AI in Action 2026: Business Summit
About the event
AI in Action 2026 brings together business leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across Northern New England and beyond, for a full day of applied learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful connection. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or scaling what's already working, this summit is built for you.
Come participate in conversations with nationally recognized leaders, sector-specific tracks in life sciences & health, climate & sustainability, municipal, innovation, applied workshops, and conversations that spur new ideas.
This second-annual, all-day conference features:
Discussions on AI in Society & AI in Industry
Keynotes from thought leaders at the intersection of business and AI
Deep dives on how AI is being applied in areas like research and development, and in sectors including life sciences and health, climate and sustainability, and municipal government
Workshops focused hands-on skills
Showcase opportunities for startups and researchers working in/with AI
Networking
Agenda
- 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Check-in & Coffee
- 8:30 am
Opening Keynote - The Power of Three: Integrating models of human disease to transform drug discovery. Lon Cardon, President and CEO, Jackson Laboratory
- 9:30 am
AI in Society
Moderator: Amber Heffner-Cosby, SVP, Director of Data and AI Strategy, Bangor Savings Bank. Panelists: Beth Noveck, Burnes Center for Social Change; Berkeley Almand-Hunter, Technical Director of Partner Product, Roux Institute; Trevor Gale, Data Scientist, Google DeepMind
- 10:20 am - 10:35 am
Coffee Break
- 10:35 am
Distinguished Speaker: Usama Fayyad, SVP Data and AI Strategy, Northeastern University
- 11:10 am
AI in Business
Moderator: Quincy Hentzel, President and CEO, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. Panelists: David Healy, President, Sun Life U.S.; Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus, CEO, Bernstein Shur; Mike Erickson, President and CEO, IDEXX
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
Catered lunch provided.
Speaker Lineup
Rich Miner
Co-Founder of Android, Rayfit, and Ink.ai; CEO of Ink.ai Android, the mobile operating system acquired by Google in 2005 that now powers over 4 billion devices worldwide. After Android, he helped launch and grow Google Ventures (now GV), where he served as a partner for nearly a decade. In 2025 he left Google to focus on his angel fund, exvc, and two generative AI startups he co-founded: Rayfit and Ink.ai. He is the CEO of Ink.ai. Prior to Android, Rich co-founded Wildfire Communications, which built the world’s first commercial voice-based assistant. Decades before “Hey Google” or ChatGPT, Wildfire patented core concepts of conversational AI and was acquired by Orange, where Rich became VP of Innovation. There he launched the first Windows Mobile smartphone, other pioneering products, and Orange Ventures. He also helped start Avid Technology, creators of the first non-linear computer-based video editing system — technology that earned technical Oscars and Emmys and went public in 1993. Rich holds a BS, MS, and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The university recently named its new School of Computer and Information Sciences in his honor. He splits his time between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Maine.
Lon Cardon
President and CEO, The Jackson Laboratory Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSci, an internationally recognized geneticist, joined The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) as president and CEO in November 2021. He has led the development and implementation of a strategic plan that builds on JAX’s nearly 100-year legacy in mouse models and genetics while expanding capabilities in cellular modeling and data-driven discovery. Under his leadership, JAX has broadened its scientific platforms and geographic reach. In 2025, JAX completed the acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), uniting JAX’s strengths in genetics with NYSCF’s advanced stem cell and automation technologies to accelerate biomedical research and therapeutic development. Cardon previously served as chief scientific officer and chief scientific strategy officer at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for genetic diseases. Before BioMarin, he held senior research and development leadership roles as a senior vice president at GlaxoSmithKline. Cardon’s academic career includes professorships at the University of Oxford, the University of Washington, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. His research has contributed to large international genetics initiatives that helped establish today’s global genomics research infrastructure, including the first genome-wide association studies, the discovery of numerous genes responsible for rare diseases, and advances that have enabled the development of new treatments for genetic disorders.
