White House Correspondents Insider

Behind the scenes of the most powerful city in the world — Washington, D.C. — and those who cover it.

Anthropic Brings on DC Public Sector Heavyweight Teresa Carlson

By

Photo Credit: Kristina Sherk Photography

Teresa Carlson—known for pioneering the adoption of Amazon Web Services across the U.S. government and around the world—has been named Anthropic’s first Global Head of Public Sector.

Carlson built AWS’s Worldwide Public Sector business from the ground up, later led Microsoft’s Federal Sales organization, and most recently co-founded and served as CEO of the Washington-based General Catalyst Institute where she has worked to advance policies that strengthen national resilience through AI, healthcare, defense, energy, and education.

Carlson will lead Anthropic’s global public sector strategy, overseeing the company’s work with governments and public institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, and international markets. 

Teresa Carlson attends the 2026 White House Correspondents Garden Brunch with Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, his wife Jen, and Tammy Haddad. Photo Credit: Haddad Media

Beyond her business accomplishments, Teresa Carlson has built a reputation as a civic and philanthropic leader dedicated to expanding opportunity through technology, education, and public service. She has championed initiatives that help governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions adopt emerging technologies while advocating for greater representation of women in STEM and technology leadership. Carlson has also served in leadership and advisory roles with organizations including the White House Historical Association, the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, the American Red Cross National Capital Region, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Her philanthropic work reflects a long-standing commitment to using technology and public-private partnerships to create lasting societal impact.

NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta pens new book, The Mission Generation, out today

By

The future of work is being rewritten in real time—and according to two-time author and NobleReach CEO Arun Gupta—the only constant professionals can rely on is their sense of purpose.

In a new episode of the Washington AI Network Podcast, Gupta joins host Tammy Haddad to discuss his new book, The Mission Generation, released today. In the book, Gupta and co-author Dr. Thomas Fewer make the case for why traditional career paths are rapidly becoming obsolete in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and geopolitical uncertainty.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 25: The WHCD Weekend Garden Brunch on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. Arun Gupta receives the Garden Brunch Award from Van Jones and David Urban. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

For decades, careers followed a predictable arc: learn, earn, then return. Gupta argues that model has collapsed. In its place is a more fluid, nonlinear path where individuals will likely navigate multiple careers over a lifetime—and must take greater ownership of defining their own direction.

At the center of this shift is what Gupta calls “The Mission Generation”—not a demographic group, but a mindset. “It’s people who want to combine personal ambition with civic responsibility,” he explains. “For years, we’ve defined ourselves by where we work and what we do. Going forward, the only durable anchor is why we do it.”

That emphasis on purpose is especially critical as AI accelerates disruption across industries. Roles, institutions, and even entire sectors are evolving so quickly that what once felt stable may now carry greater risk. As Gupta puts it, “Stability is the new risk. Searching for stability is riskier than finding what you really care about and going and doing it.”

The conversation also explores how this shift is reshaping how people enter—and move between—sectors. Through his leadership as CEO of the NobleReach Foundation, Gupta is helping to build new pathways for technologists to work in government, including through initiatives like the new U.S. Tech Force. His approach reframes public service not as a lifelong commitment, but as part of a broader, more dynamic career journey.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: (L-R) Tammy Haddad, OPM Director Scott Kupor, and Arun Gupta speak onstage at the U.S. Tech Force Conversation at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center Theatre on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Washington AI Network)

“We’re not saying, ‘Come here and be a public servant for your career,’” Gupta says. “We’re saying, ‘Come be a dual citizen.’”

That idea—moving fluidly between the public and private sectors—is central to addressing one of today’s biggest challenges: declining trust across institutions. Gupta argues that siloed career paths have created disconnects between government, industry, and academia, making collaboration more difficult at a time when complex global problems demand it.

“The problems aren’t siloed,” he notes. “But if the talent doesn’t trust each other, we’re not going to be able to solve them at scale.”

Another key concept from The Mission Generation is the “mission flywheel,” which flips the traditional idea of planning before acting. In a fast-changing world, Gupta argues, waiting for clarity can lead to paralysis. Instead, individuals should act, experiment, and allow clarity to emerge through experience.

