Rick Abbott is a seasoned Senior Technology Strategist and Transformation Leader with a rich career spanning over 30 years. His expertise encompasses a broad range of industries including Telecommunications, Financial Services, Public Sector, HealthCare, and Automotive. Rick has a notable background in “Big 4” consulting, having held an associate partnership at Deloitte Consulting and a lead technologist role at Accenture. His proficiency extends to IT Strategy and Business Transformation, Global Business Services Design, Complex Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Negotiation, and Multi-National IT Portfolio Optimization.Educated at Purdue University with a BS in Computer Science and recently completed a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy at MIT, Rick has been at the forefront of implementing business technology enablement and IT operations benchmarking. His focus on AI strategy is evident in his leadership roles, where he has championed application modernization, legacy migration, and Agile and DevSecOps approaches. Rick’s commitment to AI education and establishing Centers of Excellence is demonstrated through his work in advising on technology asset advisory and sourcing strategies, ensuring technological advancement aligns with organizational goals and efficiencies.Rick’s dedication to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is underpinned by a strong commitment to ethical principles. He firmly believes in the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, envisioning a future where AI is leveraged to advance the human condition. However, Rick emphasizes the critical need for a “human in the middle” approach to ensure that AI development and application are always aligned with the betterment of society. He advocates for the incorporation of ethical considerations in AI strategy, stressing that technological advancement should not just be about what can be done, but also about what should be done for the greater good. Rick’s leadership at FuturePoint Digital is marked by this ethos, as he champions the creation of AI solutions that are not only innovative and efficient but also responsible and beneficial to all segments of society. His vision for AI is one where technology serves humanity, enhancing lives while upholding moral values and societal norms.