Brynt Parmeter
The new Phanstiel Chair in Leadership brings expertise from top roles in the military, government and private sectors. He also brings enthusiasm for technology that’s rapidly transforming the workforce.
served as a U.S. Army colonel, chief talent management officer for the U.S. Department of Defense and senior director and head of military and veteran affairs for Walmart. His background also includes entrepreneurial roles and service on national and regional boards.
Parmeter’s role is situated in the public administration and international affairs department, where he is also a professor of practice. “He has a wealth of experience and has been incredibly innovative with technology use in his leadership roles in the private and public sectors,” says , chair and associate dean of the department. “And, he is highly engaging. I really think our students are going to enjoy his classes and learn how he takes ideas and puts them into practice.”
Parmeter will teach undergraduate and graduate students and engage with national and international security policy courses and participants in Maxwell’s executive education program. He has joined executive education courses in recent years as a guest speaker on the invitation of Director Steven Lux.
Parmeter is interested in the study and application of emerging technology, most especially artificial intelligence (AI). At the Defense Department, he used AI to streamline work, simplify processes and provide insight.
“It gave me a clear view of both the potential and the pitfalls,” he says. “AI can reduce barriers and speed up decision-making, but it also raises real governance, ethics and implementation questions. My experiences convinced me that understanding AI isn’t optional for public leaders, it’s essential.”
Since joining Maxwell in August, Parmeter has been developing a course called AI, Innovation and Public Institutions that he says will challenge students to think about how AI and other emerging technologies can strengthen public institutions. The course will be offered in the winter session to students across the University.
“I want them to leave with both a healthy skepticism and a sense of possibility and, ultimately be able to ask the right questions, connect policy and technology, and design solutions that actually work,” says Parmeter.
Additionally—as a senior research associate in the —Parmeter will help conceive panel discussions and guest speakers to expose students to a range of perspectives on timely issues. “The Campbell Public Affairs Institute is thrilled to welcome Brynt to our organization,” says Director . “His background will be invaluable in developing our expertise in AI and governance, while also helping our members reach audiences in important communities beyond the academy.”
Parmeter will also serve as a liaison to the Volcker Alliance on the that seeks to expand and create career pathways and public service roles for military veterans. Dean is chair of the deans summit, a collaborative network behind the effort.
“We’re delighted to welcome Brynt to Maxwell and excited for the many ways his expertise complements scholarship by faculty and students in our centers and institutes and in externally funded studies,” says Van Slyke. “His strategic insight, public service record and entrepreneurial spirit will greatly benefit our students and the wider University community.”
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