AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday operations in public agencies, creating new opportunities as well as new questions around governance, transparency, and public trust. As agencies explore AI tools for content creation, research, customer service, and internal operations, many are finding that a clear policy is essential to ensure responsible and consistent use.

This webinar will explore how public agencies can develop practical AI policies that support innovation while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and trust. Participants will learn how communications professionals can play a central role in shaping AI guidelines, helping employees understand expectations, and ensuring policies are communicated clearly across the organization.

Through real-world examples and practical insights, panelists will discuss how to create policies that are easy to understand, implement, and sustain as AI technology continues to evolve.

Participants will learn how to:

• Identify the key components of an effective AI policy for a public agency

• Earn leadership buy-in early and establish an aligned AI strategy, direction and guardrails

• Define the role of communications in developing and implementing AI guidelines

• Establish guardrails for accuracy, tone, transparency, and responsible AI use

• Roll out AI policies internally so staff understand expectations and requirements

• Develop training approaches that encourage adoption and compliance across departments

• Address public-facing considerations, including disclosure, transparency, and building community trust

This session is ideal for communications professionals, public information officers, agency leaders, and anyone involved in developing policies or guidance related to artificial intelligence.

Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Cost: $30 CAPIO members/$45 non-members/Free for Professional+

Register

This session is good for: APR Continuing Education Unit

SPEAKERS:

Gina Ayala
Director of Public Affairs
Orange County Water District

Dani Berch
Senior Communications Specialist
Orange County Water District

Gigi Karmous-Edwards
PTOC Water Sector GenAI SME
General Dynamics Information Technology

BIOS

Gina Ayala

Gina Ayala is the Director of Public Affairs for the Orange County Water District. She oversees legislative affairs, communications, community outreach, and education programs for the District, and is also responsible for media and outreach related to the District’s world-renowned Groundwater Replenishment System. Gina has worked for the District since 2008 as Communications Specialist, Senior Communications Specialist and Principal Communications Specialist.

Gina holds a Bachelor of Science in public administration and a Master of Arts in communication management from USC. She also earned a certificate in public relations from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, Orange County Chapter and California Association of Public Information Officials. In 2024, Gina was appointed to serve a three-year term on the American Water Works Association’s Public Affairs Council (PAC).

Dani Berch

Dani is a Senior Communications Specialist at the Orange County Water District, where she leads the District’s tours, education programs, and outreach initiatives. She oversees more than 150 tours annually across the District’s various facilities. She previously managed the Children’s Water Education Festival, OCWD’s largest event, which hosts approximately 7,000 attendees each year. Dani also supports a wide range of public affairs efforts, including education outreach, social media management, AI monitoring and coordination, event planning, and other communications projects.

Dani is a graduate of Chapman University, where she earned a degree in Strategic and Corporate Communication with a minor in Political Science.

Gigi Karmous-Edwards

Bio coming soon!