Tag: 3BL

NEW YORK, February 6, 2025 /3BL/ – Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose®(CECP) has appointed two leading CEOs to join the Board of Directors: Amit Bajaj, President, North America, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and David Best, President & CEO, Newman’s Own Inc.

“CEOs today recognize the critical link contributing to the bottom line and corporate purpose—whether they are driving global innovations, attracting the best talent in challenging times, or enhancing the well-being of their employees,” said Amit Bajaj, President, North America, Tata Consultancy Services. “To maximize this impact, companies benefit from a partner that truly understands the value of purpose. For over 25 years, CECP has stood alongside CEOs in advancing responsible business practices. As a new member of CECP’s Board of Directors, I’m excited to contribute to this mission-driven organization committed to fostering meaningful change.”

Amit is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the technology and consulting sectors, having held multiple leadership positions across North America, Europe and Asia. With a personal and professional commitment to bettering society, Amit has championed TCS programs such as goIT (go Innovate Together) and TCS’ Ignite My Future that help young people embrace technology. In addition, his passion for running, health and wellness has driven TCS’ sponsorship of high-profile running events, such as the TCS New York City Marathon.

CECP is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. The organization promotes responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line. More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s insights and benchmarking.

Since its founding in 1999, CECP has developed the gold-standard for companies to achieve a return on purpose by providing affiliated companies with tangible frameworks, data, strategies, and goal setting. CECP advises its companies through custom benchmarking and flagship publications such as Giving in Numbers™, the largest and most historical data set on corporate community investment trends, in partnership with more than 600 multi- billion-dollar companies. The organization is regularly quoted by top-tier publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, FORTUNE, Financial Times, Reuters, Time Magazine, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and more as a go-to source on corporate purpose. Its annual events–the CECP Summit and CECP Board of Boards–are counted among the few that CEOs and other corporate leaders attend each year to obtain insights on key trends and network with their peers. CECP has grown to a movement of more than 200 of the world’s largest companies that represent $9.6 trillion in revenues, $37 billion in total community investment, and $21 trillion in assets under management.

“Over the past 25 years, since our mutual founder Paul Newman and a group of visionary CEOs founded CECP, the network has been instrumental in helping businesses across various sectors recognize the deep connection between purpose-driven initiatives and sustainable business value,” said David Best, President & CEO, Newman’s Own Inc. “By providing groundbreaking research, unparalleled benchmarking tools, and hosting influential gatherings, CECP empowers top corporate leaders to exchange ideas, provide support, and drive meaningful societal impact.”

David Best is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in the consumer goods and food industries, having previously held senior roles at major organizations like General Mills and Unilever. Known for his strong commitment to purpose-driven business, David has been instrumental in advancing Newman’s Own mission of donating 100% of profits to charity, supporting children and families in need.

“We draw constant inspiration from our Board of Directors to explore ways to align long-term business success with meaningful social impact,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP. “With their outstanding leadership, practical experience, and deep expertise, our new directors will guide companies in uncovering their purpose and crafting strategic approaches that drive value for their businesses, employees, communities, and the world at large.”

The board members will join the current Board of Directors, which includes:

Kelly Grier, Co-Chair; Retired US Chair and Managing Partner (CEO) of Ernst & Young LLP, EYWilliam McNabb III, Co-Chair; Former Chairman and CEO, VanguardDouglas R. Conant, Founder and CEO, Conant Leadership; Former CEO, Campbell Soup Company; former Chairman, Avon ProductsCalvin Butler, President and CEO, Exelon CorporationTheodore Dysart, Vice Chairman, Russell Reynolds AssociatesRichard Edelman, President & CEO, EdelmanJessica Foster, President, RHR International LLPMegan Myungwon Lee, Chairwoman & CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaJohn Wood, Vice Chair, Heidrick & StrugglesSara Armbruster, CEO, Steelcase Inc.Alex Gorsky, Executive Chairman, Johnson & JohnsonMauricio Gutierrez, Former President & CEO, NRGAlan G Hassenfeld, Chairman, Executive Committee Hasbro, Inc.Fran Horowitz, CEO, Abercrombie & Fitch CoBarbara Humpton, CEO, Siemens USAShelly Lazarus, Chairman Emeritus, Ogilvy & MatherJames White, Former Chairman, President, and CEO, Jamba Juice

