AI added to Denver CIO’s title

Denver has expanded the role of Chief Information Officer Suma Nallapati, making her the city and county’s first chief artificial intelligence and information officer, overseeing the development and deployment of AI across the local government’s agencies.

Mayor Mike Johnston announced Monday that Nallapati will oversee the city’s strategy for scaling up AI across city and county functions, including internal service automation, permit reviews, emergency response, sustainable infrastructure and resident engagement.

According to a press release, Nallapati’s new title reflects the city’s commitment to using AI as “a responsible, resident-centered tool to improve public services and ensure technology serves all communities equitably and ethically.”

“AI is no longer just a tool — it’s a core capability for a more responsive, resilient, and resident-focused government,” she said in the release. “I am honored to lead this next chapter as we responsibly scale AI to improve lives, close equity gaps, and deliver smarter public services for every Denverite.”

Nallapati has more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She served as CIO of Colorado and the chief digital officer of Dish Network, the television provider.

As Denver’s CIO, Nallapati has launched several AI initiatives, including the Sunny chatbot and an effort to solicit AI products that could improve city operations and residents’ experiences in dealing with the local government.

As CAIO, Nallapati will focus on developing and implementing Denver’s AI strategy, including standards for governance and equity and building public trust by publishing dashboards and engaging with communities on the ethical use of AI.

“Denver is positioning itself as the nation’s most forward-thinking AI city,” Johnston said in the press release. “Suma has been a visionary leader in technology, and with this expanded role, she will ensure that AI is not only effective but also ethical, inclusive, and deeply human-centered. This is about more than just implementing technology; it’s about building public trust, closing opportunity gaps, and ensuring every Denverite has a voice in the future we’re building.”

Several state and local officials have seen their roles similarly expand in recent years. Nikhil Deshpande, who served as Georgia’s chief digital officer, took on an added role as the state’s chief AI officer in 2023. Josiah Raiche was named to lead Vermont’s combined data and AI teams as the state’s chief data and AI officer.