Kristen Perdue pushes practical AI governance for smaller firms

Kristen Perdue, CEO of AlterBridge Strategies, is positioning herself as a fractional AI executive for companies that need help turning artificial intelligence into governed, business-ready operations. Her profile highlights more than 35 years in software, marketing, compliance, and operations, plus a focus on helping small and mid-market firms adopt AI responsibly.

Why it matters: - Businesses are under pressure to adopt AI quickly, but many lack the governance, strategy, and leadership needed to do it safely. - Perdue’s model targets that gap, especially for SaaS companies, regulated firms, and expert-led businesses that need executive-level AI guidance without hiring a full-time chief AI officer. - Strong information governance matters because AI systems often rely on company documents, emails, and customer records. - Better governance can reduce risk, support compliance, and improve trust in AI outputs.

What happened: - Influential Women published a profile of Kristen Perdue, CEO of AlterBridge Strategies and a fractional chief AI officer. - Perdue is presented as an AI strategist focused on helping organizations turn artificial intelligence into a practical, governed business capability. - She has more than 35 years of experience across software technology, SaaS, development management, product management, marketing, compliance, and operations. - Her work centers on AI strategy, AI governance and responsible adoption, and fractional CAIO advisory. - She advises SaaS and software companies, professional services firms, and other regulated organizations. - Perdue created Power Moves AI and wrote Power Moves: The No B-S Guide to Leading with AI.

The details: - Perdue’s career began in software development management before she moved into product management, product marketing, go-to-market strategy, and executive leadership. - She later served as CMO or head of marketing for AI-focused companies. - Her early work with machine learning, intelligent search, and enterprise information management shaped her approach to AI adoption. - She now helps leaders build AI roadmaps, governance frameworks, vendor evaluation strategies, workflow improvements, and adoption programs. - Perdue has trained hundreds of leaders on AI strategy, responsible adoption, and governance. - Her credentials include Certified Chief AI Officer, Certified Information Governance Officer/AI, Certified Chief Information Governance Officer/Artificial Intelligence, AI Executive Certification, Certified AI Consultant, and Chief AI Marketing Officer. - She also has training in generative AI, SEO/AEO, and pay-per-click advertising. - Perdue earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. - She is a member of CAIO.com and AIIM. - Her profile says fractional CAIOs help small and mid-market firms set strategy, establish policies, evaluate tools, and train teams on a part-time basis. - Information governance focuses on how organizations manage, protect, and retain information across its life cycle.

Between the lines: - The profile reflects a broader shift from AI experimentation to AI operationalization. - Perdue’s message is that companies are moving too fast toward AI agents before fully understanding generative AI. - Her emphasis on governance suggests that AI adoption is becoming as much a management problem as a technical one. - She frames responsible AI as a way to create measurable business value, not just a compliance exercise. - Her background in marketing, product, and governance positions her as a bridge between technical teams and executive decision-makers.

What's next: - Perdue says successful AI adoption will require thoughtful governance, strategic planning, and a clear view of both opportunity and risk. - She encourages young women entering the field to stay curious, keep learning, and experiment with emerging tools. - She also urges leaders to focus on real business problems and build a culture of experimentation. - Her continued work at AlterBridge Strategies will likely stay centered on helping smaller organizations adopt AI with controls, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

The bottom line: - Perdue’s pitch is simple: make AI practical, govern it well, and tie it to business results.