The US Government Appoints Its First Federal Chief AI Officer
The U.S. government has introduced a new role: Federal Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). Gregory Barbaccia, already serving as the Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO), has started using the CAIO title alongside his existing responsibilities.
Barbaccia recently referred to himself as the Federal CAIO during a CNBC interview and in a social media post. A federal AI official also confirmed that he used the title in a recent meeting, signaling a shift toward formal recognition of AI leadership within the federal government.
Purpose and Vision of the Federal CAIO Role
Barbaccia emphasized that the goal of AI adoption in government is to enhance efficiency and impact, not to replace employees. In his own words, “AI can augment human skills, not displace them.” His focus is on empowering the workforce and improving public service through smarter technology use.
This move aligns with the current administration’s AI priorities, reflected in the White House AI Action Plan. The plan highlights how transformative AI can support responsive government services that Americans expect.
Formal Status of the CAIO Position
Interestingly, the AI Action Plan and related executive orders do not formally establish the Federal CAIO position. No such role existed during the previous administration, and there is no official documentation that confirms the position’s establishment under current policies.
Despite this, Barbaccia’s dual role suggests an informal but growing recognition of AI’s significance in federal operations.
Leadership and Coordination of Federal AI Efforts
As CIO, Barbaccia leads the CIO Council, which brings together chief technology leaders across federal agencies. He also appears to be at the helm of the Chief AI Officers’ Council, a group composed of CAIOs from various agencies tasked with coordinating AI adoption government-wide.
The AI Action Plan calls for formalizing this council to serve as the main forum for interagency collaboration on AI. While public information about the council’s activities is limited, it has reportedly held recent meetings.
Formalizing this body could grant the Federal CAIO substantial influence over how AI tools are integrated and managed across government departments.
What This Means for Federal Employees
AI adoption in government is geared toward improving workflows and public service delivery. Federal employees should expect AI initiatives aimed at augmenting their skills and making their work more efficient.
For those interested in strengthening their AI knowledge within the government context, exploring specialized training can be beneficial. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses for government jobs offer practical skills to stay current with AI developments relevant to public service.
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