Oklahoma has appointed Tai Phan as its inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Officer, a move aimed at accelerating the state’s digital modernization and responsible AI adoption. Phan’s role will be crucial in guiding state agencies to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency, security, and citizen services.
Key Takeaways
- Tai Phan appointed as Oklahoma’s first Chief AI and Technology Officer.
- Role focuses on driving digital modernization and responsible AI adoption.
- Aims to streamline operations, enhance security, and improve citizen services.
- Appointment follows recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technologies.
Driving Digital Modernization and AI Strategy
Tai Phan will lead Oklahoma’s efforts to embrace artificial intelligence and modern technology, with a focus on making government operations more efficient. His responsibilities include identifying opportunities for AI to streamline processes, reduce manual labor, and ensure the security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of state systems. Phan emphasized his honor in stepping into the role, stating, "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."
Ethical Standards and Best Practices
A significant aspect of Phan’s new position involves partnering with state leadership to establish robust ethical standards and best practices for AI and enterprise technology modernization. This includes ensuring privacy, promoting transparency, and maintaining fairness and accountability in technology implementation. The appointment directly addresses a recommendation from the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technologies, which called for a dedicated state AI officer to set strategy, vision, and guardrails for AI adoption.
A Pivotal Moment for Oklahoma
State Chief Operating Officer David Ostrowe described the appointment as a "pivotal moment" for Oklahoma, highlighting Phan’s responsibility and opportunity to drive significant change across state government. Phan’s background includes serving as the Chief Technology Officer for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), where he contributed to the state’s IT Strategic Plan. His prior experience spans enterprise-level technology modernization and responsible AI adoption within Fortune 500 companies and public-sector organizations. Chief Information Officer Dan Cronin noted Phan’s "rare combination of public- and private-sector experience" and his ability to deliver "real, practical outcomes."
Phan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems and a Bachelor of Science in organizational behavior from the University of Oklahoma. His salary for the role is set at $190,000.
Sources
- Oklahoma names chief AI and technology officer • Oklahoma Voice, Oklahoma Voice.
- Tai Phan announced as State Chief AI and Technology Officer, Oklahoma.gov.
- Oklahoma Appoints First Chief AI and Technology Officer, GovTech.
- Oklahoma names new Chief AI and Technology Officer | News, fox23.com.
- Oklahoma names first State Chief AI and Technology Officer to lead AI adoption, KOKH.
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