Montana Pursues Leadership in AI: Aiming for the First Chief AI Officer Appointment

August 26, 2025

Montana Creates State’s frist Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Position

helena, Montana – In a move reflecting the increasing importance of Artificial Intelligence in public service, the state of Montana has announced the creation of a new executive position: Chief Artificial Intelligence officer (CAIO). This proclamation, made Friday, marks the first time the state will dedicate a C-suite level role to overseeing and guiding the implementation of AI strategies across all sectors.

A Growing Trend Across the Nation

Montana is not alone in recognizing the need for dedicated AI leadership.Several states,including New Jersey,New York,and Arkansas,have already established similar positions.This nationwide trend underscores a growing consensus among state officials about the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and the necessity for proactive governance in this rapidly evolving field. According to a recent report by Deloitte, state and local government spending on AI is projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2028.

Responsibilities of the New CAIO

the newly created CAIO role, which will report directly to State Chief details officer Kevin Gilbertson, encompasses a broad range of responsibilities.These include the development and implementation of a statewide AI strategy, ensuring the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, and fostering collaboration through a new AI Community of Practice. This community will connect state agencies, educational institutions, tribal governments, and private sector entities.

The CAIO will also be tasked with building a secure testing habitat – a “sandbox” – for prototyping AI solutions, spearheading AI literacy programs, and establishing guidelines for responsible AI procurement within state agencies. A key objective will be to enhance public services, streamline processes, and reduce technical debt through the strategic submission of AI technologies.

Looking Ahead: Workforce Development and AI Integration

Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed an executive order on August 11th,emphasizing the integration of Artificial Intelligence into workforce development initiatives.This directive calls for incorporating AI skills training into career-readiness programs and leveraging AI tools to support job seekers. The state’s focus is on preparing its workforce for the demands of an increasingly AI-driven economy.

the ideal candidate for this position will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, meaningful experience in Artificial Intelligence leadership, and a deep understanding of the National Institute of Standards and technology’s (NIST) AI Risk Management framework. While the role does not initially include direct supervisory responsibilities, the state anticipates potential expansion as its AI initiatives mature.

Did you know? The global Artificial Intelligence market is estimated to reach $407 billion in 2027, according to Statista.

state	CAIO Appointed?	Year of Appointment (if applicable)
New Jersey	Yes	2023
New York	Yes	2024
Arkansas	Planning Stage	2024
Montana	Yes (position open)	2025

The Rise of the CAIO: A Long-Term Viewpoint

The emergence of the Chief Artificial Intelligence officer role reflects a broader shift in government towards embracing technological innovation. as AI continues to permeate various aspects of society, governments are recognizing the need for specialized leadership to navigate the opportunities and challenges it presents. This trend is expected to continue, with more states and municipalities creating similar positions in the coming years.

Pro Tip: Government agencies should prioritize building internal expertise in AI ethics and responsible AI development to ensure that AI solutions are deployed in a fair, obvious, and accountable manner.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Montana CAIO

• What is the primary goal of Montana’s new CAIO position? The main goal is to establish and implement a statewide Artificial Intelligence strategy.
• Who will the CAIO report to? The CAIO will directly report to the State Chief Information Officer, Kevin Gilbertson.
• What skills are being sought in the CAIO candidate? A bachelor’s degree, experience in AI, leadership skills, and understanding of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework are required.
• Is this role supervisory? Initially, no, but the state anticipates potential supervisory responsibilities as the AI program expands.
• Why are states creating CAIO positions now? States are recognizing the transformative potential of AI and need dedicated leadership to govern its implementation.
• What is the AI Risk Management framework? The NIST AI Risk Management Framework is a set of guidelines to help organizations manage risks associated with AI systems.
• How will Montana integrate AI into its workforce? Through executive orders focused on workforce development and skills training programs.

What are your thoughts on Montana’s proactive approach to Artificial Intelligence?

How do you foresee the role of the CAIO evolving in the coming years?

