Oklahoma names state’s first AI chief
Oklahoma’s information technology division on Friday announced that Tai Phan, the state’s chief technology officer, has taken on new responsibilities in leading the state’s artificial intelligence efforts.
As the state’s first chief AI and technology officer, Phan has been appointed to a role recommended by an AI task force run out of the governor’s office. In a report to Gov. Kevin Stitt last year, the group issued its final report, recommending, among other things, that the state create a new role that would oversee all AI systems throughout the state, lead the state’s AI strategy and chair its AI oversight committee.
In a press release, Phan noted that AI technologies “carry both extraordinary promise and perils.”
“We have a remarkable opportunity to rethink how government operates by bringing forward innovation with trust by design to strengthen our mission, improve services and deliver meaningful, measurable impact for the people of Oklahoma,” he said in the release.
According to the release, his responsibilities will also include setting ethical standards and “best practices” for “for AI and enterprise technology modernization, transformation delivery and cost-efficient use.” The release also notes the importance of privacy, transparency, fairness and accountability.
The task force report calls the pace of AI’s development “relentless” and recommends, therefore, adjustments to the state’s 12-18 month budgetary cycles that would allow more rapid access to funding.
Phan was recruited as state CTO in March after a career in the private sector that included IT leadership roles at Foot Locker, Wallgreens, CVS Health and the consulting firm Saxony Partners.
With the addition of AI to his title, Phan joins a small but growing list of states with roles dedicated explicitly to AI governance. Several other states, including Georgia, Montana, New York, Texas and Vermont, have created similar roles.
