governance structures, staff capacity, equity considerations, and realistic budgeting. The module cautions against hype-driven adoption and reinforces that technology should support community priorities, not dictate them.
Module 3: Security and Risk Management
This module positions cybersecurity as a daily governance and technology concern, not a periodic IT task. Participants focus on the “can’t live without” elements of technical competence and learn why unclear ownership creates unacceptable risk. The module introduces cybersecurity posture as a combination of preventative controls and incident response readiness, reinforcing the need for continuous assessment and executive-level visibility.
Module 4: Policy and Future Considerations
This module elevates technology from an operational issue to a public policy driver. Participants examine how smart city initiatives, digitally delivered services, and AI shape residents' experiences and public trust. The module emphasizes equity, accessibility, and transparency, helping leaders anticipate future policy challenges and ensure technology decisions align with democratic values and community expectations.
What You'll Learn
- Understand why managing technology is as essential as managing your budget or workforce.
- Know what kind of tech expert you need and how to get them involved in decisions early.
- Create a practical planning cycle that connects technology priorities to your budget realities.
- Ensure your organization has the basics covered: reliable backups and cybersecurity protection.
- Ask the right questions to hold your team accountable for technology performance.
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
- Make better use of the data you already collect before spending money on new systems.
- Start AI projects small and smart—with staff buy-in, clear goals, and ways to measure success.
- Recognize when staff are using AI tools on their own and when vendors are quietly adding AI features.
- Evaluate new technology through practical questions: What does this cost long-term? Who can access it? Is it secure?
- Ask vendors the tough questions about who owns your data and how they're using it.
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
- Explain to your board or council why cybersecurity is your responsibility, not just IT's problem.
- Identify the must-have security elements your organization can't operate without.
- Make sure someone specific oversees security and has the authority to say "no" when needed.
- Understand the difference between preventing attacks and having a plan for when attacks happen.
- Read security reports and dashboards to make informed decisions (without getting lost in technical details).
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
- Evaluate tech proposals based on what your community actually needs, not vendor hype.
- Make sure your technology decisions don't leave residents behind due to a lack of access or digital skills.
- Spot the different ways AI is already entering your organization (with or without your approval)
- Communicate with residents about how you're using their data and involving AI in services.
- Recognize that every technology choice you make sends a message about your community's values.