UWF to host Leadership in the Age of AI conference with special Veterans Day observance
The University of West Florida’s Office of Military Services, in partnership with the Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership and the Center for Cybersecurity and AI, will host the second annual Leadership in the Age of AI conference followed by a UWF Veterans Day Observance on Friday, Nov. 6, in the UWF Conference Center. The free event, sponsored by PenAir Credit Union, will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on modern leadership with a special Veterans Day observance honoring those who have served.
“We are proud to present a conference that explores some of the most pressing and transformative issues shaping today’s workplaces, as artificial intelligence continues to redefine how we lead, work and innovate across every industry,” said Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio, executive director of the Office of Military Services. “Our goal is to encourage meaningful dialogue, broaden perspectives and equip participants with new ideas and insights to navigate an increasingly complex and evolving professional landscape. Equally important, our Veteran’s Day Observance provides an opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our nation. At the Office of Military Services, we are committed to serving those who serve, and this event reflects our ongoing mission to strengthen the bonds between the military community and the University. We are proud to continue serving!”
Designed for students, faculty, staff, military service members and their families, veterans and the greater Pensacola community, the conference will explore the evolving impact of AI on leadership, decision-making and organizational innovation. By bringing together professionals with backgrounds in military special operations, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, business development and financial services, this event will foster meaningful dialogue between academia, industry and the military while promoting the awareness of emerging technologies and their implications for future leaders.
Beginning at 8 a.m., the program will offer networking opportunities and breakfast for guests before opening remarks and a keynote presentation by Patrick Rooney, director of entrepreneurial development at Co:Lab Pensacola.
The event will also include a leadership panel moderated by Christian Hendrick, retired U.S. Air Force Special Operations veteran and systems integration subject matter expert at Booz Allen Hamilton, examining the practical applications of AI across various industries. Panelists include Joshua Turner, founder of Old Crows Wireless Solutions; Joshua Hartigan, assistant director and AI taskforce lead at the Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF; and Jay Wells, vice president of marketing and communications at PenAir Credit Union. Discussions will focus on AI’s influence on leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational decision-making and workforce development.
Following the panel, the program will transition to a Veterans Day observance featuring Lieutenant Colonel Keith Nelson and will recognize military service and sacrifice. By including this observance, the University connects conversations about the future of leadership with the principles of service, sacrifice and responsibility embodied by American veterans while reaffirming UWF’s commitment to supporting veterans, service members and military-affiliated individuals.
To learn more about the conference and register for the event, visit uwf.edu/AgeofAI. For more information on the Office of Military Services, visit uwf.edu/militaryservices. For more information on the Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership, visit uwf.edu/awko. For more information on the Center for Cybersecurity and AI, visit uwf.edu/cyberai.
