The committee 'ensures that caili remains aligned with societal, workforce-facing,
and equity-centered needs'
The University of Baltimore's Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI)
has named a seven-member volunteer Advisory Committee, which will play a crucial role
in fulfilling the center's mission to "cultivate AI-literate and community-engaged
leaders who apply artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges with impact,
ethics, and equity at the core." The new board's topline goal is to support CAILI's
strategic initiative of achieving regional impact through this mission, "offering expertise, insight, and influence to advance the center's mission of AI
literacy and fluency and community-engaged problem solving.
"Members contribute through leadership, open doors to impactful partnerships, and
ensure CAILI remains aligned with societal, workforce-facing, and equity-centered
needs," according to the center's description of the committee's charge.
The committee's members include:
- David Grossblatt, J.D. '97, an investor, advisor, and technologist, who serves as chair of the Advisory
Committee. An entrepreneur, attorney, and creator of Founders Dojo, a collaborative
startup space focused on empowering unconventional founders and accelerating innovation,
Grossblatt has launched and supported hundreds of startups across Web3, data, media,
and consumer sectors. Through Giant Leaf LLC, he invests in technology, art, and real
estate ventures. A Baltimore native, he holds degrees from the University of Baltimore
School of Law and the University of Maryland.
- Kory Bailey, a connector of people, partnerships, and possibilities, working at the intersection
of innovation, community, and long-term civic and economic growth. Over the past decade,
Bailey's work has centered around the startup community, bringing founders, investors,
and leaders of institutions and corporations into networks grounded in trust, shared
purpose, and coordinated action. Most recently serving as CEO of UpSurge Baltimore and chief ecosystem officer for
the Greater Baltimore Committee, Bailey played a leading role in strengthening one
of the country's most closely watched regional innovation economies. Through the design
and stewardship of founder-centered programs, cross-sector initiatives, and statewide
collaborations, he helped expand access to capital, networks, and markets for startups,
while elevating the visibility of previously overlooked founders and untapped talent.
He was recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as a 2025 CEO of the Year and Power 10 honoree.
- Eric Bravick, a neuropharmacologist, pioneering technologist, and CEO of The Lifted Initiative,
where he leads the development of self-sovereign infrastructure for AI and machine
learning applications. With more than three decades of experience as a CEO, CTO, and
engineer for numerous Global 2000 companies, Bravick specializes in deep machine learning
systems, large language models, blockchain technologies, and solutions that empower
individual autonomy while fostering global innovation. His career reflects a commitment
to advancing self-sovereign technologies, promoting collaboration, and shaping a future
where humanity retains control over its technological destiny. Bravick sees his mission as advocating for sovereign AI, ensuring this transformative
technology serves humanity and industries by preserving individual autonomy in an
increasingly automated world.
- Dean Merritt, J.D. '04, vice president of commercial real estate at Secom Security, who brings
more than 20 years of combined experience in law, real estate, and technology to the
Advisory Committee. A licensed Maryland Real Estate Broker and member of the Maryland
State Bar, Merritt works with commercial real estate developers, construction companies,
and property managers across the country to deliver tailored security solutions. He
earned his B.A. from Villanova University and his J.D. cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was executive editor of
the Intellectual Property Law Journal and received the Dean's Citation for Service. His background includes managing technology
sales teams and clerking in the Baltimore City Circuit Court for the Hon. M. Brooke
Murdock and working on Maryland's Business and Technology Case Management Program
alongside the Hon. Steven I. Platt.
- Before joining the UBalt School of Law faculty in 2010, Colin Starger served as an acting assistant professor of Lawyering at New York University School
of Law. Starger graduated in 2002 from Columbia University Law School, where he was
a recipient of the Jane Marks Murphy Prize for Clinical Excellence, and a graduation
speaker for his J.D. class. Following graduation, Starger clerked for Magistrate Judge
Michael Dolinger in the Southern District of New York. From 2003 to 2007, he worked
as a staff attorney at the Innocence Project at Cardozo Law School. While there, he
was lead counsel on four DNA exonerations, including one from Oklahoma's death row.
At UBalt Law, he serves as director of the Legal Data and Design Clinic. Prof. Starger also is principal on the SCOTUS Mapping Project, a software-driven effort
to map Supreme Court doctrine. He has been honored for his innovative work in law
and technology, named in 2014's Fastcase 50 and as a 2020 American Bar Association Legal Rebel. He is a member of the New York
and Maryland bars.
- Joan Worthington leverages decades of technology expertise to drive AI innovation at scale. As former
chair of The University of Baltimore Foundation Board and managing director of Worthington
Power LLC, she delivers strategic AI deployment and training solutions. Worthington
is a champion forf accessible AI education and practical applications that bridge
academia, industry, and community impact.
- Alexei Yukna, a technology executive, engineer, and educator with more than 30 years of experience
in software engineering, enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, and technology
leadership. He is president and COO of BITHGROUP Technologies, and teaches technology
leadership and innovation at Brown University. Yukna's work focuses on building innovative
organizations and applying emerging technologies to complex business- and public-sector
challenges. A Baltimore native, he holds a master's degree in technology leadership
from Brown University and has longstanding ties to The University of Baltimore.
CAILI's Advisory Committee members agree to serve a two-year term, with the opportunity to recommit for an additional year. They deliver strategic advisory support throughout the year to the center, with high-engagement
moments during key CAILI events, partnership opportunities, and more. The committee
chair guides the group in shaping the long-term strategic direction of CAILI, ensures all initiatives align with CAILI's mission, and provides insight on emerging AI trends and societal needs that inform the center's
priorities. The chair also advises the center on its funding strategy, philanthropic relationships, and resource
development opportunities.
Learn more about UBalt's Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation.
