New York State has named Shreya Amin as its first-ever Chief AI Officer. The newly created role sits within the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), placing AI at the center of the state’s digital strategy. This decision signals a strong commitment to using AI in government systems in a meaningful, safe, and scalable way.
The appointment of the first-ever Chief AI Officer is not just a symbolic or temporary role. It’s a significant change in how the state is structured, giving AI its own leader, similar to innovative private companies. And it sends a message: AI is no longer optional for public sector innovation.
A Technologist with a Grounded, People-First Approach
Shreya Amin brings over 17 years of experience in data, AI, and digital transformation. She has led large tech projects in healthcare, education, and public services. Success in these fields is measured not by money but by how well systems serve people.
Amin has worked on everything from designing data platforms to operationalizing AI solutions at scale, all while keeping ethics, inclusion, and usability at the forefront. Her experience in applying new technologies with both precision and empathy makes her a great fit for government work.
She’s not just a tech-for-tech’s-sake leader. She’s a technologist who understands people and the messy and complex realities of large public systems.
What the Chief AI Officer Will Do
As New York’s Chief AI Officer, Amin will be responsible for leading the state’s AI strategy and overseeing how AI technologies are adopted and deployed across agencies. Her job is to ensure these tools are used safely, ethically, and effectively, with human oversight built into every step.
She will help refine statewide AI guidelines, develop risk mitigation frameworks, and support agencies in identifying the right use cases for AI, from improving service delivery to streamlining operations. Her role will also include making sure that all AI efforts align with the state’s broader digital transformation goals and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
In her own words, New York State ITS’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer said, “I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to join the State of New York as its first Chief AI Officer. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape our future through responsible AI. I’m committed to leveraging AI to enhance services, facilitate operations, and drive data-informed decisions, ensuring ethical guardrails, equity, and transparency. Collaborating across agencies and with our communities, we will create meaningful improvements in the lives of our residents while positioning New York as a leader in government AI.”
Part of a Bigger AI Vision
As part of a bigger AI vision, Amin’s appointment aligns with other bold AI initiatives in New York, including Empire AI. This is a $400 million public-private partnership to develop a supercomputing ecosystem to support responsible AI research and development. This initiative will connect universities, researchers, and public agencies to speed up AI advancements while keeping governance front and center.
These combined efforts will establish New York as both a user of AI and make it a leader in setting standards for how AI can and should be integrated into public life.
Why This Role Matters
Governments around the world are beginning to recognize that AI requires strong leadership. It cannot simply be managed through an advisory council or a pilot program. New York is among the first to understand that AI should not be treated as an ancillary concern; it deserves a prominent role in leadership discussions.
By appointing a dedicated Chief AI Officer and providing that role with the necessary authority and resources, New York is setting an example that other states are likely to follow. This initiative illustrates how the public sector can mature in its approach to AI when the right people are in charge. And with Shreya Amin now leading, the state is set to shape how AI serves people.
