Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force as part of Virginia’s efforts to solidify its leadership in AI development and ensure the responsible use of this transformative technology. The task force, created under Executive Order 30, consists of top AI experts from Virginia’s universities, non-profits, and private sector companies. It will serve as a resource for the state’s policymakers and provide guidance on implementing AI solutions in government while ensuring the technology is used ethically and efficiently.
The task force aims to advise both the executive and legislative branches on the AI Policy Standards, IT Standards, and Education Guidelines issued under Executive Order 30. It will also focus on how state agencies can harness AI to enhance operations in cost-effective ways while maintaining fairness and safety. Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Virginia’s world-class universities, companies, and military bases position it to lead the nation in the development of AI. The AI Task Force will play a critical role in ensuring that Virginia stays at the forefront of this rapidly developing industry.”
The task force will focus on addressing the challenges posed by AI, such as privacy concerns and the potential for bias, while exploring how the technology can improve public services.
Reeve Bull, Director of the Office of Regulatory Management, highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize state government and improve Virginians’ lives. “AI promises to enhance the efficiency of state government, provide educators with powerful teaching tools, and enhance the lives of Virginia citizens,” Bull said. The task force will ensure that as Virginia harnesses AI’s potential, it also implements sensible guardrails to mitigate risks.
The AI Task Force will meet at least twice a year, offering recommendations on how the state can best implement AI across government while keeping pace with developments in this rapidly evolving field. The task force’s expertise will also be critical in shaping Virginia’s AI policy as the state prepares for broader AI adoption across various sectors. According to the official task force document, the group will provide input on a range of topics, including AI uses in state government, pilot programs, and AI-related legislation.
The task force will advise on existing and potential uses of AI by state agencies, ensuring that AI solutions adopted are cost-effective and beneficial to citizens. Additionally, the task force will help state agencies assess whether AI technologies comply with the guidelines set forth in EO 30, which prioritize transparency, security, and fairness.
As home to some of the most prominent data centers, military installations, and research universities in the nation, the task force’s work will build on these existing strengths and ensure that Virginia remains at the cutting edge of AI innovation. The members of the task force represent a diverse range of expertise, from academia to private industry, ensuring that the state benefits from a broad spectrum of insights.
The task force’s inaugural members include prominent figures such as John Bailey, founder of Vestigo Partners; Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education; and Naren Ramakrishnan, a professor of engineering at Virginia Tech. These experts will collaborate to provide guidance that aligns with both state and national trends in AI development, making sure that Virginia is a model for other states looking to implement AI responsibly.
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