“You can’t wait for clarity to take action,” he says. “By the time you get clarity the old way, the conditions have already changed.”

The discussion also addresses the growing number of professionals who feel stuck—particularly mid-career workers navigating uncertainty driven by AI and economic shifts. Gupta reframes that feeling not as failure, but as a signal: an indication that priorities, interests, or circumstances have evolved.

His advice is to experiment, reassess, and think beyond traditional metrics of success. In the book, he introduces a broader definition of “net worth” that includes not just financial capital, but also mission, health, learning, experience, and trust.

Ultimately, Gupta’s message is both practical and urgent: in a world defined by constant change, individuals must become more intentional about aligning their work with what matters most to them.

“If something feels personal,” he says, “it will sustain you over time.”

The full conversation offers a roadmap for navigating this new reality—one where ambition and impact are no longer competing forces, but increasingly intertwined.Watch the full interview on YouTube and listen to the Washington AI Network Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audioboom or wherever you get your podcasts.

2026 White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch

By

(L-R) Stephanie Ruhle, Tammy Haddad and Dina Powell McCormick at the 33rd Annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Haddad Media)

The White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch marked its 33rd anniversary today, returning to Georgetown’s historic Beall-Washington House to bring together guests from government, media, tech, business, and entertainment in honor of the press, public servants, and military families, particularly the mothers and spouses of active-duty service members. The annual gathering was co-hosted by Tammy Haddad, Kevin Sheekey, David Urban, Mark and Sally Ein, Jon Banner, and Franco Nuschese.

Photos from this year’s Garden Brunch can be found HERE — come back soon for video highlights!

The White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch was made possible by our partners: Meta, McDonald’s, General Motors, Uber, U.S. Steel, Netflix, Kimberly-Clark, Washington AI Network, and the Mark and Sally Ein Foundation.

The Annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch and White House Correspondents Insider (WHC Insider) are not affiliated with, or approved by, the White House Correspondents’ Association, which is a registered trademark of the WHCA.

The Best in the Business: Josh Dawsey and Kaitlan Collins to be Recognized at This Year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner

By

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two of Washington’s most trusted and tenacious journalists will be recognized at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25 at the Washington Hilton — a tribute to reporters who have spent years earning the respect of their peers, their sources, and the public they serve.

“Groundbreaking reporting about the first year of President Trump’s second term” describes the winners of this year’s journalism awards from the White House Correspondents’ Association — and no two names on that list are more synonymous with excellence, integrity, and sheer determination than Josh Dawsey and Kaitlan Collins.

Josh Dawsey, a beloved fixture of Washington political journalism and one of the most well-sourced reporters in the capital, will receive the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage for his body of work at The Wall Street Journal during Trump’s second term. Dawsey’s reporting — meticulous, fearless, and relentlessly fair — has set the standard for what White House journalism looks like when it’s done right. In an era when access is weaponized and information is guarded, his ability to break through and deliver a thoughtful, inside perspective to readers is nothing short of remarkable.

Kaitlan Collins of CNN will receive the Award for Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure — Broadcast — an honor she is well-suited to hold. Collins, who also anchors a nightly must-see newscast on CNN, is known for her command of the briefing room, her unflappable presence under fire, and her fierce commitment to asking tough questions, even when — especially when — the answers are unwelcome. In one of the most challenging environments for any journalist, she doesn’t blink.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 29: Kaitlan Collins attends the 30th Anniversary White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch on April 29, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Haddad Media)

Both journalists have worked through a period marked by extraordinary pressure on the press — a political climate in which reporters face public attacks, legal threats, and institutional headwinds that would give many pause. Dawsey and Collins have answered that pressure not with retreat, but with consistent, powerful reporting.

Other impressive journalists will be honored at the dinner: AP’s Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller, Getty Images’ Andrew Harnik, WSJ‘s Khadeeja Safdar, Joe Palazzolo, Sadie Gurman, Annie Linskey, Alex Leary, Rebecca Ballhaus, and C. Ryan Barber, KARE-11, and The New York Times‘ Tyler Pager. In a striking moment of recognition, the WHCA will present The Wall Street Journal with the Katharine Graham Award for Courage and Accountability for its reporting on the infamous birthday letter bearing the president’s name that was reportedly given to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday. The honor carries even greater weight following a federal judge’s decision earlier this month to toss President Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the Journal over that story — a legal ruling that underscores exactly why the Graham Award exists.

