The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has appointed I-Sah Hsieh as its inaugural executive for artificial intelligence governance and policy. In this newly established role, Hsieh is tasked with advancing the state’s implementation of artificial intelligence technologies while ensuring digital safety, ethical standards, and data privacy. His appointment reflects North Carolina’s strategic commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for increased government efficiency and effectiveness, balanced by robust oversight.
NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione emphasized that Hsieh will oversee governance structures designed to prioritize ethics and cybersecurity. She highlighted the necessity for close collaboration with the General Assembly, private-sector partners, and government users as the state strives to both innovate and safeguard community interests. Hsieh brings over 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence governance and data ethics, departing from his previous role as the practice principal for artificial intelligence governance and data ethics at SAS. He has also provided consultancy on artificial intelligence strategy to policymakers, the United Nations, Fortune 1000 leaders, and non-profit organizations, and holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Cornell University.
In 2024, NCDIT piloted the North Carolina Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Framework. This initiative offers a standardized approach for state agencies to responsibly adopt artificial intelligence in accordance with data protection and privacy laws. As part of its broader effort, the department is deploying educational resources and comprehensive training for state employees on generative artificial intelligence, reinforcing a culture of responsible innovation across government services. Additional information and resources on the state’s artificial intelligence initiatives are available on the NCDIT website.