Beth Noveck
Director, The Burnes Center for Social Change and The Governance Lab, Northeastern University Beth Simone Noveck is the author of Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy (Yale University Press, 2026). A professor at Northeastern University with appointments in law, engineering, policy, communications and computer science, she directs The Burnes Center for Social Change and The Governance Lab. Her work focuses on “Democratic AI”or how to apply AI to strengthen democratic institutions and improve government performance. She previously served in the White House, 10 Downing Street, and the German Chancellery, and founded the White House Open Government Initiative. She leads InnovateUS, which supports free public sector learning and its research initiative the Observatory of Public Sector AI, and AI for Impact, which designs and deploys AI tools to improve public outcomes.
Mike Erickson
President and Chief Executive Officer, IDEXX Mike Erickson brings nearly two decades of leadership experience and significant healthcare technology and innovation expertise. Since joining IDEXX in 2011, he has held senior positions across key portions of IDEXX’s business, including diagnostics, software, strategy, and corporate accounts, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager of IDEXX’s Global Point of Care Diagnostics and Telemedicine lines of business. Prior to IDEXX, Mike was an Associate Principal in the Global Pharmaceutical Practice at McKinsey & Company, where he advised leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and health services organizations. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.
Usama Fayyad
SVP for AI and Data Strategy and Senior Advisor to the President, Northeastern University He also serves as a Professor of the Practice in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and founded the Institute for Experiential AI. A pioneer in data science and AI, he previously served as the industry's first Chief Data Officer at Yahoo!, Global Chief Data Officer at Barclays Bank, and CTO of OODA Health, with earlier leadership roles at Microsoft Research and NASA's JPL. He is chairman of Open Insights, a technology and consulting firm he founded in 2008, and is an active angel investor in early-stage tech startups across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He has published over 100 technical articles, holds more than 20 patents, and is a fellow of both AAAI and ACM, holding advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Amber Heffner-Cosby
SVP, Director of Data and AI Strategy, Bangor Savings Bank She leads enterprise data, analytics, and technology initiatives that support innovation and trust. Her work spans responsible AI, data governance, regulatory alignment, and building strong, collaborative teams that bridge business and technology. Amber is passionate about helping organizations understand how data and AI influence everyday decisions, customer experiences, and society at large. A strong advocate for data literacy and ethical technology, she focuses on making complex topics accessible and ensuring technology is used in ways that are transparent, fair, and people‑centered.
Trevor Gale
Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind Trevor works on hardware and software systems for Gemini and Search, did his PhD in artificial intelligence and computer systems at Stanford University with Matei Zaharia, and earned his undergraduate at Northeastern University.
David Healy
President, Sun Life U.S. David Healy oversees one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a broad range of group products, healthcare navigation services and dental care through partner dental practices, as well as an in-force business of individual life insurance, annuities and reinsurance. David assumed his current role September 1, 2025, with a focus on growth including investing in new capabilities and services to make benefits easier for clients and broadening access to care. He has more than 20 years of experience at Sun Life U.S., most recently as president of the Dental business, the largest provider of dental benefits in the U.S. by membership, including DentaQuest. David continues to lead Dental until a successor is named. Prior to Dental, he was president, Group Benefits, which includes life, disability, absence management, supplemental health, dental and vision benefits. Under David’s leadership, the Group business expanded to incorporate health services and clinical expertise that improve health outcomes and help people close coverage gaps and return to work. David has a passion for digital innovation and led the modernization of Group Benefits capabilities, including digital benefits administration, partner connectivity, and member solutions. In 2018 he oversaw the acquisition of Maxwell Health, adding digital talent and expertise to the organization. He also led the integration of Assurant Employee Benefits, which Sun Life acquired in 2015. David has also led the U.S. Operations and Technology teams, where he combined services across business units for consistency in the client experience and modernized IT delivery. Prior to joining Sun Life, he held roles at Keyport Life Insurance Company and Manulife Financial. David received a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Providence College and holds an MBA, high honors, from Boston University. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Boston Children’s Museum.
Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus
CEO, Bernstein Shur Kaveri began her career in various roles at ExxonMobil, developing best-in-class business acumen while earning her law degree at night—an early signal of the discipline and drive that continue to define her. She started practicing law at Reed Smith LLP, an AmLaw 10 firm, where she developed an expertise in complex corporate M&A and high-stakes client service. In the two decades since, she has brought a distinctive combination of business, legal, and financial savvy to leadership roles at large, multifaceted entities—guiding boards and C-suites through defining moments of opportunity and change with strategic clarity, high-ROI execution, and an unwavering belief that people are capable of far more than they realize. Kaveri’s heart-led, future-shaping leadership is defined by action, initiative, and a deep conviction that great companies are built not by managing people, but by unlocking their potential. At Bernstein Shur, her mission is to elevate the firm’s brand and geographic scope and grow alongside exceptional clients. Clients, colleagues, and recruits are drawn to her vision and her commitment to growing this world-class organization where people can have it all: a rewarding career in a culture that celebrates ambition and an exceptional life.
Berkeley Almand-Hunter
Technical Director of Partner Products, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute In this role, she works with partner organizations to understand their data maturity and learning opportunities. She also leads course design and strategic planning to build high-quality, impactful experiences. She is currently conducting a workforce learning advisory for a partner organization, using her findings to develop a two-year learning plan to upskill over a thousand employees in Analytics and AI. Previously, Dr. Almand-Hunter lectured in the College of Professional Studies, where she designed and taught graduate-level courses in analytics. She has taught courses in Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Statistics, Data-Driven Decision Making, and Prompt Engineering. Before joining the Roux Institute, Dr. Almand-Hunter was a data scientist at Square in San Francisco. In this role, she supported all data needs for the Capital Partnerships team, including determining which partner data could be used in underwriting, working with engineering teams to store the data, building ETLs to make the data accessible for analytics, developing ML underwriting models, building dashboards to track loan origination and repayment, and collaborating with key stakeholders to make data-driven decisions. Dr. Almand-Hunter holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. She fell in love with data science while building machine learning models to calibrate low-cost ozone sensors as part of her graduate research. She lives in Hallowell, ME with her husband and two young children.
Patrick Woodcock
President and CEO, Maine State Chamber of Commerce Patrick joined the Maine State Chamber in October 2023 as President and CEO after returning to his home state from serving in a number of state energy leadership positions in New England. Prior to joining the Chamber, Patrick was the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources under Governor Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, where he oversaw offshore wind procurements, new building codes, solar policies, and all other state and regional energy policies. He also served on the Board of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and several state and regional energy boards. Prior to working in Massachusetts, Patrick was Director of the Maine Energy Office from 2013 to 2016 in the Governor LePage Administration where he led efforts to expand air source heat pump adoption and other energy efficiency investments. He previously served as an adviser to former U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe in her Washington, D.C. office. Patrick graduated from Bowdoin College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
Quincy Hentzel
President & CEO, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce Quincy Hentzel currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is a business membership organization that represents the City of Portland, Maine, the seven surrounding communities and 1,300 members. In her role, Quincy has worked to advance the Greater Portland Region and find opportunities to grow our workforce and to build and sustain a vibrant business environment. Prior to her time at the Chamber, she served in the role of Director of Governmental Affairs for the Maine Credit Union League – a trade association representing all credit unions in the state. In her position, she advocated for public policy issues in Augusta and Washington, D.C. and worked closely and cultivated relationships with state and federal lawmakers and regulatory agents to protect and advance the credit union mission. Born and raised in the Midwest, Quincy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Illinois and her law degree at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Maine, however, is her home.
Chris Mallett
Chief Administrative Officer, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute Chris has led and been part of teams that have built two of this century’s most creative and impactful higher education institutions: Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and Western Governors University. At the Roux Institute, Chris leads teams building a new model for talent and economic development by working with industry, higher ed, and community partners throughout Maine. The Roux’s graduate and custom education programs help people and businesses develop the competencies they need to lead and grow. Tech-focused research teams spur new discoveries and help partners to innovate. And the Roux’s programs for entrepreneurs help founders grow and sustain their startups, making Maine the most exciting place to start and grow a business.
Felipe Benavides
Environmental Data Scientist, GMRI Felipe uses AI, machine learning, and geospatial tools to turn complex Earth and environmental data into practical solutions. His work connects research, teaching, mentoring, and software development to support smarter decisions for climate resilience, ecosystems, sustainability, and real-world environmental challenges.