2026 White House Correspondents’ Party Preview

By

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: (L-R) Joanna Coles, Meredith Whittaker, and David Urban attend the 32nd Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch at Beall-Washington House on April 26, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Haddad Media)

White House Correspondents’ Weekend brings together a cross-section of Washington from government, business, media, and celebrities to celebrate the Freedom of the Press. Of course, one party is not enough. And this year, Washington is once again doing what it does best: compressing an entire social season into one week.

Of course, you want to be in the room, because it’s where a lot of work happens. 

Some events are constant, such as the Annual Saturday Garden Brunch. 

But this year, newcomers are entering the mix! MSNOW breaks onto the scene with a splashy new After-Party hosted in the Dupont Underground, celebrated as “Democracy After Hours.” Puck News will be reimagining the crowded pre-parties with an ultra-exclusive toast ahead of the dinner at a nearby residence. Tech platform Grindr has become one of the hottest tickets in town with its Friday celebration. And the Irish Embassy will be kicking off the week with their newly minted party, “The Green Room.” 

Each day will have a number of events, and we have your definitive field guide to who’s hosting, where to be seen, and when to pace yourself.

Wednesday, April 22: The Soft Launch

The weekend starts with some tone-setting parties to get everyone warmed up. 

The Global Women’s Innovation Network (GlobalWIN) will host their annual “Preface” at a swanky private residence. Hosts include: Keenan Austin Reed, Alethia Jackson, Helen Milby, Tiffany Moore & Symone Sanders-Townsend. You can expect a special toast to Symone and Eugene Daniel’s new podcast. 

The Washington Association of Black Journalists hosts A Toast to Press Freedom at the National Association of Broadcasters.

Across town, Townhall Media gathers a more policy-focused crowd at Trump-world hot-spot, Butterworth’s, to talk AI, crypto, and the 2026 midterms.

Thursday, April 23: The Diplomatic Circuit (and a Few Power Plays)

Thursday is where things accelerate—and where embassies quietly compete for best-in-show.

The Irish Embassy will play host to a newly re-imagined party: “The Green Room.” One of Washington’s favorite Ambassadors, Geraldine Byrne Nason, will join John McCarthy and Stripe’s Eileen O’Mara for this new “fáilte” or “Welcome” to the weekend. 

To celebrate America’s 250th, YouTube has paired up with Meridian International Center, and C-SPAN to lean into history with Diplomacy at 250.

The International Women’s Media Foundation teams up with the Swedish Embassy for Courageous Voices in Journalism. 

NBCUniversal and Comcast convene Common Ground at the beautiful new Washington staple: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center.

The annual Washington Women in Journalism Awards will take place at Larz Anderson House, hosted by Gloria Dittus and Washingtonian’s Cathy Merrill. 

The international journalist crowd will gather as the European Union hosts Off the Record at its residence—a magnet for Hill staffers and foreign policy regulars.

Oliver Darcy’s Status Party will once again convene some of the favorite names behind the headlines. 

Friday, April 24: Hollywood comes to the Potomac


WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: (L-R) Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Jason Isaacs, and Amb. Geraldine Byrne Nason attend the 32nd Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch at Beall-Washington House on April 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Haddad Media)

Friday is when the pace of Hollywood descending on D.C. really starts to pick up! 

It starts early with the Axios brunch circuit, alongside gatherings from Punchbowl News and MS Now. Pro-Tip: Carb-loading is highly encouraged here. The weekend hasn’t even really begun yet. 

As we head to the afternoon, Meghan McCain, Jessica Reed Kraus, and Vanessa Santos will be hosting cocktails for Renegade Women at the Graham Rooftop. Beehiiv and Shinola will lean into a “celebration of journalism” moment at their Logan Circle space. YouTube hosts some of its top creators at Florería Atlántico. 

And that’s just happy hour.

That evening, Kevin Sheekey and Bloomberg will once again convene their highly coveted dinner to set the tone for the remainder of the weekend with some of the preeminent names in Business, Government Diplomacy, and Media. 

