FEATURED SPEAKER
Kerrie Holley
Technologist, Author, Inventor
Kerrie Holley is a former senior technology executive whose career spans more than five decades of computing, from mainframes and the early days of the web to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. For the past decade, much of his work has focused on AI and applying it to real-world problems, particularly in healthcare.
His career includes senior technology roles at IBM, Cisco, Google, and Optum. He is an IBM Fellow Emeritus and served as a Google Cloud executive, where he worked on AI as ChatGPT brought artificial intelligence into everyday public life. At Google, he was designated an AI Blackbelt, recognizing advanced expertise in artificial intelligence.
His involvement with AI long predates ChatGPT and today’s AI boom. In 2011, following IBM Watson’s historic victory over the greatest Jeopardy! champions, he joined Watson’s lead researcher and other experts in a live TED discussion about technology and its implications and appeared on ABC News to discuss emerging technology and AI.Kerrie holds more than 20 patents and co-invented technologies that helped change how large-scale software systems are designed and built. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2023 and inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2025. He has written five books, three on artificial intelligence, including his most recent book, published in 2026.
Today, his work focuses on helping people understand what AI is, what it can and cannot do, and how to separate evidence and reality from speculation and hype.
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
AI: Headlines, Reality & Concerns
Kerrie Holley, a nationally recognized technology leader, inventor, and author, provides a practical look at what artificial intelligence really is, what it can and cannot do, and what it may mean for our jobs, schools, healthcare, government, and everyday lives.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives—but separating its real capabilities from the headlines and hype can be difficult.
This program takes a critical-thinking approach to understanding what AI is, what today’s systems can do, and what their limitations are. It examines some of the more dramatic claims about AI—from systems that supposedly “go rogue” or “escape” to predictions about massive job displacement and conscious machines—and distinguishes demonstrated facts from speculation.
The discussion also explores the opportunities and risks AI presents for healthcare, education, business, government, and everyday life, providing a practical framework for evaluating new AI developments as technology continues to evolve.
Why Attend?
🗳 Subject Matter Overview
Gain an understanding of what AI can and cannot do and how it may affect our jobs, schools, healthcare, government, and everyday lives.
🎤 Expert Analysis
Hear a nationally recognized technology leader, inventor, and author distinguish demonstrated AI capabilities from headlines, hype, and speculation.
❓ Q&A Session
Ask Kerrie Holley your questions about AI’s opportunities, risks, limitations, and rapidly evolving role in society.
🤝 Networking
Connect with fellow Marin residents and community leaders interested in how AI will shape our community and our future.
Understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations helps people recognize its benefits and risks, and to make informed decisions.