Operational AI · Automation · Evaluation · Training

I design, build, and evaluate the systems that make AI work in real operations.

From first workflow to governed operation — automation that holds up, evaluation that proves it, and training that builds judgment. Proof over hype, review over shortcuts.

Erich Schmidt — portrait

About

I scale judgment, not just information.

I design, build, and evaluate the systems that make AI work in real operations — the workflows, automation, review gates, and training that turn a promising tool into dependable work.

My background is in law enforcement and digital forensics, where good decisions mattered as much as technical skill. That experience shapes how I approach AI: not as a novelty, but as a system with review gates, attack surfaces, and consequences. I've trained thousands of professionals across forensics, incident response, cybersecurity, and OSINT — and along the way authored research, disclosed vulnerabilities, and helped protect senior executives from online attacks.

I'm based in Boise and active in the Treasure Valley cyber community — mentoring, volunteering, and hosting local meetups.

How I help

Four lanes, one standard.

Operational design
Mapping workflows, finding where work stalls, and deciding what deserves automation — before a single tool is chosen.
Automation building
Designing and building the workflows, agents, and systems that turn AI capability into dependable daily work.
Evaluation & governance
Measuring what actually works, review gates, and evidence trails — so AI earns trust instead of assuming it.
Training & enablement
Building real judgment in teams — what to use, when to trust it, and where human review belongs.

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Contact

Get in touch.

For speaking, training, mentoring, or professional conversations about AI and security — message me on X or LinkedIn.