James Spignardo

I’m Jim Spignardo, Director of Cloud Strategy & AI Enablement at ProArch and a passionate advocate for helping people get real value out of technology. With experience leading AI initiatives, driving Microsoft Copilot adoption, and chairing AI governance efforts, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful AI can be when it’s applied thoughtfully and accessibly.

The CNY/WNY Copilot & AI User Group exists to make that power real for our community. Our mission is to demystify AI, explore practical use cases, and create a space where professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts can learn, share, and connect.

We host events that mix hands-on demos, community lightning talks, panel discussions, and networking. From exploring prompt engineering and Copilot best practices, to discussing AI governance and security, to showcasing real-world success stories, our events are designed to be practical, collaborative, and forward-looking.

This isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a community where ideas can grow, skills can sharpen, and people across Central and Western New York can connect around the future of work.