How one team member is leading CENTERS toward smarter, responsible AI solutions.
For many, AI feels like a quiet backdrop to modern life, but for Matt Schmiedl, a transformative moment at the 2023 NIRSA Marketing Institute brought its full potential into focus. During an interactive session on ChatGPT, Matt discovered how AI could revolutionize the way we work, igniting his passion for responsible innovation.
From Exploration to Implementation: Building AI Expertise
Matt’s enthusiasm for AI sparked a year-long journey of learning. Immersing himself in the complexities of AI, he explored its ethical implications, growth potential, and cross-disciplinary applications. His efforts were supported by resources from the Marketing AI Institute and SmarterX, where he honed his skills through webinars, workshops, and industry insights.
In September 2024, Matt attended MAICON, an AI conference that inspired him to lead CENTERS into this transformative space. Recognizing AI’s ability to disrupt industries and revolutionize business, Matt devised a strategy to bring AI to CENTERS.
Launching CENTERS’ AI Council
In November 2024, CENTERS launched its AI Council, spearheaded by Matt. With a mission to “create invaluable opportunities with AI that inspire change through smarter solutions and responsible innovation,” the council is focused on five key objectives:
- Accelerating AI literacy: Creating a culture where AI education is accessible and prioritized.
- Operationalizing AI: Streamlining workflows to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Enhancing client solutions: Integrating AI into client offerings for superior results.
- Leveraging AI for growth: Identifying opportunities to optimize sales and scalability.
- Becoming an AI leader: Establishing CENTERS as a trailblazer in AI adoption.
By collaborating with Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) on broader AI initiatives, CENTERS aims to integrate responsible AI solutions across its portfolio of services.
A Vision for the Future
Matt’s leadership demonstrates how CENTERS fosters a culture of innovation and empowerment. His dedication to education, collaboration, and strategic thinking has laid the foundation for CENTERS to lead in AI integration.
Matt continues to innovate and share his expertise. Read Matt’s insights on starting an AI Council in Campus Rec Magazine: What’s an AI Council? An Incredible Opportunity to Lead.
About the Author: Matt Schmiedl is the Enterprise Marketing Manager for CENTERS, LLC, with over 20 years of experience in marketing and design. A nine-time NIRSA Creative Excellence Award recipient, Matt is a leader in higher education marketing and innovation. He recently launched CENTERS’ AI Council, driving responsible innovation to improve efficiency and elevate client offerings. His efforts reflect CENTERS’ mission to empower teams and lead through forward-thinking strategies.