Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) will visit Lehigh University on Dec. 4, 2025, to discuss the government's critical role in supporting artificial intelligence and innovation as part of the university’s Compelling Perspectives series.
Throughout his tenure in office, McCormick has been a vocal advocate for advancing AI and technology-driven growth across Pennsylvania. In July 2025, he hosted the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The event convened global leaders in energy, technology, investment, labor and higher education to explore Pennsylvania’s potential to power the next wave of AI innovation.
At the summit, McCormick announced more than $90 billion in private-sector investments aimed at building the infrastructure needed to support AI development, energy generation and workforce advancement across the Commonwealth. These efforts are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and strengthen Pennsylvania’s position as a hub for innovation.
A U.S. Army veteran, McCormick served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was deployed to the Middle East during the First Gulf War, retiring with the rank of Captain.
Before running for the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022, McCormick was CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest investment firms managing assets for organizations such as teacher, firefighter and law enforcement pension funds. He previously served as Under Secretary of the Treasury and Deputy National Security Advisor. In these roles, he helped shape America’s technology policy and led efforts to stabilize the global economy during the 2008 financial crisis.
A native of western Pennsylvania, McCormick began his business career in Pittsburgh, where he rose to become CEO of FreeMarkets, a pioneering technology startup. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Princeton University.
This event is free and open to the public; advance registration is required. Space is limited; please register by Dec. 1 to reserve your spot.
AI: Innovation, Responsibility and the Future We Shape
The upcoming discussion is part of this year’s Compelling Perspectives theme, “AI: Innovation, Responsibility and the Future We Shape.” The topic explores the rapid advancement of AI and what the future holds in an AI-powered world. Various viewpoints will examine how the rapid advancement of AI is reshaping industries, economies, communities and individuals, while raising critical questions about ethics, equity and accountability.
McCormick joins a powerful lineup of innovators and visionaries in the tech space in this year’s Compelling Perspectives series, including Arianna Huffington, who will reflect on the role of AI in personal health development and well-being on Nov. 18, 2025, and Steve Wozniak, who will offer his technology-informed perspective on the transformative future of AI on Jan. 29, 2026.
Launched in 2023, Compelling Perspectives provides a platform for civil discourse on complex issues and invites diverse voices to engage with the Lehigh community. The program was designed to amplify varying viewpoints on timely topics shaping our world.