CECP’s Board of Directors also includes the following Directors Emeriti:

Co-FoundersPeter Malkin, Chairman Emeritus, Empire State Realty TrustPaul Newman, Actor and Philanthropist, (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008)Kenneth T. Derr, Former Chairman & CEO, Chevron Corporation (August 4, 1936- July 12, 2024)Henrietta Fore, Executive Director, United Nations Children’s FundSurya Kant, Former Chairman, TCS North AmericaHarold McGraw, III, Chairman Emeritus, S&P GlobalMarilyn Carlson Nelson, Former Chairman and CEO, Carlson Holdings, Inc.David Rockefeller, Former Chairman & CEO, Chase Manhattan Corporation (June 12, 1915 – March 20, 2017)Michael I. Roth, Former Executive Chairman & CEO, Interpublic GroupPaul Volcker, Former Chairman, Federal Reserve (September 5, 1927- December 8, 2019)Sanford Weill, Chairman Emeritus, Citigroup, Inc.John C. Whitehead, Former Co-Chair, Goldman, Sachs, & Co., Former Deputy Secretary of State (April 2, 1922 – February 7, 2017)

CECP also works with a group of CECP Ambassadors, which includes:

Mitch Barns, Former CEO, NielsenThomas J. DeRosa, Former CEO & Director, Welltower Inc.Lynne Doughtie, Former Chairman & CEO, KPMGTony Earley, Executive Chairman, PG&EVince Forlenza, Former Chairman, President & CEO, BDBill Goodwynn, CEO, Discovery EducationRalph Izzo, Chairman of the Board, PSEGHubert Joly, Former Chair & CEO, Best BuyDavid Kenny, CEO, Nielsen HoldingsPhillipe Krakowsky, CEO, Interpublic GroupDuncan L. Niederauer, Former CEO, NYSEStuart Parker, Former CEO, USAAPenny Pennington, Managing Partner, Edward JonesChristiana Riley, Regional Head of North America, SantanderJohn Veihmeyer, Former Chairman & CEO, KPMGRobert Wolf, Former CEO, UBSMark Weinberger, Former Chairman & CEO, EY

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About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line. More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in insights and benchmarking. With our companies, we share a goal of harnessing the power of purpose for the benefit of business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

CECP Media Contact
Katie Leasor 
kleasor@cecp.co

ST. PAUL, Minn., February 6, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Taszarek as the new Executive Director of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC). Tracy succeeds Peylina Chu, who is retiring from Antea Group after a distinguished career.

HPRC, convened and facilitated by Antea Group, is a private technical consortium of industry peers across the manufacturing, healthcare, and recycling industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products and packaging within healthcare. Founded in 2010, and made up of globally recognized members, HPRC engages in pioneering projects designed to help boost plastics recycling efforts in clinical settings of hospitals.

Peylina has served as the Executive Director of HPRC since its early days in 2010. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from a group of seven members to more than 30, successfully bringing together stakeholders from across the healthcare plastics value chain.

In addition to her leadership of HPRC, Peylina has had a distinguished career at Antea Group. With over 25 years of experience, she has made a lasting impact on the business community, advancing efforts in climate change, occupational health and safety, and resource management. She played a pivotal role in Antea Group’s growth and success, culminating in her position as Senior Vice President.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with and learn from so many HPRC members over the past 14 years. I am so proud of the work that has been completed to date, and I’m excited to see how this group continues to drive change in the industry,” shared Peylina. “I look forward to the great achievements that are yet to come under Tracy’s leadership!”

Tracy Taszarek, a Senior Consultant with Antea Group, brings over 10 years of experience managing Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs for diverse teams in office, manufacturing, and field-based environments. Her background in medical equipment manufacturing gives her valuable insight into the healthcare industry, which has been instrumental in her contributions to HPRC.

