Cybersecurity, Culture, and the Future of AI in Public Pensions with John Cahill

In This Episode

John Cahill opens up about what it takes to manage the technology behind a massive public pension fund and the immense responsibility of delivering secure and seamless services to members who depend on monthly benefits. He shares the unique challenges of overseeing systems that handle both sensitive financial data and legislative updates in a hybrid work environment. John's pragmatic approach to cybersecurity is rooted in teamwork, vigilance, and hiring staff who are not only technically sharp but also forward-thinking.

One of the most powerful segments of the conversation is John's candid story about his early leadership missteps. Coming into a CIO role with a forceful desire to fix things quickly backfired—and led to staff alienation. Through deep introspection and facilitated team feedback, John redefined his leadership style with humility, patience, and a stronger sense of emotional intelligence. This journey helped him earn his team’s trust and build a culture of open communication and collaboration.

The discussion also explores how KPERS is cautiously but optimistically exploring artificial intelligence. From developing policies around AI usage to planning automation for member services and call centers, John is committed to ensuring responsible governance. He emphasizes the importance of training, transparency, and understanding employee motivations—especially in government roles where financial compensation may not be the primary driver.