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New York Is Investing In Dedicated Leadership To Guide The Ethical And Practical Integration Of Artificial Intelligence
By David Carlucci
In a bold step to position itself as a national leader in artificial intelligence innovation, New York State has appointed its first-ever Chief AI Officer. Shreya Amin, a veteran in the AI and data science space, will take the helm at the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and oversee the state’s fast-growing portfolio of artificial intelligence initiatives.
This announcement marks a critical milestone in New York’s broader strategy to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s role in the global AI race. Amin will lead the design and execution of the state’s AI objectives, helping guide policy and practical implementation across public institutions.
Amin brings a wealth of experience to the role. She previously founded a successful data science and AI consulting firm and served as Chief Data and AI Scientist for Wellist, a Massachusetts-based analytics company. With her appointment, New York joins a growing list of states—including New Jersey—that are investing in dedicated leadership to guide the ethical and practical integration of artificial intelligence in government and beyond.
One of Amin’s immediate priorities will be refining the state’s AI governance framework. ITS recently established its first official policy on the acceptable use of AI, and under Amin’s leadership, this guidance will evolve into a comprehensive blueprint for how public institutions responsibly leverage this transformative technology.
Amin’s role is just one component of a much larger vision—Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious Empire AI initiative. Launched last year as part of the FY2025 state budget, this $90 million public-private partnership aims to establish advanced AI computing infrastructure across New York’s higher education system. The goals: foster breakthrough research, support academic collaboration, and boost economic development.
Founding members of the Empire AI Consortium include some of the most prestigious institutions in the country—SUNY, CUNY, Columbia University, Cornell University, NYU, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute. Since its inception, the initiative has made rapid progress. Within six months of budget approval, the Empire AI Alpha supercomputer launched at the University of Buffalo, providing high-powered computing access to over 200 researchers. The system is already at full capacity, with scientists using it for everything from developing new cancer treatments to modeling climate change and improving speech therapies for children with special needs.
Looking ahead, Governor Hochul plans to expand the consortium to include institutions such as the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These expansions aim to support even more research and help develop technologies with both commercial and societal impact.
At the heart of the Empire AI vision is a recognition of AI’s transformative power—and its potential to bolster America’s competitive edge. “We are building the infrastructure that will keep New York at the forefront of innovation,” said Governor Hochul, who has emphasized the role of AI in addressing critical challenges while supporting job creation and academic excellence.
To support these efforts, ITS plans to significantly expand its in-house AI capabilities by hiring more AI specialists. These experts will help implement the state’s AI strategy, support institutions in deploying cutting-edge solutions, and ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are widely shared across sectors.
With Amin’s appointment and the continued growth of the Empire AI Consortium, New York is making a clear statement: the future of AI is not just in Silicon Valley—it’s being built in the Empire State. By aligning public investment, academic collaboration, and expert leadership, New York is crafting a model that other states—and nations—may soon follow.
David Carlucci consults organizations on navigating government and securing funding. He served for ten years in the New York Senate.
Read also: EmpireAI Will Bring New York To The 21st Century And Beyond, Says David Carlucci
