As public sector organizations embrace AI and automation, the need for robust data privacy and governance has never been more critical. In this co-led session, Harris County CIO Sindhu Menon, and cybersecurity expert Joseph Beaulieu, walk-through real-world examples for responsibly implementing AI and automation in the public sector. From data discovery and classification to intelligent automation and breach response, this presentation will highlight how Harris County is aligning innovation with accountability. The speakers will share how to build a secure, governed, and privacy-conscious environment that supports both operational efficiency and public trust. Key takeaways include: • How to operationalize AI and automation within a data governance framework • How to balance innovation with privacy and compliance • Strategies for managing privacy risks in AI-driven environments • Incident response planning for AI-related data breaches • Structuring a scalable data governance model • The value of public-private collaboration in digital transformation