What is the U of I System AI Exchange?

The U of I System AI Exchange is a system-wide advisory group established by the Digital Risk Office under the guidance of the System Executive Risk Management Council (SERMC). It brings together individuals from across the University of Illinois System to support the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI). This group is not about controlling AI efforts—it’s about amplifying them. By connecting people, ideas, and initiatives, the AI Exchange goal is to help the U of I System prepare for a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Why Was It Created?

AI is transforming how we teach, learn, research, and operate. But with opportunity comes complexity. The AI Exchange was created to:

  • • Foster collaboration across campuses and units
  • • Support innovation by connecting existing AI efforts
  • • Provide guidance on responsible AI use
  • • Help the system adapt to emerging AI opportunities and risks

What Will the AI Exchange Do?

The group's responsibilities include:

Coordination

Connect AI efforts across the system to share expertise and avoid duplication.

Advisory Role

Offer expert advice on AI strategy, compliance, and risk.

Policy Guidance

Review and recommend AI-related policies and practices.

Reporting

Keep leadership informed on AI governance and progress.

Who's Involved?

  • Seth Baker, Assistant University Counsel, U of I System
  • Joe Barnes, Chief Digital Risk Officer, U of I System (Executive Sponsor)
  • Jessica Baumberger, Director of Web and Digital Strategy, Office of Web Services, UIS
  • Emily Boles, Computing Assisted Instruction specialist, Center for Online Learning, Research and Services, UIS
  • Andy Boyd, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Office of Vice Chancellor for Research, UIC
  • David Chestek, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine & Chief Medical Information Officer, UI Health (Chair Emeritus)
  • Mike Davis, Chief Information Officer, University of Illinois Foundation
  • Kyle Mitchem, Director of IT Audits, U of I System
  • Dan Harmon, Director Data & Systems, Sponsored Program Administration, UIUC
  • Michael Harte, Associate University Counsel, U of I System
  • Patty Jones, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for Compliance, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Illinois
  • Pramod Joshi, Innovation Service Lead, Admin Info Technology Services, U of I System
  • Bryan Libbin, Associate CIO for Academic Technology and Learning Innovation, Technology Solutions, UIC
  • William Maher, Professor, Library Administration, UIUC, University Senates Conference
  • Jason Maslanka, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Chief Technology Officer, Technology Solutions, UIC (Vice-Chair)
  • Kara McElwrath, Director Technology Operations, Information Technology Services, UIS
  • Mary Stevens, Interim Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Technology Services, Illinois
  • Melissa Mlynski, Executive Director of University Ethics and Compliance, U of I System
  • Shefali Mookencherry, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Technology Solutions, UIC
  • Layne Morsch, Interim Associate Provost for Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning, College of Health, Science, and Technology, UIS
  • Jamie Nelson, Assistant Director, Emerging Education Technology, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning, Illinois
  • Katie Ross, Assistant Vice President, System Human Resource Services, U of I System
  • Himanshu Sharma, Associate CIO for Research Technologies and Innovation, Technology Solutions, UIC
  • Megan Sibigtroth, Finance Data & Reporting Coordinator, AVP Controller, U of I System
  • Neetu Singh, Associate Professor, Management Information Systems, College of Business and Management, UIS
  • Chuck Thompson, Director of Illinois Computes, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, UIUC
  • Chris Tidrick, Senior Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Gies College of Business, UIUC (Chair)
  • Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, U of I System
  • Nick Vance, Associate Director Strategic Initiatives & Partnership, Technology Services, Illinois
  • Stefan Wahe, HIPAA Privacy and Security Official, U of I System

Learn More

Want to connect or learn more about the AI Exchange? Contact AIExchange@uillinois.edu