Montana Seeks Its First Chief AI Officer
Montana is stepping forward by creating an executive role dedicated to artificial intelligence strategy and ethical AI implementation. The state aims to hire its inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) to lead these efforts.
This move follows a growing trend among states like New Jersey, New York, and Arkansas, where officials recognize the need for leadership focused on AI policymaking and practical application.
Role and Responsibilities of Montana’s CAIO
The CAIO will be part of the State Information Technology Services Division within Montana’s Department of Administration, reporting directly to the state CIO, Kevin Gilbertson.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting and executing a statewide AI strategy.
- Overseeing ethical AI use across government.
- Establishing an AI Community of Practice involving state agencies, educational institutions, tribal governments, and private-sector partners.
- Leading the development of secure, compliant AI solutions to improve public services and reduce technical debt.
- Designing a secure sandbox environment for AI prototyping.
- Developing AI literacy programs and tools to support responsible AI procurement and use.
While the position does not initially include direct supervisory duties, this could change as Montana’s AI initiatives expand. The CAIO will also track performance indicators like compliance metrics and pilot outcomes to ensure accountability and progress.
Statewide AI Integration and Workforce Development
Following Governor Greg Gianforte’s executive order signed on August 11, Montana is integrating AI more broadly into workforce development. The order directs the inclusion of AI skills in career-readiness programs and encourages the use of AI tools to assist job seekers in exploring career paths.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants for the CAIO role should have:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Experience with AI technologies and leadership in large-scale technology initiatives.
- Familiarity with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework.
- Knowledge of cloud computing platforms and AI policy.
This full-time position offers an opportunity to shape how AI is responsibly integrated into state government, focusing on practical solutions that serve Montana’s residents effectively.
For professionals interested in enhancing their AI skills to align with roles like this, exploring relevant training can be valuable. Resources such as Complete AI Training's latest AI courses provide practical knowledge suited for government and IT professionals.
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