Do you remember the last time you had to call your local government office and ended up stuck on hold for hours?
For Chip Kennedy, founder and CEO of CivicReach, solving this universal frustration became the mission behind his innovative voice AI platform. CivicReach uses artificial intelligence to streamline government customer service, helping citizens get answers quickly while freeing up overworked staff to focus on more complex tasks.
“I want to fix what’s broken in the way we interact with local governments,” Kennedy explained. “A phone call can make all the difference, especially for someone navigating tough circumstances.”
In the latest episode of Founder Shares, Chip reflects on his journey from growing up in Boston, where his parents ran a nonprofit, to building a company focused on transforming civic engagement. He shares how these early experiences shaped his understanding of the critical role technology can play in making government services more accessible and efficient.
CivicReach’s AI acts as a “well-trained intern,” capable of handling routine calls like water bill inquiries or pothole reports. Unlike traditional systems, Kennedy’s solution focuses on improving customer experiences without compromising privacy. “Our AI gives back time to staff by taking on the routine tasks they don’t enjoy,” Kennedy said, emphasizing that the goal is to enhance human roles rather than replace them.
But building trust in the public sector comes with challenges. From navigating complex sales cycles to ensuring responsible use of AI, Kennedy’s path hasn’t been easy. Yet, his commitment to creating solutions that benefit both residents and governments keeps him moving forward. “We’re not just a tech company—we’re building relationships, trust, and smarter communities.”
As CivicReach continues to grow, Kennedy envisions a future where a simple, universal phone line can connect every citizen to their local government services efficiently, regardless of where they live. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Tune in to Founder Shares to hear how Chip Kennedy is leveraging AI to bridge the gap between citizens and their government, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
