Arkansas Seeks Its First Chief AI Officer to Guide Strategy

The state of Arkansas is recruiting for its first-ever chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO), who will lead efforts to develop and implement the state’s AI strategy, as recommended earlier this year.

Various states have named or are seeking C-suite AI officers. Oklahoma in November appointed Tai Phan as its inaugural chief AI and technology officer. And in March, North Carolina named I-Sah Hsieh as its first deputy secretary of AI and policy.

“The role is being established as the senior leader responsible for statewide AI strategy,” Heather Saco, the Arkansas Data Office chief administrator, said via email. “The process is underway. We will take the time necessary to find the best-qualified candidate for this position.”

According to the job description, its responsibilities include establishing an AI governance framework, maintaining a statewide inventory of AI use cases, and coordinating with public- and private-sector partners on transparency and responsible deployment. The position will be housed within the Office of State Technology (OST) and report to executive leadership. OST is part of the Department of Shared Administrative Services.

The appointment will follow a recommendation from the AI and Analytics Center of Excellence to bring in a state AI officer to help set strategy, create a vision and set guardrails for adoption. The task force presented its findings earlier this year and has completed its work, Saco said.

“Once direction is set, the chief AI officer will guide the next phase and ensure the work aligns with the state’s broader priorities,” she said. “The CAIO may convene working groups or advisory bodies as needed to support implementation across executive agencies.”