What specific economic diversification opportunities does AI present for Montana,beyond simply “high-paying jobs”?

Montana Pursues Leadership in AI: Aiming for the Frist Chief AI Officer Appointment

The Drive for AI Governance in Big Sky Country

Montana is making a bold move to position itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and responsible implementation. The state government is actively exploring the appointment of a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) – a potentially groundbreaking step that would make montana the first state in the nation to establish such a role. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of AIS transformative potential across various sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to cybersecurity and economic advancement. The focus isn’t simply on using AI,but on governing its integration strategically and ethically.

Why a Chief AI Officer for Montana?

The impetus behind this move stems from several key factors:

Economic Diversification: Montana seeks to diversify its economy beyond conventional industries. AI presents opportunities for innovation and the creation of high-paying jobs in emerging tech fields.

Rural Broadband Expansion: ongoing efforts to expand broadband access across Montana are laying the groundwork for wider AI adoption, especially in rural communities.

Data-Driven Decision Making: The state aims to leverage AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, utilizing data analytics for better policy outcomes.

Cybersecurity Enhancement: AI-powered cybersecurity solutions are crucial for protecting Montana’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data from evolving threats.

Addressing workforce Needs: A CAIO would be instrumental in developing workforce training programs to equip Montanans with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.This includes focusing on AI skills gap solutions.

Responsibilities of Montana’s Potential CAIO

The proposed role of the Chief AI officer is envisioned as a multifaceted one, encompassing:

1. AI Strategy Development: Creating a thorough statewide AI strategy aligned with Montana’s economic and social goals. This strategy will likely address responsible AI principles.
2. Policy and Regulation: Developing and recommending policies and regulations governing the ethical and responsible use of AI within the state. This includes considerations for AI ethics and AI governance.
3. Interagency Coordination: Facilitating collaboration between state agencies to identify opportunities for AI implementation and avoid duplication of effort.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering partnerships with private sector companies, research institutions, and universities to accelerate AI innovation in Montana.
5. Workforce Development: Leading initiatives to train and upskill the Montana workforce in AI-related fields, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
6. AI Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with AI deployment, such as bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement.

Montana’s AI Landscape: Current Initiatives

While a CAIO is still under consideration,Montana has already begun laying the foundation for AI adoption:

Montana department of Commerce: The Department of Commerce is actively exploring AI applications for economic development and workforce training.

Montana State University (MSU): MSU is a leading research institution in AI, with ongoing projects in areas such as agricultural technology, environmental monitoring, and cybersecurity. MSU’s work in computer vision is particularly noteworthy.

University of Montana (UM): UM is also contributing to AI research and education, with a focus on data science and analytics.

Montana High Tech Business Alliance: This association advocates for policies that support the growth of Montana’s tech sector, including AI.

Benefits of Proactive AI Leadership

Establishing a Chief AI Officer position offers significant advantages for Montana:

Competitive Advantage: Positioning Montana as a leader in AI innovation can attract investment and talent.

Improved Government Services: AI can streamline government processes,reduce costs,and improve service delivery.

Economic Growth: AI-driven innovation can create new businesses and jobs.

Enhanced Cybersecurity: AI-powered security solutions can protect Montana’s critical infrastructure.

Ethical AI Development: Proactive governance ensures AI is developed and deployed responsibly, addressing potential biases and privacy concerns. This is crucial for building trustworthy AI.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, Montana faces challenges in implementing its AI strategy:

Funding: Securing adequate funding for AI initiatives will be crucial.

Talent Acquisition: Attracting and retaining skilled AI professionals can be tough, particularly in a rural state.

Data Privacy: Protecting the privacy of Montanans’ data is paramount.

Digital Divide: Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and training opportunities across all communities is essential.

Public Perception: Addressing public concerns about the potential impacts of AI on jobs and society will be vital.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies (Outside montana)

While Montana is pioneering the CAIO role, other states and countries offer valuable lessons:

Singapore: Singapore has a national AI strategy and a dedicated AI governance framework.

*Canada