The executive order (EO) on artificial intelligence, issued in October of 2023, calls on agencies to designate a chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO) responsible for coordinating AI use, promoting AI innovation, and handling AI-related risk management within their agency. Efforts are underway to codify this mandate, with bills introduced in the House and Senate that would turn the EO recommendation into law.
In the year since the mandate and in advance of legislated requirements, agencies have worked to not only fill but define this new CAIO role. In some instances, CAIO duties have been added to the job description for an existing executive--typically the chief data officer or chief technology officer--but in others, a stand-alone position has been created to meet the agency's AI needs.
We took a look at a cross-section of agencies to see how this role is being filled and defined, as well as how these leaders are driving the use of AI in government.
- CISA - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency named Lisa Einstein its first CAIO. In this role, Einstein will focus on how to leverage AI to advance cyber defenses and support critical infrastructure owners and operators. CISA has been utilizing AI in a number of ways, including in the Automated Indicator Sharing program, which processes cyber threat indicators and defensive measures in real time and then shares that data with other agencies.
- HHS - Health and Human Services reorganized its technology leadership to include the new CAIO role as part of an effort to ensure tight collaboration between chief technology, data, and AI officer roles. Initial AI-focused efforts include defining policies to ensure health organizations feel comfortable implementing and using AI tools.
- TSA - The Transportation Security Administration has combined the roles of chief technology, data, and artificial intelligence officer into a single position. While that seems like a lot for one person to wear, Matt Gilkeson, who currently holds the role, pointed out that there is so much interaction between the data, AI, and tech functions that coordinating the efforts is easier than it may appear. He is focused on training staff on the use of AI so that it can be implemented to improve airport screening processes and generate content to help travelers understand and navigate TSA's various policies.
- Energy - The Department of Energy manages AI efforts out of its Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies. The director of this office, Helena Fu, has taken on the CAIO role and works closely with the department's chief information officer to bridge research and development related to AI with its use in daily operations.
- Labor - The Labor Department's chief technology officer and director of technology, innovation and engineering, Mangala Kuppa, also works as Labor's chief AI officer. She is tasked with developing AI use policies for the public at large as they relate to Labor's role in protecting the welfare of workers.
To hear directly from CAIOs and learn more about AI efforts in government, check out these events and resources:
- ATARC's Federal Health IT Summit (November 7, 2024; Reston, VA) - In an era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, its integration into healthcare is poised to revolutionize the landscape of mental health treatment. This panel discussion will delve into the transformative potential of AI in mental healthcare, exploring its role in facilitating precision medicine and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
- AI Summit (November 7, 2024; Tysons Corner, VA) - AI is poised to make a tremendous impact on federal government systems and the workforce for its ability to save time and money. Hear how agencies are strategizing to get on board with the technology while integrating it responsibly.
- Think Leadership Exchange Washington D.C. (November 20, 2024; Washington, DC) - With Federal agencies working to integrate artificial intelligence into a growing variety of missions, Federal leaders are turning their attention to building AI models to last and scaling them across organizations. This event will explore smart ways to scale AI in Federal organizations, from automating workflows and enhancing innovation to building value as part of a savvy digital transformation strategy.
- Enabling Principles for Artificial Intelligence Governance (white paper) - The question of how to govern artificial intelligence (AI) is rightfully top of mind for U.S. lawmakers and policymakers alike. Strides in the development of high-powered large language models like ChatGPT/GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot have demonstrated the potentially transformative impact that AI could have on society, replete with opportunities and risks.
- Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence - Transforming the U.S. Government (white paper) - AI has become a prominent and vital solution to mounting cybersecurity challenges in the Federal government. AI is drastically and quickly shifting the cybersecurity landscape, which is thrusting federal agencies to the forefront of innovation like never before. The Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC) hosted a roundtable of federal experts to discuss the complex challenges AI brings.
- How to Responsibly and Effectively Use Artificial Intelligence in Government (white paper) - AI has played a key role in moving many administration goals forward. However, this has brought important discussions around responsible use regarding privacy, ethics, and equity. Learn about the impact AI has on how our government works and serves its citizens.
For more on government's AI evolution, search for additional events and resources on GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
