Under her leadership, the state has been at the forefront of AI adoption with initiatives like the Georgia AI Innovation Lab and the creation of AI use standards, designed to ensure responsible implementation of emerging technologies. Slated to open in 2025, the lab will serve as a catalyst for AI and emerging technology in state and local government, providing a collaborative space for agencies, private-sector partners and academia to pilot projects.
Security and data privacy also remain top priorities for Georgia, as the state adds recruiting a chief data officer (CDO) this year to its list of to-dos.
“Making sure that we have a CDO will not only streamline state operations but also create a strong foundation for our AI-driven decision-making benefits for our citizens,” Thomas said.
Beyond policy and data, Thomas is dedicated to workforce development, particularly in cybersecurity. Through a new initiative called Local Education/Government Information Technology (LEGIT), Georgia is working with industry leaders like IBM, Google and Amazon Web Services to introduce cybersecurity education in middle schools.
“We’ve got to start early. Other countries start early — we don’t,” she said. “We need to get into middle schools and make cybersecurity cool, showing students the exciting opportunities available.”
Additionally, Georgia is modernizing legacy applications through the Technology Empowerment Fund, with one of the largest projects focusing on integrating eligibility systems for critical social services like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid and child-care assistance.
For Thomas, the overall tech progress made in Georgia is due to the collective vision of state government.
“Our success is not just about my work, but it’s also the vision behind it,” she said. “That vision comes from our governor, our legislators, all of our state agencies and my staff. It’s a collaborative effort.”
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Government Technology magazine. Click here to view the full digital edition online.
