(US and Canada) The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) has named Shreya Amin as its Chief AI Officer (CAIO). She will drive AI strategy for ITS, its partner agencies, and the State of New York.

Amin has over 17 years of experience in enterprise AI transformation and data-driven innovation across multiple sectors. She previously served as Chief Data and AI Scientist at healthtech company Wellist. Her expertise spans technology startups, healthcare, education, and civic technology. She has led cross-functional teams, established robust AI frameworks, and prioritized ethical AI deployment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics from Brandeis University and a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Chicago.

New York State Chief Information Officer Dru Rai stated, “We are very pleased to have Shreya join ITS as our very first Chief AI Officer, and anticipate that her depth of knowledge, professional experience and proven track record in data and AI will be instrumental as we collaborate with New York State agencies, vendors and other partners to advance innovation across our organization. She will help drive the responsible use of this nascent technology and make New York State a leader in AI development for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

Amin shared her enthusiasm, saying, “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.”

In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul launched the Empire AI initiative, a partnership among New York’s top public and private universities to establish a state-of-the-art AI computing center at SUNY’s University at Buffalo. The initiative is already driving statewide AI innovation, research, and development.

ITS also developed New York’s first statewide policy on the Acceptable Use of AI Technologies, guiding agencies in safe and responsible AI adoption. This year, ITS issued guidance for agencies to identify and catalog AI systems, creating a transparent public inventory.

As CAIO, Amin will lead efforts to refine and enhance these policies, ensure strong human oversight, and optimize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks. Her work will focus on advancing government efficiency, modernizing technology solutions, and improving the workplace experience for state employees.