RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – A newly appointed executive director for non-profit AI Ready AVA leader says Richmond has an opportunity to become a national model for responsible artificial intelligence use.
William Willis, who has been in the role for less than a week, previously served on the nonprofit’s board directors.
He said the organization’s goal is to make Richmond the most AI-ready city in the world through education focused on ethical and responsible use of the technology.
According to a report from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, 35% of all jobs in the state will be impacted by AI in some way.
However, only 27% of Virginia business leaders said proper AI training is currently available.
Willis said that gap is what AI Ready RVA is working to close — helping community members and businesses move beyond basic AI use.
“Rather than just using it as a Google search, but using it truly as a thought partner and force multiplier of your skills,” Willis said.
Willis said AI adoption is not a threat to Richmond workers if the community is properly prepared.
“AI will not take your job, but someone who knows AI will take your job,” Willis said. “We want to make sure that everyone in Richmond knows how to use AI, so when that does happen, they’re saying ‘well, no one in Richmond is going to lose their job, because they know how to use AI. In fact, I’m actually going to hire more people in Richmond or move my company to Richmond.’”
Willis said the quality of AI depends on how communities engage with it.
“AI will be as good as we teach it or as bad as we teach it. So, it’s up to us as a community, as a city and as a region to say this is our standard of what AI needs to be,” Willis said.
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