And some of the toughest invites to receive are for the talent agencies that join us in Washington from Hollywood. 

This year, the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will be co-hosting the Vanity Fair Party at the Belgian Ambassador’s Residence. A new combination that has created a lot of excitement in Washington. 

United Talent Agency will celebrate with its annual late-night party, this year held at Georgetown’s Osteria Mozza. 

Other late-night stops include: Semafor’s house party for media insiders, Motion Picture Association salute to America250, the Australian Embassy’s Celebration alongside DC Modern Luxury Magazine, and The British Ambassador’s reception with Daily Mail. 

Saturday, April 25: The Main Event Orbit

Saturday belongs to tradition, with Tammy Haddad’s garden brunch at the Beall-Washington House kicking things off—a longstanding cornerstone of the weekend. Co-Hosts include Kevin Sheekey, Mark and Sally Ein, David Urban, Franco Nuschese, and Jon Banner. Honorees remain under wraps, but you can count on honoring veterans and military families will remain at the heart of the celebration. 


WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: Tara Carrero and Robert W. Moore III attend the 32nd Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch at Beall-Washington House on April 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Haddad Media)

After Brunch, guests head home to don their tuxedos and prepare for the evening. 

At the Hotel itself, you can expect pre-parties with ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CBS News, and Politico, all of which host pre-dinner receptions in overlapping waves.

Breaking into the scene this year is Puck, with Editor Jon Kelly hosting an exclusive pre-party near the Washington Hilton, reimagining the Pre-party experience. 

After the Dinner, you can expect: NBC News at the French Ambassador’s residence and the Swiss Ambassador’s gathering with TIME. 

But the hottest new ticket this year is MS Now’s late-night play at Dupont Underground. You can expect a lot of surprise elements throughout the late-night gathering.

Sunday, April 26: The Wind-Down (Sort Of)

Sunday offers a softer landing, though “soft” is relative.

Allbritton Journalism Institute and Politico host a brunch at Robert Allbritton’s home, while CNN closes things out with a final reception at the British Embassy – and what an exciting day to be there, a day before the arrival of the King!

This year, DC’s Members-only Hot-spot, Ned’s Club, will partner up with AirMail and 101 Studios– the studio behind the hit TV show “Yellowstone.” If you’re still standing, this will be a party to be at!

The Takeaway

What used to be a dinner is now an ecosystem of media, politics, tech, and diplomacy, each staking a claim on the same few square miles of Washington. All of this is done to strengthen the relationships amongst the correspondents themselves and the people who are covered. 

White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch 2025: A Look Back

By

Every year, the White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch hosts pull off the impossible: a room where Fortune 500 CEOs, A-list politicians, top journalists, and a Hollywood star or two actually talk to each other — and mean it.

The 32nd Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch didn’t disappoint. The Hollywood Reporter recently called it “legendary,” and this year reminded everyone why. Investor and co-owner of the Commanders Mark Ein again generously offered Georgetown’s historic Beall-Washington House, once the home of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, as the elegant setting – and it was packed, the energy electric, with a guest list that read like the very best dinner party on steroids.

But as always, the power of the day’s event was its soul.

The spotlight was on the first responders from the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport — the men and women who ran toward the chaos while the rest of us watched in horror. White Lotus star Jason Isaacs and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) presented the honors, including one to rookie D.C. firefighter and Marine vet Sean Wathen, who was barely out of training when the call came in. The room felt it.

The rest of the brunch had that signature Tammy Haddad magic. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) worked the coffee line. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) spoke about the importance of the free press. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey posed for lots of pictures. Kevin O’Leary showed off his very cool watches. Kaitlan Collins from CNN was front and center. Chef Bobby Flay revealed his news junkie side, and Jonathan Karl from ABC brought his adorable daughter. CNN’s David Urban with actors Michael Chiklis and Dean Norris delighted the room explaining how often they are all constantly mistaken for one another. And the Washington Commanders’ mascot, Major Tuddy, was the most popular subject of many selfies.

