Michael Richards

Senior Director, Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC)

Michael Richards is director of policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). He manages the Chamber’s artificial intelligence and IT modernization work, which analyzes federal artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and IT modernization policy impacting U.S. businesses. Richards also directs the Chamber’s AI Policy Working Group, which comprises over 100 companies and trade associations, which has developed AI principles.

Before joining the Chamber, Richards served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-15) and served in the same role for Rep. Pete Olson (TX -22) before his retirement. Richards was the lead staffer for Olson’s work as co-chair of the House AI Caucus and the Victims’ Rights Caucus. He also handled the Communication & Technology portfolio for the congressman within the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Richards earned his undergraduate degree at Texas State University and his Master of Public Policy from Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

Authored Content

Jun 10, 2024
While state legislators are eager to shape the future of AI, state governors are treading cautiously, wary of stifling innovation. Read more
May 22, 2024
After nearly a year of work and numerous insight forums, the Senate AI Working Group released their much-anticipated Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Policy in the United States Senate. Read more
Nov 16, 2023
Leading AI nations—notably the UK and U.S.—have recognized the need for concerted action to shape the global regulatory landscape around this transformative technology. Read more
Apr 06, 2023
The U.S. and its allies should be the ones developing and advancing ethical Artificial Intelligence technologies that align with our common democratic goals and values. Any effort to pause further innovation will leave us unable to advance these essential values as others move forward without us. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
Government and business must work together to address the need for widespread IT modernization. Read more
Aug 01, 2022
Here are six recommendations for how the U.S. can lead on AI from the U.S. Chamber's fifth and final AI Commission hearing in Washington, D.C. on July 21, 2022. Read more
Jun 24, 2022
Fintech experts across the field shared their perspectives on AI regulation at the U.S. Chamber AI Commission's field hearing in London on June 13, 2022. Here's what they had to say. Read more
May 19, 2022
Artificial intelligence experts say policymakers, technologists, and business leaders must work together to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are spread to all, while unintended harms are mitigated. Read more
May 05, 2022
The U.S. Chamber AI Commission hosted a field hearing in Cleveland, OH, examining how AI is impacting the healthcare industry. Read more
Mar 18, 2022
We need durable, bipartisan AI policy solutions to ensure the United States continues to lead in innovation while fostering fairness globally. Read more