Local governments are increasingly appointing some version of a chief AI officer (CAIO) to lead strategy and implementation of the new technology. Louisville, Ky., named a CAIO earlier this month. And in Denver, Suma Nallpati’s role was expanded this fall from CIO to chief AI and information officer.
Seattle announced its AI plan in September, which included the new AI leadership position; the city’s IT department announced Monday on LinkedIn that Qian will be filling the role. Among her responsibilities, she’ll coordinate the AI plan’s implementation citywide.
“Lisa brings over a decade of experience leading data science and AI initiatives across the tech and public sectors,” the IT department said on LinkedIn.
Most recently, Qian served as the senior manager of data science for LinkedIn from October 2022 through March 2025. She has also worked as senior research science manager for Convoy, Inc., and held numerous data science roles with Airbnb. Qian studied electrical engineering and physics at Rice University and earned a PhD in applied physics from Stanford University.
“This transition to public service feels like the right next chapter,” Qian said in a post on LinkedIn, noting that she will apply “everything I've learned from my experience working in tech” to her duties in Seattle.
Qian’s role will include several key focus areas.
She will work with city departments and leadership to set and maintain AI technical architecture and governance, advance skills training programs, and drive value in alignment with the city’s approach for responsible use, according to a post on LinkedIn from Rob Lloyd, the city’s chief technology officer and director of its Information Technology Department.
