The State of Oklahoma has appointed Tai Phan as its first chief artificial intelligence (AI) and technology officer, a newly created role aimed at accelerating digital modernization and guiding responsible AI adoption across state government.
The appointment, announced by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, fulfills a recommendation from the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technologies to establish a dedicated AI leadership position. In the role, Phan will lead Oklahoma’s strategy for deploying artificial intelligence and modern technology in ways that improve government efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and deliver more unified services to residents.
Phan said the new position comes at a critical moment as governments nationwide weigh both the opportunities and risks posed by rapidly advancing technologies.
“AI and emerging technologies carry extraordinary promise and real perils,” Phan said in a statement. “This role is about bringing innovation forward with trust by design, strengthening public services, and delivering measurable impact for the people of Oklahoma.”
As chief AI and technology officer, Phan will work with agencies statewide to identify areas where AI can reduce manual workloads, streamline operations, and improve service delivery, while ensuring systems remain secure, reliable, and cost-effective. He will also help establish ethical standards and best practices for AI use, with an emphasis on privacy protection, transparency, and accountability.
State Chief Operating Officer David Ostrowe described the appointment as a milestone in Oklahoma’s digital evolution, calling it a “pivotal moment” as the state moves into a new phase of technology-driven government operations.
Phan was selected for the role by State Chief Information Officer Dan Cronin, who highlighted Phan’s blend of public- and private-sector experience. Before his appointment, Phan served as chief technology officer for OMES, where he led Oklahoma’s latest IT strategic plan and oversaw enterprise platforms supporting more than 125 state agencies, boards, and commissions.
Phan joined OMES in March 2025 after a career spanning enterprise technology modernization and responsible AI adoption across Fortune 500 companies and public-sector organizations. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, he holds degrees in management information systems and organizational behavior.
State officials said the new role is intended to ensure Oklahoma adopts AI in a way that enhances public trust while preparing government systems for future innovation.
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