
Lunch & Learn UNITED – Beyond the Buzz: AI, Ethics, and What Comes Next
AI is reshaping industries, workflows, and daily life at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. This session offers a grounded, accessible look at what AI actually is, how it’s being applied across sectors today, and what that means for the people and organizations navigating it. We’ll examine the ethical dilemmas it raises, the privacy risks it introduces, and the policy frameworks needed to guide its responsible use. Understanding AI isn’t just for technologists anymore. 
Meet the presenter:Tom Zecher is the Director of Health Information Technology and Privacy & Security Officer at Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization. With nearly 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, Tom has built his career at the intersection of technology, privacy, security, and corporate compliance. He holds certifications as a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) and Certified in Healthcare Information Security and Leadership (CHISL), along with numerous technology-specific certifications. When it comes to technology, Tom brings a practical, grounded perspective focused less on the hype and more on what it actually means for the people and organizations living with it every day.