“I am very excited to step into the role of Executive Director for this incredible organization!” shared Tracy. “I’m eager to continue building strong partnerships across the healthcare plastics recycling industry and look forward to working with HPRC members to continue to drive impactful improvements.”

Congratulations to Peylina on her well-deserved retirement and to Tracy as she steps into the Executive Director role!

About Antea Group 

Antea Group USA is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. For over two decades, we have been catalyzing the power of collection action through our work with the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable, Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council and Data Center Safety Council.

About HPRC 

HPRC is currently engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enabling the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics, including research into advanced recycling technologies to recycle mixed-stream healthcare plastics; a study of sorting technologies and potential integration with healthcare plastics waste streams; development of streamlined sustainability procurement criteria for plastic medical packaging and devices; and design of a regional recycling pilot program in the Houston market intended to serve as a blueprint for other regions.

Practicing climate-smart agriculture can help Georgia farms be more productive and build soils that can absorb more carbon from our atmosphere at the same time. But making changes to established growing practices can seem expensive and risky for many farmers. To help ease this transition, a groundbreaking partnership between Georgia Organics and McIntosh Sustainable, Environmental and Economic Development (McIntosh S.E.E.D.) is giving Black and Brown farmers in coastal Georgia technical assistance and support with grant applications to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices. As a result, they are building healthier soils and more resilient agricultural operations.

*2025 data center progress report: Digital transformation and energy management in the wake of AI.

Data center operators are at a pivotal moment with the rise of AI and ML, which offer new opportunities to reduce costs and enhance operations. However, these workloads demand substantial computing power, leading to the expansion of facilities. Operators must also tackle sustainability goals, regulatory standards, and cybersecurity threats. This paper explores five transformative trends for data centers in 2025, their impact, and how operators can prepare for the future.

Download the report 

Innovation

Blog: Opportunities abound with the new Eaton SmartRack Modular Data Center

Eaton’s new SmartRack Modular Data Center is revolutionizing AI deployments by offering a modular solution that can be rapidly configured and deployed in various edge locations. This innovative design reduces deployment cycles from months to days, making it ideal for light industrial and non-traditional computing environments. With features like remote monitoring and robust security, the SmartRack is set to transform data infrastructure management.

Learn more about Eaton’s SmartRack Modular Data Centers

Safety

Whitepaper: Relevance of intelligent panelboards and switchboards in data centers

With the rise of big data, edge computing, and the cloud, companies increasingly rely on data centers for critical operations like data storage, distribution, analytics, and cybersecurity. This dependence necessitates modern data centers to be high-performing, cost-effective, sustainable, intelligent, and reliable, with optimized power management. In this paper, we will see how the intelligence in panelboards and switchboards helps in driving results.

Download the whitepaper

Education

White paper: Simplifying the need for future expansion of data centers with cost-effective and customizable e-houses

As data centers grow to meet the increasing demand for digital services from cloud computing, AI, and IoT, they require more capacity and energy. Integrated Power Assemblies (IPAs), or e-houses, are essential for this expansion. This document outlines how IPAs address the future needs of data centers.

Download the whitepaper

Technology, products & services

Now in stock: Refreshed Tripp Lite series unmanaged ethernet switches

Eaton’s Tripp Lite series unmanaged Ethernet switches provide the fast speeds required for data-intensive applications like network-attached storage, cloud computing and VoIP. Ideal for small and medium networks, the switches provide an easy way to route network traffic in applications that do not require full management of data traffic.

Explore our announcements this month

Join our in-person training and events:

IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop # 412, 414, 416, 418
Mar 3-7 | Jacksonville, FL

ASHE PDC Summit #1010
Mar 9-12 | Atlanta, GA

DISTRIBUTECH
Mar 25–27 | Dallas, TX

Cascale released its fourth Global Legislative Update exclusively for Cascale members. Covering legislative actions from October to December 2024, this comprehensive quarterly report provides in-depth insights into regulatory developments affecting the consumer goods industry across the EU, U.S., Asia, and other key markets. Cascale recognizes the importance of staying informed on policy shifts that promote sustainable practices and help navigate evolving regulations.

