Crystal Leatherman is a 2020 graduate of MPA and received her undergraduate from TESC. Crystal is the Local & State Government Affairs Manager at the Washington Retail Association. She is part of the executive committee of the newly formed AI Task Force, recently signed in by Governor Inslee. More information on SB5838 can be found here. MPA Program Assistant Lacey Chen sat down with Crystal for a recent interview:

What stands out to you from your experience in the MPA program?

There are so many aspects of my MPA experience that stand out. I enjoyed collaborating with members of my cohort. Because so many of my classmates were already working in public administration, public policy, and the nonprofit space, we were able to bring real life experience to how we approached discussions and research projects.

I also appreciated the variety of electives. On a whim I took an “Intro to Geographic Information Systems” class which helped me uncover a deep appreciation for visual storytelling through data and maps. As a result, I ended up taking every GIS elective that was available and by the time I graduated, I had an endorsement in GIS.

Why did you choose the Evergreen MPA?

I made the decision to pursue my MPA during an internship at the legislature. Experiencing the real-world implications of public policy motivated me to look at program options. I specifically chose the Evergreen MPA program based on my experience pursuing my bachelor’s degree at TESC. I appreciated the unique approach to education and research.

Throughout my time in the MPA program, I valued the opportunity to engage with a wide range of viewpoints which mirrored the complex and diverse views when it comes to public administration, policy-making, and nonprofit work. Stakeholdering with diverse perspectives is crucial in these fields, and Evergreen’s approach facilitated my growth in this regard.

How did the MPA program help prepare you for your current career?

In addition to being open to diverse perspectives, I also learned valuable research analysis skills. This has helped me critically look at a piece of legislation. One of my favorite research classes was F.A.M.E. – Feminist Approaches to Measurement and Evaluation. I loved that class because it not only told you to look at and analyze the data or the information that was given to you but also consider what was not present, what was not being accounted for. I’ve really tried to use that approach in the work I did in data governance, grassroots organizing and now government affairs. I consider the data that I have in front of me, the public policy that I have in front of me and look at what is trying to be solved or what the intent of it is, but then also look at what may be missing from that conversation or consideration. I think that has been critical in helping to detect or think through what some unintended consequences could be whether positive or negative about a piece of legislation.

How can artificial intelligent intelligence be integrated into public administration to enhance decision making processes and improve service delivery to citizens while ensuring transparency and ethical considerations are maintained?

AI is more than just ChatGPT. There are many applications that are already proving beneficial in various sectors. For example, predictive analysis models aid in fighting and preventing wildfires. City governments have used AI to help detect water leaks, leading to quicker repair and reducing costs. Additionally, AI is used in weather forecasting and natural disasters, allowing proactive safety measures.

AI, like any new technology, can make people nervous because it’s something new and different. I think when people are used to doing something one specific way, it’s hard to adapt to the change of something that may help evolve or shift the work that we do.

Recently the Washington state legislature passed a bill creating an AI Task Force. The taskforce brings together a diverse mix of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, civil rights groups, and underrepresented voices, the task force aims to address ethical implications and guide legislative efforts. I am very proud to say that I have been appointed to the AI taskforce’s executive committee. I look forward to this collaborative approach. It will help ensure that the technological advancement and benefits of AI is not hindered while also safeguarding against potential misuse or unintended consequences.