President Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order was a catalyst for the appointment of chief AI officers across federal agencies. About two-thirds of U.S. federal agencies had done so as of June.
AI leadership varies by state, but states are increasingly appointing a dedicated AI staff member to inform AI advancement.
In New Jersey, Beth Simone Noveck has taken the reins as the state’s first chief AI strategist. She has already helped initiate training thousands of government workers to use generative AI through a course designed to inform public-sector officials about how to use AI.
New Jersey is not the only Eastern Seaboard state dedicating staff to advancing AI. In Maryland, Nishant Shah serves as the senior adviser for responsible AI. The technology is already being used in many software platforms and social media platforms, Shah previously told Government Technology, but operationalizing guardrails can help ensure AI use is fair and transparent.
In Vermont, Josiah Raiche serves as chief data and artificial intelligence officer. His state is prioritizing the intersection of quality data and responsible AI use to address a rapid shift in AI. As he explained during a GOVChats event, AI discussions previously consisted primarily of machine learning but now often include generative AI and large language models.
In Georgia, Nikhil Deshpande serves as chief digital and AI officer. The state’s innovation lab is largely focused on AI and will be a place for agencies to “purely experiment,” Deshpande previously told GT.
At the local level, such hiring efforts are emerging, though less prominent. In November, the city of Gilbert, Ariz., elevated its Assistant Chief Technology Officer Eugene Meija to serve as the chief AI strategy and transformation officer.
In Long Beach, officials are seeking to hire an AI fellow, a part-time, temporary position — but one viewed as crucial.
“The AI fellow role is pivotal in advancing our broader technology strategy and our AI readiness,” Ryan Kurtzman, technology partnerships officer for the city, said via email. “We are looking for candidates committed to using AI for social good, and eager to design guardrails and guidance for our staff to explore AI tools safely, and with community needs at the center.”
Long Beach’s AI fellow will be responsible for helping to craft AI policies and create resources including educational materials to empower city staff to safely implement AI. The person selected will help guide the city’s evaluation and adoption of AI tools to minimize risk and ensure AI is used for the public good.
The AI fellow will work for the city’s Technology and Innovation Department, under the direction of Kurtzman. The application period closes Friday, Aug. 23.