Highlighting significant regulatory advancements in climate change mitigation and sustainability, the Q4 Global Legislative Update offers an in-depth look at the latest policy shifts impacting our industry. The summary below provides key insights from the report—a preview of the resource available exclusively to Cascale members on our members-only platform, Cascale Connect. Cascale members are encouraged to log in to Cascale Connect to access the full update and stay informed of evolving regulatory trends.

Not yet a Cascale member? Explore membership today.

Key Insights

In Q4 2024, global efforts to address climate change and sustainability advanced through key regulatory developments. Turkey launched a renewable energy strategy, India issued greenwashing guidelines, Pakistan approved carbon market policy guidelines, and Vietnam amended its electricity law to prioritize renewables and energy efficiency. The United States updated its sustainable products recommendations for the first time in a decade, while China introduced its inaugural corporate sustainability disclosure standards, signaling a step toward unified national reporting by 2030. Meanwhile, re-elected president Donald Trump’s promise to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and dismantle climate regulations raised concerns about U.S. climate leadership.

At the COP29 summit, governments pledged 300 billion USD in climate finance with a broader 1.3 trillion USD target, alongside new global carbon market rules. However, outcomes were criticized as inadequate, particularly as biodiversity efforts under COP16 fell short of funding commitments, and UN plastics negotiations failed to secure a binding treaty. In the EU, the adoption of a ban on forced labor will increase supply chain scrutiny in sectors like textiles and consumer goods by 2027, while the bloc delayed implementing its deforestation regulation by one year. In Indonesia, a landmark labor ruling could enhance worker rights and local employment opportunities in the apparel sector.

Looking ahead, global efforts to address climate and sustainability challenges face mounting pressure. COP30 in Brazil in 2025 will mark a critical moment, commemorating ten years since the Paris Agreement. Pressure is growing on the EU to balance climate leadership with industrial competitiveness and a business-friendly approach as the U.S. potentially retreats from international commitments. Despite setbacks, momentum toward addressing plastics pollution and biodiversity funding gaps will continue, though substantial progress will likely depend on national-level action and international cooperation.

Cascale’s Public Affairs team is committed to keeping members at the forefront of critical legislative developments that shape the consumer goods industry. Our exclusive updates and curated resources, available through our members-only platform, Cascale Connect, provide the insights and tools necessary to manage regulatory risks and drive sustainable practices.

Stay informed—subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Cascale updates, events, and public affairs activities.

Chile’s 2024 cherry season has officially ended, with the country’s “red gold” outperforming even the most optimistic forecasts. DP World in San Antonio played a pivotal role in this logistics success story. By handling 12.8 million boxes of cherries, DP World facilitated a 135% increase in export volume compared to the previous season, far exceeding the originally projected nine million boxes.

A Season of Unprecedented Growth

According to Frutas de Chile, formerly known as ASOEX, Chile is the world’s largest cherry exporter, accounting for over half of global cherry exports. This year, exports through DP World’s terminal at the Port of San Antonio saw a 42% increase beyond expectations, with more than 5,357 reefer containers of cherries shipped, primarily to Asia.

The growth reflects booming demand, particularly from China, where cherries are highly sought after for their symbolic red hue during the Chinese New Year. The timing was critical, and DP World San Antonio delivered faster than initially predicted with the last “Cherry Express” ship sailing from San Antonio on January 3rd, ensuring the fruit reached consumers in under 22 days.

Innovation Drives Efficiency

To manage the surge, DP World introduced cutting-edge infrastructure upgrades, including the MoorMaster system, which automated vessel docking and reduced turnaround times. With 11 vessels serviced and over 2,700 reefer plug connections maintaining optimal conditions, operations were seamless.

This efficiency wasn’t just about logistics; it was a lifeline for the fragile, highly perishable cherries, ensuring they landed fresh and ready for market.

Economic and Sustainability Wins

The cherry industry continues to be a cornerstone of Chile’s economy, supporting more than 100,000 seasonal jobs in rural regions. Beyond its economic impact, the season also highlighted Chile’s commitment to sustainability. Efforts to reduce water usage, adopt greener fuels, and optimize supply chains helped mitigate the environmental footprint of this record-breaking export season.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

With Chile’s cherry exports expected to exceed 450,000 metric tons in the coming years, the focus is on diversifying markets beyond China to Europe, the United States, and other parts of Asia. This strategy will reduce dependency on a single market and sustain long-term growth.

As Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, noted: “It has been an excellent season closing that demonstrates the commitment and capacity of our dedicated team to meet the growing demand for our export products!”

Chile’s cherry industry isn’t just thriving; it’s redefining what’s possible in agriculture and logistics. With eyes set on 2025, the only question now is: how much further can the red gold go?

Chile’s cherries are no longer just an export — they’re a global phenomenon.

For more insights and updates on Chile’s cherry season, visit Frutas de Chile (ASOEX).

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Mike Cullen, Himanshu Sharma

Audit, risk and compliance officers understand that artificial intelligence is here to stay. Regardless of your industry, location, organization size or structure, AI is going to be part of your business for the foreseeable future.

The global AI market exceeded $184 billion in 2024, according to Statista, “AI market size worldwide from 2020-2030″. In fact, AI is developing so rapidly that if we included AI use cases in this article, those examples would be outdated by the time you read it. We’re clearly in the midst of an AI revolution.

While not all organizations or individuals will be at the forefront of AI development, every professional in the audit, risk and compliance fields must acknowledge its impacts. We must embrace the ways AI can be used to our advantage. We must acknowledge the extent to which our co-workers, vendors and competitors are using it.

Even if your organization is not currently utilizing AI – and roughly 50% of organizations have yet to go down that path (according to AccountancyAge, “Internal auditors ‘flying blind’ on AI risks”) – you need to be prepared to address AI from a risk and audit perspective in the near future. And if you’re a newcomer to the world of AI, know that you’re not alone: More than 60% of internal audit leaders cite a lack of AI expertise, as reported in AuditBoard’s “2025 Focus on the Future” report.

At the very least, you need to understand how AI generally works, where to find it, how to examine it, and what questions to ask along the way.

With that in mind, the first challenge is: Where do you even start?

How to view AI through an internal audit lens?

When it comes to evaluating the intersection of AI and internal audit, the recommended place to start is to develop an understanding of the areas within an organization that are likely to use AI in some fashion. Generally speaking, organizations are using or experimenting with AI in the following primary areas:

Customer serviceCybersecurityFraud detectionHuman resourcesMarketingPredictive analyticsSupply chain management

Obviously, there are others – and the list is ever-expanding. However, there is no AI guidebook. There is no universal app that you can download. There are no guarantees on where you can find AI within your organization or how to audit the use of AI from the lowest levels of your company to the highest ranks of leadership.

What we can say for certain is this: Organizations should start to address AI risks now. Pertaining to organizations’ current usage and future plans for AI, Baker Tilly recommends the following assessments to get started.

AI readiness assessment

What is it? An assessment of an organization’s preparedness for implementing AI technologies. It helps identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, providing a clear roadmap for AI implementation and integration.What does it review? Thetechnological infrastructure, organizational culture and the skillset of the existing workforce. It also assesses how aligned leadership is with the organization’s AI existing integration and long-term strategy.What are we hearing? AI may be more prevalent than people realize. Many companies have AI embedded within certain existing systems that have been used for years, but they might not call it “AI,” or they don’t even realize that it is a form of AI.How can Baker Tilly help? By conducting an AI readiness assessment, we can analyze your existing systems and processes and help the organization develop a strategy to effectively integrate/implement AI, if not already in place. Additionally, we help identify and recommend the necessary resources (e.g., skills/workforce training, technologies) and risk management strategies needed for successful AI implementation. This process also helps ensure that internal audits can assess AI’s role in your business.

