America Back to Work: John Rood, Proceptual

The Hidden Risks of Using AI in HR

In this episode of America Back to Work, Arnette Heintze chats with John Rood, founder of Proceptual, a compliance platform for artificial intelligence and machine learning.

John shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of AI in the HR industry, and the emerging regulations shaping its ethical use.

Key Discussion Points

  • The dramatic rise in AI capabilities, particularly generative AI, and its increasing role in HR processes such as applicant tracking, pre-hire assessments, and interview technology.
  • Addressing biases in AI tools is important, with New York’s Local Law 144 setting a precedent for AI regulation in hiring.
  • Anticipated spread of AI bias auditing laws from New York to other states and the role of federal agencies like the EEOC in enforcing fairness in algorithmic hiring.
  • Legal penalties for non-compliance, the role of public perception, and how companies can mitigate these risks by implementing robust and ethical AI safety programs.
  • The steps HR leaders should take include understanding bias audits, fostering open vendor relationships, and potentially forming AI ethics boards.
  • Helping companies understand and comply with new AI regulations, alongside offering training programs to demystify AI tools for HR professionals.

Memorable Quotes

  • “AI has been around for decades, but its popularity has exploded recently with advances in generative AI.”
  • “The New York City AI Bias Law is likely to drive similar regulations nationwide, starting with states like New Jersey, California, and Colorado.”
  • “HR needs to adopt a cross-functional approach, involving legal and compliance teams, to navigate the complexities of AI tools.”

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About America Back to Work

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S2Verify is one of the leading, privately held, pre-employment background screening companies in the United States. 

Arnette Heintze is co-founder and chief strategy officer at S2Verify. Before establishing S2Verify, Arnette spent more than three decades working at the highest levels of federal, state, and local law enforcement. 

He served more than 20 years in the United States Secret Service as a special agent and senior executive,—oØ where he planned, designed, and implemented security strategies to protect U.S. Presidents, world leaders, events of national significance, and our nation’s most sensitive assets, including financial infrastructure.  

After retiring from the Secret Service, Arnette focused on building the growth and performance of innovative start-ups and SMBs. In 2004, he established Hillard Heintze, a globally recognized strategic security risk management and investigations firm.

In 2009, along with Bill Whitford and Jim Zimbardi, Arnette established S2 Verify with an approach and methodology that delivers fast, accurate, compliant, and affordable background screening insights crucial to better managing insider risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.  

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