In a move aligned with federal regulatory developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has appointed David K. Gaston as its first-ever Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). The appointment comes in response to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s recent memorandum on AI governance, which directs federal agencies to manage AI innovation while mitigating associated risks.
In his new role, Gaston will oversee the NLRB’s compliance with federal guidelines aimed at advancing AI governance. He will be responsible for ensuring that the NLRB not only integrates AI technologies effectively but also adheres to federal policies that seek to manage AI’s potential risks within the government sector. The appointment signifies a step forward for the NLRB as it embraces modern technology to enhance its operations.
Gaston will take on his CAIO duties in addition to his current role as an Assistant General Counsel and Branch Chief of E-Litigation at the NLRB. In this capacity, he has led the agency’s strategy on information policy, developing tools and processes to effectively handle electronically stored information during legal proceedings. Gaston’s background makes him uniquely qualified for this new position, having developed extensive experience with technology policy, information governance, and digital evidence.
“David has ably led the development and execution of information policy and litigation strategy for seven years at this Agency and for nearly 15 years in the federal government,” said NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. “His expertise will allow the NLRB to move forward strategically in the area of AI.”
NLRB Chairman Lauren McFerran echoed Abruzzo’s sentiment, praising Gaston’s leadership and contributions to the agency. “David is a nationally recognized expert in information governance, technology policy, and digital evidence…We are confident David’s deep experience will tremendously benefit our work, and we look forward to his leadership in this new role,” McFerran said.
Before joining the NLRB, Gaston served at the U.S. Department of Justice as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and worked as an Attorney Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also has experience in the private sector. Gaston holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and two Bachelor of Arts degrees, both magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia.
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