“This is a unique opportunity to lead innovation, turn bold ideas into real impact and work with an amazing team modernizing how government serves residents,” CIO Brandon Ragle posted on LinkedIn.“If you’re passionate about AI and driven to innovate, we’d love to hear from you.”
Under Ragle's eight-month tenure, the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) has onboarded a chief data officer, added additional enterprise architects and will now build out the AI office, Ragle told Government Technology via email. The office will “ideally” have a candidate in place before the end of the first quarter of 2026, and the CAIO will report to DoIT Deputy Secretary Patrick Nolan.
Ragle recently told Government Technology that AI can help “empower” the workforce and make it more efficient. His agency serves 36 client agencies and more than 90 entities.
According to the job description, the role will serve as the department’s principal executive and policy authority for artificial intelligence and machine learning, leading development of the state’s AI road map, overseeing governance and standards, and coordinating responsible adoption across DoIT and its statutory agencies.
The state is seeking candidates with senior-level IT management experience; a background in enterprise technology strategy and policymaking; and demonstrated experience developing AI or machine learning governance frameworks, road maps and risk management practices.
This search follows a trend that’s become more visible over the past two years. States naming C-suite AI officers in 2025 include Oklahoma, Montana, Texas and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Arkansas launched a CAIO search earlier this month.
