Oregon names Nevada’s communications, policy lead as state privacy chief

Oregon Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods has selected Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering, chief communications and policy officer with Nevada’s Governor’s Technology Office, as the state’s chief privacy and communications officer.

Hanna-Butros Meyering takes over for Nik Blosser, who was selected last August to serve as Oregon’s first chief privacy officer and artificial intelligence strategist. Blosser, Hanna-Butros Meyering said in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, will now serve as the state’s chief AI officer. The change, the state announced, allows Enterprise Information Services to focus on privacy and artificial intelligence as both areas become increasingly important parts of how state government manages data, adopts emerging technology and maintains public trust.

In Nevada, Hanna-Butros Meyering led strategic communications and policy coordination for statewide technology initiatives, managed media relations, supported legislative activities and facilitated interagency engagement.

As Oregon’s dual chief privacy and communications officer, he will help agencies translate privacy principles into practical decisions and repeatable processes, according to the state’s announcement. He will help implement privacy practices into structures agencies already use, including data governance, information security, project reviews, procurement, data-sharing practices, public-facing privacy notices and AI use-case review.

He will also provide executive leadership for EIS strategic communications, partnering with the agency’s communications director and program teams to help state leaders, agency partners, employees and the public understand enterprise technology priorities, decisions, services and risks.

“Privacy and artificial intelligence are each becoming more important to how state government serves Oregonians, and each deserves dedicated leadership,” Woods, the state’s CIO, said in the announcement. “Michael brings a rare combination of technology experience, policy judgment, and communication skill. He understands that privacy has to be built into how we govern data, procure technology, manage projects, and communicate with the public. As Nik focuses fully on advancing the state’s AI strategy, Michael will carry the privacy program forward in close partnership with agencies.”