Beeck Center Expands Innovation Fellowship with AI and Data Experts
Two former federal public officials join the Beeck Center to reimagine how AI and data sharing can improve government services for all
Washington, October 15, 2025—The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University today announced the appointment of two new Innovation and Incubation (I+I) Fellows, bringing federal expertise and a forward-looking vision to the Center’s work on artificial intelligence (AI) and data sharing in government.
The Beeck Center’s I+I Fellowship program brings together senior leaders in data, design, technology, and policy to research, test, and advance human-centered solutions that make government services simpler and more accessible for the people who need them most.
“State and local governments are navigating one of the most significant technological shifts of our time: how to responsibly use data and AI to better serve the public,” said Lynn Overmann, executive director of the Beeck Center. “With tremendous opportunities and real risks at stake, our new fellows bring deep expertise to help governments understand these challenges and implement practical, scalable solutions. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the Beeck Center as we continue shaping the future of government service delivery to be more effective, secure, and accessible for everyone.”
Andrew Merluzzi, a former emerging technology advisor at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will lead the Beeck Center’s efforts at the intersection of AI and government—advising on emerging trends, shaping projects related to service delivery, and serving as a thought partner and subject matter expert to government and nonprofit partners.
“We’re already seeing everyday people adopt AI tools at an astonishing speed—and governments are under pressure to catch up,” said Merluzzi. “But doing so responsibly takes more than enthusiasm. The Beeck Center’s work to help agencies build the capacity, guardrails, and strategies they need to use these tools effectively is incredibly important, and I’m excited to be joining the effort.”
Emily Madden, a former analyst at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), will lead research on privacy-protected data sharing and matching in public benefits. Her work will focus on improving the accuracy, integrity, and efficacy of programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Medicaid. Madden comes with an extensive background in research, social policy, and data analysis and evaluation, having led a variety of state and federal projects at HHS related to Medicaid and child welfare.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to test new ideas, approaches, and interventions in public benefits delivery,” said Madden. “I’m delighted to join the Beeck Center at Georgetown University to help states explore innovative ways to connect and use data across benefits programs, so they are better equipped to provide residents the support they need, when they need it.”
These I+I Fellowships are generously supported by Ballmer Group and Arnold Ventures. Additional funding will expand the program’s reach, enabling more fellows to tackle pressing challenges at the intersection of technology, data, and social impact. To learn more, please visit https://beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/projects/innovation-incubation-fellowship/.
About the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University connects government and the civic technology ecosystem to tackle problems that no one can solve alone. We partner with federal, state, and local government leaders to deliver effective, accessible, secure, and integrated public services using the power of design, data, and emerging technology. As a trusted, nonpartisan organization housed at Georgetown University, we bring together leading practitioners, government teams, nonprofit organizations, and students to co-create practical solutions, conduct research, and provide technical assistance that has the power to drive long-term change. To learn more about how we are working to create people-centered, digitally-enabled government for all, please visit www.beeckcenter.georgetown.edu.
Press Contact:
Jessica Yabsley, Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
Jessica.yabsley@georgetown.edu
Eric Conrad, GMMB
Eric.conrad@gmmb.com