That’s the thing about the Garden Brunch. In a city that runs on talking points and transactional relationships, this is a genuine gathering. At its core is an unbroken commitment — thirty-two years strong — to honoring the people who serve. First responders. Firefighters. Veterans. The ones who don’t make the guest list anywhere else, but who belong at every table. 

Thirty-two years in, Tammy Haddad’s brunch remains one of Washington’s most unlikely and essential traditions. Not because of the power in the room. Because of the values it refuses to forget.

Mentalist Oz Pearlman to Entertain at 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner

By

Washington – While there will not be a comedian performing at this year’s The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25th, the acclaimed mentalist Oz Pearlman will headline the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He will introduce a new style of entertainment to Washington’s most recognized annual gatherings. The selection reflects a continued evolution of the event, which brings together journalists, policymakers, and media leaders to celebrate the role of a free press and the First Amendment.

Oz Pearlman, the world-renowned mentalist, will headline the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, bringing an interactive and unexpected style of entertainment to one of Washington’s most anticipated annual gatherings.

Pearlman, recently featured on 60 Minutes, is an Emmy Award-winning entertainer known for his interactive performances that blend psychology, memory, and illusion. His selection represents a shift from traditional stand-up comedy to a format designed to engage audiences in a shared experience centered on curiosity and surprise.

“As the world’s most celebrated mentalist, Oz Pearlman will offer a fascinating glimpse into what’s truly on the minds of Washington’s newsmakers,” said Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. “We look forward to an exciting, fresh, and interactive evening as we celebrate the First Amendment and Washington news coverage together.”

Washington AI Network Founder Tammy Haddad and Weijia Jiang, President of the White House Correspondents’ Association and Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, ahead of the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The announcement comes during a period of continued change across the media industry, as organizations adapt to new technologies, evolving audience habits, and shifts in business models. Leadership transitions and ownership changes among major media companies – including Paramount’s acquisition of CBS – have drawn attention to how legacy news organizations are positioning themselves for the future in an increasingly digital and technology-driven environment.

For communities like the Washington AI Network, which convene leaders across media, technology, and public policy, moments like the White House Correspondents’ Dinner serve as reminders of the enduring role of public service, including journalism. The gathering remains a rare opportunity for professionals across sectors to come together to recognize reporting, storytelling, and the institutions that support the flow of information.

As Pearlman prepares to take the stage, the 2026 dinner reflects both continuity and change – honoring long-standing traditions while embracing new forms of engagement at a time when media and technology continue to evolve side by side.

Puck Honors Andrew Ross Sorkin with First Amendment Award

By

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 04: Jon Kelly, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Kinsey Fabrizio and Melissa Harrison attend Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2026 at French Ambassador’s Residence on March 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Puck)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The residence of the French Ambassador Laurent Bili was standing room only as Jon Kelly, Puck co-founder, presented New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin with the First Amendment award at their annual celebration of the First Amendment.  Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Kevin Kiley (R-CA), joined media insiders, lawmakers, and technology leaders. 

Kelly praised Sorkin’s influence in business journalism and his role in shaping national conversations on markets, power, and the press. In his acceptance remarks, Sorkin warned that AI is moving faster than society is prepared for. “The real question is not whether jobs will change. It is whether we are ready for the scale of that change and what happens to the truth?”

Held at the elegant residence of Laurent Bili, the event celebrated the role of journalism in public life and drew a cross-section of Washington’s political, media, and technology communities. Conversations spanned the future of the media industry, the shifting relationship between technology and government, and the enduring importance of independent reporting. The gathering has become a fixture on Washington’s social calendar, drawing leading voices from politics, journalism, and business for an evening of celebration. 

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 04: Tammy Haddad and Weijia Jiang attend Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2026 at French Ambassador’s Residence on March 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Puck)

The Puck journalists were there in force, including Dylan Byers, Peter Hamby, LeighAnn Caldwell, and John Ourand. The Trump Administration’s CMS lead, Chris Klomp, along with Noah Sofio, Alex Flemister, Seval Oz, and Karen Sessions, attended. Previous First Amendment recipients David Ignatius, Weijia Jiang, Kara Swisher, Amanda Katz, Cesar Conde, Kaitlan Collins, Pamela Brown attended. CTA’s incoming CEO Kinsey Fabrizio, Michael Petricone, Jill Hazelbaker, Josh Dawsey, Sumi Somaskanda, Cat Zakrzewski, Kasie Hunt, Katelyn Bledsoe, Olivia Igbokwe, Steve Thomma, Shawn McCreesh, Peter Baker, and Susan Glasser. Sarah Personette, Liz Gough, 

Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter, and the director Patty Jenkins, were also in attendance.