AI governance assessment

What is it? An assessment of an organization’s practices, people and systems for governing AI technologies. It helps identify practices needed to support an effective risk-managed rollout of AI across the organization that is aligned to strategy and goals.What does it review? The organization’s practices for embedding appropriate and right-sized risk management activities into operations. It assesses how risk framing, risk measurement, risk tolerance and risk prioritization are used with AI systems/technologies. This review is typically based on emerging frameworks, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework (NIST AI RMF).What are we hearing? AI is already in the environment, whether it exists purposely or as users experimenting with free tools. However, governance is unclear or fragmented across the organization. Many leaders and stakeholders are unsure of how to best use AI technologies without running afoul of existing policies and standards.How can Baker Tilly help? By conducting an AI governance assessment, we can identify and review the appropriateness and adequacy of existing practices, then recommend prioritized actions to mature AI governance following a reasonable roadmap. The recommendations can support risk management without stifling innovation.

Data governance assessment

What is it? An assessment of how well an organization structures and manages data to generate additional value. Data governance is a foundational component for effectively using AI systems/technologies, as these new tools must have good, clean data to effectively achieve strategy.What does it review? The organizational practices for areas such as strategy, policy, standards, oversight and compliance. These practices support data quality – the accuracy, consistency and completeness of data used in AI models – as well as the security and privacy measures. This assessment is typically based on leading frameworks, such as the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK).What are we hearing? Organizations are realizing they can’t take full advantage of AI because their data is siloed, inconsistent and/or incomplete. Using public AI models trained on the Internet can only benefit organizations so much; the real power of these new systems/technologies is leveraging the organization’s data. Another important consideration is how much data governance can vary based on industry. For instance, a healthcare organization’s governance process will be far more stringent due to operational needs (e.g., life safety), and regulatory challenges (e.g., security and privacy regulations).How can Baker Tilly help? By conducting data governance assessments, we can confirm that organizational practices support the best use of data. Additionally, we can recommend improvements to activities that support the reliable, secure and ethical use of data. Along the way, we consider what regulatory requirements are pertinent for each specific industry and, in some cases, for a specific jurisdiction.

Model validation process assessment

What is it? An assessment of management’s processes for validating the accuracy, reliability and ethics of AI implementations used by the organization, especially for high-risk automated decision-making technology (ADMT). The goal is to validate management’s work by thoroughly testing AI implementations for accuracy, fairness, transparency and compliance, helping foster stakeholder trust.What does it review? This assessment reviews management’s controls for testing and approving AI systems or technologies before implementing into production environments. The review could assess performance (i.e., accuracy, precision, recall and other performance metrics), transparency (i.e., the explainability of results), fairness (i.e., bias detection), and compliance (i.e., adherence to legal standards).What are we hearing? AI is a double-edged sword, as it presents nearly unlimited possibilities for use, but it also is new and complicated, leading to inherent risks. Additionally, technology vendors are supercharging their deployment of these AI systems/technologies, sometimes deploying to customers without appropriate testing or validation. Therefore, model validation practices are critical for organizations to confirm AI is serving its intended purpose effectively and ethically.How can Baker Tilly help? By conducting model validation process assessments, we help confirm that the organization deploys AI that is safe, secure, explainable, privacy-enhanced, fair, valid and accountable. Additionally, we are helping organizations identify potential biases, data integrity issues or performance flaws, allowing organizations to correct problems before AI systems/technologies are deployed. This ultimately improves model reliability and protects against negative consequences.

Internal audits and AI: An organizational checklist

As AI continues to evolve, organizations that fail to address its impacts and risks may fall behind their competitors or face unforeseen challenges. The complexities of AI make it crucial to act now – before the technology becomes too embedded in your operations to assess thoroughly or too costly to modify.

With any complicated topic, the smartest way to get answers is to begin by asking questions. When it comes to your organization’s use of AI, you should consider asking probing questions around AI readiness, data governance and model validation.

We created an initial checklist to get you started:

AI readiness/governance

Do we have a clearly defined AI governance structure within our organization?Do we have a defined AI strategy or specific AI adoption goals and outcomes for use cases?Do we have the necessary internal expertise or access to external AI specialists to guide our AI strategy and governance?Do we have any vendors already using AI or new AI contracts and, if so, did we agree to any notable terms and conditions?Do we have leadership commitment to AI adoption, and how is that commitment communicated across the organization?Do we know which technologies in our current technology stack are already deploying AI?Do we have a mapped flow of AI connections and/or data across departments to ensure appropriate access controls are in place?Do we have a process and personnel to stay updated on relevant AI regulations and compliance requirements specific to our industry or geographic location?Do we have processes to ensure ongoing employee training and awareness of AI risks and ethical concerns?Do we have a method to consider the potential impact of AI on job roles, employee relations and workplace dynamics?

