Former California tech leader Amy Tong joins Ballard Partners to advise governments on AI policy
Amy Tong, who shaped California's approach to artificial intelligence as the state's government operations secretary and chief information officer, has joined lobbying firm Ballard Partners to lead its new Emerging Technology and AI Practice Group. She started the role on June 1 after leaving state government on January 31.
The move reflects growing demand from government clients seeking guidance on AI for Government policy, procurement and regulation as states and the federal government accelerate their AI discussions.
What Tong did in California
Tong managed a $67 billion government operations portfolio and oversaw more than $8 billion in technology investments during her tenure. She led California's first statewide generative AI strategy, established cybersecurity modernization efforts and expanded broadband access.
In 2023, California issued its first executive order governing generative AI use in state government. The order set guidelines for evaluating AI tools, managing procurement and assessing risk-an approach other states have since adopted.
The state piloted AI applications in five areas in 2024: customer service, health care facility inspections, highway traffic management, public safety and language accessibility. California has since deployed generative AI tools more widely across agencies and launched Poppy, a digital assistant for internal state use that began operating in September.
What she'll do at Ballard Partners
Tong will advise government clients on the intersection of emerging technology, artificial intelligence and public policy. She said she sees an opportunity to help bridge the gap between technological innovation and public-sector decision-making.
"I just feel at this moment when AI is evolving so rapidly, we really need to find a way to curb the development of AI, but not so much that we stifle the innovation," Tong said in an interview. "We can focus on actual application of AI as opposed to a lot of conversation around developing the tool."
Tong also plans to push federal officials toward nationwide AI regulation. She said fragmented state-by-state rules create problems for government and business.
"California does what needs to be done to set something going in the absence of federal level regulation, but I think we can get the federals to move on a responsible growth environment for AI," she said.
This is Tong's first private-sector role after 30 years in state government. She said she's eager to apply her entrepreneurial approach outside the bureaucracy.
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