The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has named I-Sah Hsieh as its first artificial intelligence (AI) governance and policy executive, signaling a major step in the state’s commitment to responsible and innovative AI use across government operations.

Hsieh, a seasoned expert in AI ethics and governance with more than 25 years of experience, joins NCDIT after leading AI governance and data ethics initiatives at analytics firm SAS. He has also worked with the United Nations, Fortune 1000 companies, and nonprofit organizations to develop strategic AI frameworks. Hsieh holds a mechanical engineering degree from Cornell University.

“I-Sah’s appointment marks a significant step forward in North Carolina’s commitment to harnessing the power of AI for the benefit and protection of our residents, businesses, and visitors,” said NCDIT Secretary and State CIO Teena Piccione. “By overseeing governance structures that prioritize ethics and security, he will play a pivotal role in ensuring innovation is matched with privacy protections and public trust.”

Hsieh’s hiring follows NCDIT’s 2023 launch of the North Carolina Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Framework, which provides state agencies with guiding principles for deploying AI technologies responsibly. The framework aligns with existing privacy laws and IT policies and aims to mitigate data risks while supporting innovation.

NCDIT has already rolled out AI guidance and training resources for state employees, with more comprehensive training under development. As AI tools like generative models gain traction, the state hopes to equip public servants with the knowledge to use such technologies ethically and effectively.

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