Episode Summary: 

In this episode of BetterTech on Future of AI in Public Sector Tech, host Colin McCarthy sits down with Dr. Joe Perez, Senior System Specialist and Team Leader at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services , CTO at CogniMind and Strategic Director at InnovoraMind. Dr. Perez explains how his doctorate in education, paired with minors in computers and theology, shapes a purpose-driven approach to technology. He argues empathy will be the defining human skill in an AI-driven world, challenges the idea of AI as a miracle worker, and shares candid advice for technologists building their voice and visibility.

Show Notes:

1. Dr. Joe Perez shares how his background in education, computers, and theology shapes the way he approaches technology and leadership to build Future of AI in Public Sector Tech at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
2. The conversation covers how he balances a full-time leadership role at NCDHHS with fractional advisory work at CogniMind and InnovoraMind, alongside his church ministry and family commitments.
3. Dr. Perez shares his framework for prioritizing difficult, high-impact tasks over easy wins, and why avoiding hard problems only delays them.
4. He explains why empathy will become the most valuable human skill as AI takes over repetitive and analytical tasks in public sector systems.
5. The episode wraps with his pushback against AI hype and practical advice for IT professionals on building visibility, using AI as a force multiplier rather than a substitute for original thinking.

This episode is hosted by Colin McCarthy, Host, BetterTech