Vivek Philip
Principal Advisor for Data Science Strategy and Operations at The Jackson Laboratory Vivek applies statistical and computational methods to large-scale genetic and genomic datasets, with deep expertise in quantitative trait and statistical genetics and integrative multi-omics approaches. He co-leads JAX Data Assets, overseeing a team of Data Engineers, Scientific Curators, and Data Scientists advancing FAIR data practices and systems across the institution. His work spans quantitative trait genetics, integrative multi-omics, and increasingly AI-driven tools for precision medicine.
Mahsan Nourani
Research Assistant Professor, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, The Roux Institute Mahsan is a member of the Human-Data Interaction (HDI) Group at the Roux Institute. Nourani is an expert in human-centered computing, particularly in designing visual analytics tools and interactive interfaces, and conducting user research for AI systems, including conversational AI and decision-support tools. Particularly, she focuses on people in the context of AI: how they interact with and calibrate trust in AI tools, how these tools impact society and specialized domains, and how to foster responsible practices in their creation. Her research lab has been investigating AI literacy and intervention approaches within K-12 settings, as well as human-centered AI in health and critical care applications. As part of her applied research, Nourani consults and collaborates with businesses and industry partners to improve their AI product design and adoption, and to support incorporating responsible, human-centered approaches into the design and evaluation of their AI tools. She has received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Florida.
Will Hewes
Water Sustainability Lead, Amazon Will leads water sustainability across Amazon, investing in projects that restore watersheds, expand access to clean water, and eliminate water waste. He developed and led Amazon’s commitment to return more water to communities than it uses in data center operations by 2030. Will has worked in finance, policy, and corporate roles across the water sector for two decades. He serves on the Portland Water District Board of Trustees and holds an MBA from UC Berkeley and a BA from Brown University.
Omer Alis
Director, AI Solutions Hub, Northeastern University Omer Alis is the director of the AI Solutions Hub at the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University. Omer is an AI and ML executive with a rich 25-year portfolio that combines hands-on managerial and technical expertise. Recognized as a forward-thinking leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning, he has successfully implemented AI/ML solutions across diverse sectors including banking, finance, telecommunications, health care, education and biotechnology. His adeptness in harnessing big data to drive transformative business outcomes stands out. Omer's proficiency extends from theoretical AI/ML nuances to practical computations, translating them into innovative products and solutions. Over the past decade, he has pioneered two startups focused on automated machine learning and AI-based skill assessment, assembling and leading elite teams of data scientists, ML engineers and developers to develop and launch numerous AI/ML pipelines for premier enterprises. Omer's academic foundation is solidified with a Ph.D. in applied and computational mathematics from Princeton University.
Giovanna Guidoboni
Interim Vice President for Research, University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Dean, Maine College of Engineering and Computing, University of Maine Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maine
David Fields
Professor of the Practice within the Graduate School of Education at Northeastern University and Senior Fellow with The Burnes Center for Social Change At the Burnes Center, David's work includes supporting AI for Impact, and its InnovateMA co-op program in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through AI for Impact, students use artificial intelligence and human-centered design to deliver cutting-edge projects that solve public sector problems and improve lives. He brings over 20 years of higher education experience building, launching, and scaling industry aligned programs. He served as interim Dean for the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University where he inspired and sustained the College’s academic vision and direction for 11,000 students and 1,000+ faculty across twelve campuses and three continents. David’s research background is in international higher education and the global workforce. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s Degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College.
Sponsored by
FAQs
- When is AI in Action 2026: Business Summit?
AI in Action 2026: Business Summit will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.
- Where is the event being held?
The summit will be held at The Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine. Guest entrance and parking are located on Freedom Way.
- Is the event sold out?
Yes. AI in Action 2026 is currently sold out. If you are not already registered, please join the waitlist through the event registration page above. We will contact waitlisted guests if space becomes available.
- What does my registration include?
Registration includes access to the full-day summit, programming throughout the day, catered lunch, coffee and refreshments, and the closing reception.
- Where will I receive my ticket?
Your ticket should be included in your order confirmation email. If you cannot find it, please check your spam folder or contact the event host.
- What time should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive early enough to park, check in, grab coffee and network before the program begins.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