Data governance

Does our organization’s data infrastructure support AI, including scalability, data integrity and security?Does our organization have clear data ownership and accountability protocols in place, particularly for data used in AI systems?Does our organization have data ready for ethical use, particularly in areas like bias detection and privacy protection?Does our organization have a completed risk assessment related to the data used in AI models (e.g., accuracy, completeness, timeliness)?

Model validation

Are AI systems subject to continuous monitoring and validation, even after deployment into operational settings?Are AI systems undergoing periodic independent audits to assess their fairness, accuracy and potential biases?Are AI systems transparent and can we explain the decision-making processes?Are AI system decisions documented to track any potential deviations from expected behavior?

As you examine this checklist and begin thinking about your organization’s responses, it is imperative to keep an open mind regarding the realities of AI within your business environment. Remember that you don’t need to have all the answers today. You just need to connect with a team of AI and internal audit specialists who can help you prepare for tomorrow. To discuss these questions, your answers and all the possibilities, contact a Baker Tilly specialist.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Aflac Incorporated is committed to supporting children and families facing cancer and blood disorders, and that mission is carried across the pond through the Aflac Northern Ireland team’s work with the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity (CCUC). Aflac Northern Ireland, located in Belfast, is a global IT and cybersecurity center that develops technology and innovative solutions to help support customers in their greatest time of need.

Any child diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders in Northern Ireland will visit the CCUC during their treatment journeys, and to support the work that the CCUC does for these patients and their families, Aflac Northern Ireland has raised 22,270 pounds (approximately $28,207) for the charity, bringing their total fundraising amount since 2020 to 70,220 pounds (approximately $88,940) — that’s in addition to the deliveries of 80 My Special Aflac Ducks® to bring smiles to children and help them express their feelings through play.

Aflac Northern Ireland also collaborates with Queen’s University Belfast to offer nursing students hands-on experience and insights into pediatric oncology, helping to support and shape the future of health care professionals. And, in partnership between Aflac Northern Ireland and Aflac U.S., a travel program allows three nursing students to travel to Atlanta, to spend time at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and to visit Emory University.

In honor of these efforts — and the countless volunteer hours and fundraising activities — Aflac Northern Ireland was presented the Community CSR Award at the Business Eye Awards in recognition for their meaningful contributions to the community.

Watch the video above to learn more about Aflac Northern Ireland’s partnership with the CCUC.

Aflac includes American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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In remembrance of Christiana Duarte, a former employee of AEG’s LA Kings who was tragically killed while attending the 2017 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, the LA Kings have partnered with Covenant House California to distribute handmade blankets to youth experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, CA. Rooted in the spirit of kindness and generosity, LA Kings staff distributed more than 100 handmade blankets to youth on Jan. 30. The annual traditional is a way for the Duarte family and the LA Kings organization to keep Christiana’s memory alive. Click here learn more about Covenant House. 

Originally published in ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION AND THE GROMOREGOOD GARDEN GRANTS

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation celebrated its fifth year of collaboration with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) to bring GroMoreGood Garden Grants and gardening resources to Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the United States. NHSA partners with local Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients to provide opportunities for children and families to lead healthier, empowered lives through child, family and community support programs. Through our ongoing partnership, Head Start and Early Head Start programs receive access to educational garden curriculum including seasonal garden storytime webinars. Additionally, the Foundation awards GroMoreGood Garden Grants used to supplement needs of existing garden projects, to help launch new garden projects, or to supplement or launch outdoor green space projects for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country. These grants encourage experiential learning, foster curiosity and provide children and their families with the benefits of access to healthy foods and green spaces.

These are the achievements from the past five years:

10,000+ youth impacted

5,000+ adults benefitted

58 grant winners in 26 states and Washington, D.C.

To learn more about ScottsMiracleGro’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit our webpage

For full details about ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit here.