Stein says the new AI council will prepare the state’s workforce for the tech jobs of tomorrow, cementing North Carolina’s place as an industry leader.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order Tuesday establishing an artificial intelligence leadership council to guide the state’s AI strategy and ensure responsible deployment of the technology across government operations.
The order creates three key components: an AI Leadership Council, an AI Accelerator within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology and AI Oversight Teams for each state agency. The council will be co-chaired by Secretary of Information Technology Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley.
“AI has the potential to transform how we work and live, carrying with it both extraordinary opportunities and real risks,” Stein said. “Our state will be stronger if we are equipped to take on these challenges responsibly.”
The council will advise Stein and state agencies on AI strategy, policy and training to foster innovation, advance AI-driven industries and prepare the workforce for technological changes.
The AI Accelerator will serve as a centralized hub for AI governance, research, partnership, development, implementation and training within the state’s information technology department.
Each state agency must establish an AI Oversight Team under the executive order, which also outlines parameters for an AI Literacy and Fraud Prevention Training Program for the public.
North Carolina has seen growing demand for artificial intelligence as more industries relocate to the state. Major AI projects include Amazon’s new $10 billion AI innovation campus in Richmond County and the FUJIFILM Diosynth facility in Holly Springs.
The state expects AI sector growth to create shifts across industries and place significant new demands on North Carolina’s energy grid. Officials say proactive planning will be essential to promote job growth and manage AI-related energy demands.
North Carolina already uses AI to improve government operations, including identifying unnecessary regulations and providing user-friendly AI agents to help residents navigate state services.
“I am honored to chair this council dedicated to strategically harnessing the exponential potential of AI for the benefit of North Carolina’s people, businesses, and communities,” Piccione said. “The AI Accelerator, along with our other initiatives, puts us in a strong position to implement swift and transformative solutions.”
Lilley said the state has a unique opportunity to lead in AI transformation.
“I’m honored to help guide the state’s AI strategy so we can unlock economic growth, attract innovation, and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,” Lilley said.
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