Hobbs taps 19 experts for Arizona’s artificial intelligence steering group
Story Highlights
- Gov. Katie Hobbs appoints 19 experts to Arizona’s AI Steering Committee
- Committee will develop AI policy framework focusing on responsible innovation
- Initial recommendations expected by spring 2026 for government AI adoption
Gov. Katie Hobbs has named 19 people to serve on Arizona’s new Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee, which is meant to help guide the use of AI in government and elsewhere in the state.
The committee, which will begin meeting this month, includes leaders from state and local governments, academia and industry as well as civil rights advocates and ethics experts. It will set out to develop a policy framework for the use of AI in Arizona, with a focus on responsible innovation and data privacy, access and fairness, the governor’s office said. Its initial recommendations are expected to be released by spring 2026.
One of the committee’s specific tasks will be to come up with recommendations for governance models and procurement that can be used across agencies for AI adoption. It will also work with communities and stakeholders on making AI implementation inclusive and just, and look for ways to strengthen AI literacy and workforce preparedness.
Hobbs began seeking experts for the committee back in January, and its formation is part of her administration’s effort to modernize government and support emerging technologies.
“Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we live, work, and govern,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona has a responsibility to lead with integrity while spurring innovation in this growing high-tech sector. This committee will ensure that AI is implemented in a way that expands opportunity, strengthens public trust, and delivers better outcomes for every Arizonan.”
The committee members are:
- Melissa Armas, Founder and Principal Strategist – AZ Collab
- Kyle Bowen, Deputy CIO – Arizona State University, Enterprise Technology
- Diana Bowman, Associate Dean and Professor – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
- Steven Burrell, Chief Information Officer – Northern Arizona University
- Loretta Cheeks, CEO – DS Innovation & Strong TIES
- Elliott Cheu, Interim Chief Information Officer and Distinguished Professor of Physics – University of Arizona
- Greg Dawson, Clinical Professor – School of Accountancy, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University
- Bill Gates, Executive Director – ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory and Professor of Practice, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University
- Ryan Johnson, Chief Privacy Officer, Vice President and Associate General Counsel – Savvas Learning Company
- Bianca Lochner, Chief Information Officer – City of Scottsdale
- Amanda Markham, Administrator of Innovative Initiatives – Office of the Chief, Phoenix Police Department
- Rob McCright, Section Chief, Liability Management Section – Arizona Attorney General’s Office
- Ryan Murray, Deputy Director, State Chief Information Security Officer – Arizona Department of Homeland Security
- Lauren Owens, Executive Director of Technology – Agua Fria Union High School District
- Chris Richardson, Advisory Board Member and Independent Consultant
- J.R. Sloan, State Chief Information Officer – Arizona Department of Administration, Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology (ASET) Office
- Josh Wagner, Chief Data and Analytics Officer – Data and Analytics Office, Arizona Department of Administration
- Sandra Watson, President and CEO – Arizona Commerce Authority
- Steven Zylstra, President and CEO – Arizona Technology Council