Hi, I'm Tim Cool
CIO at Riverside Superior Court, where I lead IT infrastructure, strategic planning, and technology initiatives for one of California's largest court systems.
I share insights on implementing AI in local government and court systems—cutting through the hype to focus on what actually works with limited budgets, legacy systems, and complex organizational dynamics.
Why I Share These Insights
Working in court systems and local government, I've seen the same pattern repeat:
Public sector organizations get sold enterprise solutions designed for Fortune 500 companies.The vendors promise transformation. The implementations fail. Taxpayer money gets wasted. Staff becomes skeptical of "the next big thing."
AI doesn't have to follow that pattern—but only if we approach it differently.
Government and court systems face unique challenges that Silicon Valley rarely understands:
- Limited budgets and small IT teams
- Legacy systems that can't be easily replaced
- Strict procurement and security requirements
- Public accountability and transparency mandates
- High-stakes operations where failure isn't an option
- Risk-averse cultures born from real consequences
This site shares what I've learned navigating these constraints: case studies from real implementations, frameworks you can actually use, and strategies for leading change in complex public sector organizations.
Background & Experience
Current Role: CIO, Riverside Superior Court
As CIO of Riverside Superior Court, I oversee IT operations for one of California's largest trial court systems, serving over 2.4 million residents across Riverside County. My responsibilities include IT infrastructure, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and evaluating emerging technologies like AI for potential implementation.
The court system presents unique challenges: stringent security requirements, complex legacy systems, tight budgets, and the need for solutions that work reliably under high-stakes conditions. These constraints have taught me to be pragmatic about technology adoption—focusing on what delivers measurable value, not what's trendy.
AI & Technology Leadership
Over two decades in IT leadership, I've navigated the challenges familiar to every government CIO: aging infrastructure, limited resources, procurement constraints, and the pressure to modernize while maintaining critical operations.
I've explored AI implementations, evaluated vendors, built business cases for skeptical stakeholders, and learned what works (and what doesn't) in government contexts. My focus is on practical, achievable AI applications that improve operations without requiring massive budgets or wholesale system replacements.
Speaking & Knowledge Sharing
Outside my role at the court, I speak at conferences including NASCIO and MISAC, sharing insights on AI implementation, technology leadership, and organizational change in government settings.
Recent presentations include:
- "Embracing AI: The Best Intern You've Ever Had"
- "Building Your Personal Brand as a CIO"
- "Practical AI Implementation for Resource-Constrained Organizations"
My Approach to AI in Local Government
What I Believe
- ✓ Start with problems, not technology
- ✓ Prove value in 90 days or less
- ✓ Share real costs and timelines
- ✓ Learn from failures, not just successes
- ✓ Prioritize staff augmentation over replacement
- ✓ Build organizational change capacity
What I Don't Do
- ✗ Hype AI as a silver bullet
- ✗ Recommend complex, expensive platforms
- ✗ Ignore implementation challenges
- ✗ Overpromise outcomes
- ✗ Push vendor relationships
- ✗ Provide one-size-fits-all advice
Speaking & Advisory Services
Outside my role at Riverside Superior Court, I offer speaking engagements and advisory services to help other government organizations navigate AI implementation. All engagements are conducted with appropriate approvals and outside normal work hours.
AI Readiness Assessment
90-minute workshop to assess your organization's AI readiness across 12 dimensions. You'll leave with a prioritized gap analysis and 90-day action plan.
Best for: Organizations considering their first AI initiative
AI Pilot Design & Support
Help designing, launching, and evaluating AI pilots. Includes use case selection, vendor evaluation, success metrics definition, and organizational change planning.
Best for: CIOs planning to launch an AI pilot in the next 90 days
Executive Presentation Coaching
One-on-one coaching to prepare your budget request, council presentation, or executive briefing. I'll help you craft the narrative, anticipate objections, and communicate ROI effectively.
Best for: CIOs preparing to present AI initiatives to elected officials or executive teams
Speaking & Workshops
Conference keynotes, workshop facilitation, and staff training on AI implementation, organizational change, and technology leadership.
Best for: Conferences, leadership retreats, and professional development events
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