Chief AI Officer

About the Role

The Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the official artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for the State of Arkansas. This position will establish and oversee AI governance frameworks, policies, and standards in accordance with the Office of State Technology’s (OST) IT governance framework. The CAIO will collaborate with leaders across state government to support the responsible use of AI technologies at state agencies and the development of AI literacy and training resources in alignment with statewide governance standards and policies. This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a statewide inventory of AI technologies and pilot projects as they are deployed in state government, monitoring outcomes, and guiding future adoption. Additionally, this position will engage with public- and private‑sector stakeholders to promote transparency, build trust, and foster collaboration on AI initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing execution of the State of Arkansas’s artificial intelligence strategy, aligned with statewide priorities and agency needs.
• Establish and oversee statewide AI governance, including policies, standards, and guardrails, consistent with the Office of State Technology’s IT governance framework and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Serve as the central point of coordination for AI adoption across executive branch agencies, providing guidance on use cases, readiness, risk, and expected value.
• Maintain a statewide inventory of AI technologies, pilots, and deployments to support transparency, oversight, and informed decision-making.
• Provide AI governance review and guidance as part of existing OST technology governance processes.
• Collaborate with state IT, data, security, and privacy leadership to support secure infrastructure, shared services, and deployment environments required for responsible AI use.
• Promote AI literacy across state government by supporting training and education efforts for leaders, policymakers, and staff.
• Capture and disseminate lessons learned and effective practices from AI implementations to enable responsible reuse and scalability across agencies.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including agency leadership, academia, industry, and other government partners, to support transparency and informed collaboration.
• Provide executive‑level guidance and reporting on AI activities, risks, and outcomes to support oversight and strategic planning.

Knowledge and Skills

• Solid knowledge and experience with a variety of IT systems, including network administration , server management , cloud computing , and system configurations .
• Proficiency in system troubleshooting and maintenance .
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to quickly identify and resolve IT issues.
• Ability to diagnose and address system failures or performance issues efficiently.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices .
• Experience implementing and maintaining security measures to protect sensitive data and systems.
• Effective communication skills to interact with end‑users, team members, and management.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical users clearly and concisely.
• Strong attention to detail when performing system configurations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring all security protocols are followed.
• Accurate documentation and record‑keeping are essential.
• Ability to provide exceptional support to end‑users, understanding their needs and providing solutions in a timely and professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology , Computer Science , or a related field is required, plus eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in IT management or technology operations. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in an AI‑related discipline , Computer Science , Data Analytics , or Public Administration .
• Knowledge and familiarity with modern AI and computing technologies .
• Experience developing or overseeing technology governance plans , risk management frameworks , and/or technology policy initiatives .
• Basic understanding of the AI policy landscape at the Federal and State level.
• Demonstrated experience in cross‑departmental collaboration and large‑scale program implementation .
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts to policymakers and executive leadership.
• Record of success leading AI or advanced analytics initiatives that improved service delivery, efficiency, or decision‑making.
• Experience engaging with employers, academia, or private‑sector partners to foster responsible AI innovation.