Blake Lawit on LinkedIn’s Jobs Report and Human Skills as the U.S. Competitive Edge

By

Washington, DC – In Episode 70 of the Washington AI Network Podcast, host Tammy Haddad sat down with LinkedIn Chief Legal Officer Blake Lawit for a data-driven conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce – and what it means for U.S. economic growth.

“Everybody right now [is] very focused on the big questions around AI – what does it mean for job skills in the workforce?” Lawit said, pointing to LinkedIn’s unique vantage point at the center of global hiring and professional data. “We’ve got a little bit of answers here based on our data.”

Lawit emphasized what many economists and business leaders are increasingly aligned on: AI has the potential to dramatically boost productivity. Citing LinkedIn-backed research and industry conversations, he noted that AI could increase U.S. GDP by as much as $4 trillion by “supercharging everybody’s work – more output.”

“GDP is all about producing more – more stuff, faster, better, cheaper,” Lawit explained. “AI is going to do that.” He pointed to tools like Claude Code as examples of how AI is lowering barriers to entry in technical work. Rather than requiring deep coding expertise, new interfaces allow users to describe what they want built – often referred to as “vibe coding” – and the system generates it.

“It’s going to be easier and easier for people like dummies like you and me to get in there and start,” he joked. As AI tools become more intuitive, he suggested, there may be less of a premium on certain technical skills and a greater need for AI literacy – comfort with using the tools, understanding their capabilities, and applying them effectively.

But far from diminishing human value, Lawit argued the opposite will occur.

“What does that mean? It means actually the human skills are going to become more and more important,” he said. Communication, judgment, and creativity will define the next era of competitiveness. “This is actually one thing that makes me optimistic. This is what we’re good at in America. We’re good at coming up with stuff. We’re good at innovating and trying to figure out what’s next.”

The competitive edge, he suggested, will belong to those who can generate ideas, exercise sound judgment, and apply AI tools creatively – not just technically. As AI accelerates productivity, the differentiator becomes human ingenuity.

The episode underscores a central tension in the AI moment: while automation may transform tasks, it may also elevate uniquely human strengths. For LinkedIn – a platform built around skills, hiring, and professional reputation – the future of work is not just about faster output, but about redefining what skills matter most.

Kinsey Fabrizio Named CEO of the Consumer Technology Association

By

Today, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) — owner and producer of CES — announced that Kinsey Fabrizio will become president and CEO, effective May 1, 2026. Long-time leader Gary Shapiro will continue to serve as executive chair, leading CTA’s executive board and remaining a spokesperson for CTA and CES.

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 01: Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair at CTA, and Kinsey Fabrizio, President of CTA, attend CES 2026 Preview at The House at 1229 on December 01, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Washington AI Network)

This is a strong leadership transition for CTA and CES, reflecting a deep understanding of where tech and policy are headed.

Kinsey has been a driving force at CTA since 2008, overseeing strategy and growth for both the association and CES. She’s a pioneer in digital health, having created CTA’s Health Division and launched healthcare provider programming at CES. In 2025, she testified before Congress advocating for a federal framework for artificial intelligence.

Before her rise to the presidency, Kinsey spearheaded CES’s expansion into new product categories, modernized CTA’s membership infrastructure, and played a key role in bringing emerging gig-economy and internet companies into the fold. She holds a BA from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and serves on the George Mason University Costello College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.

Gary Shapiro’s impact over more than 35 years at the helm of CTA is hard to overstate — from championing the transition to HDTV and leading on landmark policy battles like the Betamax case and SOPA/PIPA, to growing CES into the largest annual trade show in the United States. We’re glad he’ll remain actively involved as Executive Chair.

Kinsey’s leadership has already shaped critical conversations around AI. The Washington AI Network is excited to see what comes next for the organization and the broader tech ecosystem.