The state of Illinois has selected Kader Sakkaria as the state’s first chief AI officer, a newly created leadership position as the state formalizes its approach to AI governance, strategy, and enterprise-wide adoption.
While many governments have formed AI task forces or advisory groups, few have dedicated executive positions focused on AI and its use in areas such as government operations, data analytics, customer service, and employee productivity. Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Montana, and Texas are states that have already appointed AI officers. Arkansas is actively recruiting.
Jennifer Jennings, communications director for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), confirmed Saccaria’s appointment in an email. The move follows a search for a chief AI officer that began late last year as part of the state’s broader effort to establish a dedicated AI office within the DoIT.
This position was created to lead Illinois’ AI and machine learning strategy and support the development of governance frameworks, standards, and policies for the use of technology across state government.
The state began searching for individuals who could successfully take on these tasks, demonstrating that the role could serve as a focal point for leadership of AI initiatives and help establish more formal structures around governance and oversight.
Sakkaria’s background aligns closely with these priorities, which span AI, data strategy, cloud modernization, and digital transformation. This will likely be his first public sector position. He most recently served as global head of data technology and centers of excellence at Gallagher, where he helped oversee large-scale data and analytics operations, including AI governance efforts, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Previously, he served as Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, where he led cloud migration efforts and helped establish an enterprise-generated AI practice.
