Dr. Michael Butcher is the Founder and President of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and brings more than 20 years of experience across technology, education, and leadership. He helps organizations across business, government, economic development, and education use artificial intelligence to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and strengthen workforce outcomes. Through advisory work, executive training, AI-powered workflow design, and practical implementation support, he helps leaders move beyond the hype of AI and translate emerging capabilities into useful, measurable strategies.

​

A nationally recognized keynote speaker on artificial intelligence, innovation, and organizational strategy, Dr. Butcher has worked with a wide range of organizations seeking to better understand and apply AI in meaningful ways. His cross-sector impact includes delivering a half-day AI training for Visit Savannah, the largest business unit of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the official destination marketing organization for the Greater Savannah area. He has also presented AI That Moves the Needle: Practical Results for Your Business Community to multiple economic development and business organizations across southeast Georgia, including development authorities, the Savannah Area Chamber, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and the Regional Industry Support Enterprise. In addition, he has spoken at the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus on AI-Powered Lead Generation & Prospecting and led sessions for the Georgia Council for Human Resources, helping state government HR leaders consider AI’s impact on recruitment, performance, and the future of work.

​

Under Dr. Butcher’s leadership, the Center for Artificial Intelligence has become a hub for translating complex AI concepts into accessible, results-oriented solutions. The Center supports organizations through executive training, strategic planning, AI governance guidance, workflow improvement, and the development of AI agents and automated systems that enhance customer and employee experiences. His work focuses not only on what AI can do, but on how leaders can implement it responsibly, clearly, and in ways that align with organizational goals.

​

Dr. Butcher also serves on the advisory board for CareerOS, an AI-powered career services platform that connects job seekers with opportunities and helps universities and employers use data-informed insights more effectively. He was also selected as Executive Consultant on artificial intelligence for The Advisory Alliance, where he advises on AI strategy for corporate and leadership development clients. His webinar, AI & the Future of Work: What Career Services Need to Know, along with numerous keynotes and trainings on AI and the workforce, reflects his continued focus on helping organizations prepare for automation, evolving expectations, and the skills needed for the future of work.

​

His expertise is also recognized across prominent higher education and technology platforms, which strengthen the depth and credibility of his broader consulting and speaking work. He has delivered keynotes at StarRez Global Connect, the Alabama Association of Colleges and Employers Summer Conference, the Georgia Association of Colleges & Employers Annual Conference, the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers Employer Relations Summit, and student affairs professional development retreats at Texas A&M University and Savannah Technical College. He has also presented for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Annual Conference, the Assistant Vice President Symposium, NASPA’s inaugural AI webinar, and the NASPA Virtual Conference on assessment and planning. At the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, he delivered a session on AI and accessibility services. His perspectives on AI ethics have also been highlighted in EdTech Magazine, and he has appeared on AACE’s Coffee Chat webinar and the Responsible AI podcast, which explores the intersection of government, technology, and business transformation.

​

Dr. Butcher’s academic background reflects deep interdisciplinary expertise. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, a master’s degree in Public Administration, a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation. He designed and launched the College of Coastal Georgia’s inaugural undergraduate course, Artificial Intelligence and Business Innovation, which blends theory with real-world application to build essential AI literacy among students. He also served as faculty for NASPA’s first live, five-week AI course, Level Up - Actionable AI Strategies for Student Affairs. At the College of Coastal Georgia, he co-chairs the AI Task Force after serving as a founding member of the institution’s AI Exploratory Committee.

​

Dr. Butcher also serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the College of Coastal Georgia. This active leadership role keeps his work grounded in organizational practice, change management, and the day-to-day realities leaders face when adopting new technologies. Across all of his roles, he remains committed to helping organizations move from AI curiosity to AI capability through practical strategy, responsible implementation, and a clear focus on real-world impact.

​

Under his leadership, the Center for Artificial Intelligence delivers:

• Hands-on AI training workshops for teams and departments

• Customized strategy sessions for leaders and executives

• Guidance on ethical, responsible, and student-centered AI integration

• Research-based presentations and keynote addresses for conferences and events

• AI agents and automated workflows