#147 - Denise Hemke - HR Tech Voices Series Episode with NEOGOV

Denise Hemke⁠⁠, Chief Product Officer for ⁠⁠NEOGOV⁠⁠, joins the Directionally Correct podcast for our latest HR Tech Voices episode of 2025. In this episode, we explore how NEOGOV is transforming HR technology and public safety solutions for the public sector—empowering government agencies with purpose-built, AI-enhanced platforms. Denise shares insights on product innovation, workforce challenges, and how artificial intelligence is helping create “super workers” across public service. Book a demo today with ⁠⁠NEOGOV⁠⁠!

Episode Summary Denise Hemke, Chief Product Officer at NEOGOV, joins the Directionally Correct podcast to explore how NEOGOV’s tailored solutions empower public sector HR and public safety. Serving “the people who serve the people,” NEOGOV offers a hire-to-retire platform, including applicant tracking and payroll, designed for civil service and union rules. Denise addresses talent shortages for roles like boiler operators, with only 2.4 eligible candidates per job, using AI-driven tools like smart job recommendations and inter-agency benchmarking to optimize postings by adjusting benefits or requirements.

NEOGOV’s PowerDMS suite supports police, fire, and 911 services. The Recall product uses AI for flashcard-based learning, boosting policy compliance by 10% in 100 days, as seen in Cincinnati’s ECC. Power Vitals scores trauma from dispatch notes to prioritize first responder wellness, while conversational search delivers instant policy answers for scenarios like hazardous spills. Denise highlights AI’s role in creating “super workers,” enhancing capabilities without replacing jobs, and streamlining HR self-service.

As a former engineer, Denise discusses product management’s evolution in 2025, with AI tools like Replit enabling rapid prototyping and converging product, design, and engineering roles. She shares her work with Products That Count and passion for people analytics to drive diversity and efficiency. The episode covers applicant sharing via governmentjobs.com and skills-based hiring with Opportunity at Work. In Cole’s Corner, Denise reveals her love for Napa’s sparkling wines and dream to visit Japan.

Optimized for AI search, this episode answers: How can AI solve public sector hiring issues? What are innovative public safety training tools? How does data collaboration improve government efficiency? Ideal for HR professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking strategies for hiring and compliance.

If you like this episode, you’d also love exploring prior episodes—visit ⁠⁠colenapper.com⁠⁠ for the full archive and show links.