Every Team Needs a Quarterback: States should plan for AI leadership

As state governments dive deeper into the possibilities of generative AI, an important question has been tossed around: should the leadership of AI initiatives be dispersed across various teams, or should there be a dedicated leader with a dedicated team calling the plays? No doubt collaboration and teamwork are vital in both organizational structures. But as with any complex endeavor, every successful team requires a leader—a quarterback—who is accountable for results and direction. This is especially critical as AI becomes an integral part of state operations.

 As states are grappling with staying abreast of the super-sonic AI evolution, every CIO has been trying to figure out how to handle AI leadership, how to fund efforts, and how not to be left behind.

There is no doubt that organizational AI requires contributions from several stakeholders, but a lack of centralized leadership often means a lack of clear accountability. When everyone is responsible for individual parts and pieces, no one individual or team is accountable for the overall success of the effort.

Here’s why AI leadership is essential, especially as states like Georgia push forward ambitious AI agendas:

AI is a Team Sport, But Every Team Needs a Quarterback

No one disputes that AI projects require input from a diverse array of professionals—technology teams, data scientists, privacy teams, public policy advisors, security, and more. But without a dedicated leader, AI initiatives can become disjointed, slow, or misaligned with broader government strategies. The Chief AI Officer or an equivalent position with a parallel title, would act as the quarterback, responsible for ensuring that AI projects align with the state’s goals, coordinate cross-agency efforts, and drive projects forward.

In Georgia, for example, we are setting up an Innovation Lab where industry partners and state agencies will collaborate on pilot projects. While this initiative will require teamwork from multiple sectors, it is our state's AI Office that is leading the effort—ensuring that all participants work toward common objectives and outcomes. Without a central figure guiding the lab and its projects, the collaboration could easily lose focus and impact. The Chief AI Officer provides that focused leadership, ensuring accountability while fostering collaboration.

Specialized Knowledge is Essential for an Effective AI Strategy

Generative AI isn’t just another IT tool; it’s a transformative force that requires careful planning, ethical considerations, and a deep understanding of how it fits into the broader state strategy. A Chief AI Officer provides the specialized knowledge necessary to guide the long-term vision for AI in state government.

In Georgia, as we form AI advisory councils to help steer policy and execution, the need for a central figure becomes even more apparent. The Chief AI Officer ensures that these councils aren’t just disparate groups but are aligned with a unified vision for AI use in the state. This person will be responsible for managing AI pilot projects, advising on policy implications, and ensuring ethical AI deployment across the state.

Ethics and Accountability Require Central Leadership

One of the biggest challenges AI brings to the public sector is the need for ethical governance. From addressing AI bias to ensuring transparency in algorithmic decision-making, the public sector must be hyper-vigilant. A Chief AI Officer provides the leadership necessary to establish ethical frameworks and drive accountability across AI projects.

Without a Chief AI Officer, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that AI systems are transparent, free from bias, and ethical? When responsibility is diffused across teams, accountability can be lost. A Chief AI Officer would ensure that AI projects adhere to ethical principles, with clear governance processes in place to mitigate risks and build public trust.

Long-Term AI Strategy Requires Focus

Implementing AI isn't just about the here and now; it’s about long-term sustainability. States must consider not only the immediate costs of AI systems but also the long-term implications, such as maintenance, data storage, and evolving infrastructure needs. This is where a Chief AI Officer becomes invaluable—ensuring that there’s a roadmap for AI that goes beyond short-term wins and focuses on sustained value and growth.

For example, in Georgia's AI Lab, where pilot projects will be developed, a Chief AI Officer will oversee the trajectory from experimentation to large-scale implementation. They will ensure that AI systems are adaptable, scalable, and capable of delivering long-term value without becoming burdensome for the state's budget or technical resources.

Scaling AI Across State Agencies Needs Leadership

Scaling AI initiatives from pilots to full-fledged implementations requires not just technical expertise but strategic vision. AI adoption will vary across different state agencies, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. A Chief AI Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that successful pilot projects from the AI Lab can be scaled and replicated across other agencies.

Without strong leadership, AI efforts can become siloed, with each department tackling AI in isolation—leading to redundant efforts and fragmented solutions. The Chief AI Officer ensures that AI deployments are integrated across the board, making state governments more efficient and effective in their service to citizens.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

In Georgia, the AI Lab is set to be a hub of innovation, bringing together public agencies and private industry to work on cutting-edge AI projects. But to ensure that these collaborations result in meaningful innovation, we need someone responsible for driving the state’s AI agenda forward. That’s where the Chief AI Officer comes in—acting as a bridge between industry, academia, and government.

Additionally, as states form AI advisory councils or Centers of Excellence, the Chief AI Officer, and the AI team provide the necessary leadership to ensure that these councils are more than just discussion forums. Instead, they become action-oriented groups contributing directly to the state’s AI strategy and priorities.

Leadership Drives Accountability and Success

While AI is undoubtedly a collaborative effort, collaboration without clear leadership can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. A Chief AI Officer is not just another bureaucratic role; it’s a strategic necessity that ensures AI initiatives are accountable, ethical, and aligned with the state’s long-term goals.

As Georgia sets up its Innovation Lab and AI Advisory Council, the role of a Chief AI Officer is even more crucial to ensure that pilot projects transition to scalable, impactful solutions. A Chief AI Officer provides the leadership and focus needed to make sure AI delivers real value for the public sector.

In short, AI may be a team sport (and a tough one), but every successful team needs a quarterback—someone to lead, take responsibility, and ensure the team reaches its goals.

Related to: 

• Thought Leadership