AFPI Launches Artificial Intelligence Team

Washington, D.C.— The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today announced the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technology team, a new effort to advance responsible AI policies that harness American innovation, protect families, uphold human dignity, and strengthen national security.

Led by Chair former Congressman Chris Stewart, Policy Director Yusuf Mahmood, AFPI Visiting Fellow Dean Woodley Ball, and Campaign Director Shea Throckmorton, the AI policy focus is designed to ensure the United States leads AI innovation globally while promoting transparency, ethical development, and economic growth.

The team will also conduct research, convene experts, and provide policy recommendations and thought leadership to help lawmakers and the public navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

“The launch of this effort marks a critical step to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of AI development while protecting American families and workers,” said Congressman Stewart. “Our approach takes inspiration from the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan: advancing innovation and economic growth, while safeguarding American values.”

Stewart continued, “Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful forces shaping our economy, our culture, and our security. America cannot afford to fall behind. This initiative will ensure that policy is rooted in American values, promotes innovation, and protects our national security.”

Chad Wolf, Executive Vice President of AFPI, highlighted the importance of investing in this new policy area:

“Artificial intelligence will define the next era of global competition, innovation, and governance,” said Wolf. “As the world races to harness the power of AI, this new focus at AFPI will help ensure that America—not our adversaries—sets the global standard for responsible and ethical development."

“AFPI is committed to advancing policies that promote innovation, protect American workers and families, and strengthen our national security. The responsible use of artificial intelligence must reflect our nation’s core values—freedom, accountability, and leadership—and this new policy focus will help ensure our great nation remains at the forefront of technological progress.”

Additional information on AI and Emerging Technology leadership:

• Former Congressman Chris Stewart, Chair, served the state of Utah as a congressman for over a decade. Stewart was a member of multiple committees during his tenure, including the Weaponization Committee and the Select China task force. He is also a proud Air Force veteran, a New York Times best-selling author, and former CEO of a major energy and environment consulting firm. He has appeared hundreds of times on national television and is considered a nationally recognized expert on AI and national security. 

• Yusuf Mahmood, Policy Director, will oversee research and policy development. Mahmood previously worked on AI and emerging technology policy on the Hill as a law clerk for Senator Todd Young (R-IN). He also worked part-time for the RAND Corporation on AI policy while finishing law school, where his research focused on federal deregulation for AI infrastructure. He received a J.D. from Harvard Law School. 

• Dean Woodley Ball, Senior Fellow, joins AFPI with extensive expertise in emerging technologies and the future of governance. Ball previously served as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in President Donald Trump’s administration and currently writes Hyperdimensional, an AI-focused newsletter.

• Shea Throckmorton, Campaign Director for AI and Emerging Technology, will lead the initiative’s campaign engagement and strategy. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Throckmorton has served as a Policy Analyst on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and as a Legislative Aide to U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN). He previously worked on two successful senatorial campaigns in Tennessee and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at Hillsdale College’s Graduate School of Government.