The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced today it has selected Lisa Einstein to serve as the agency’s first-ever chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO).
Einstein has led CISA’s AI efforts since 2023 while serving as the agency’s senior advisor for AI. She also serves as the executive director of CISA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.
“I am proud of how our team at CISA has come together in the last two years to understand and respond to rapid advancements in AI – many of which have significant implications for our core missions of cyber defense and critical infrastructure security,” CISA Director Jen Easterly said in a press release. “Lisa Einstein has been central to that effort.”
“Beyond her technical expertise, she’s an inspirational leader who has brought together colleagues across the agency around a clear and impactful vision,” Easterly added. “I could not be more thrilled to have her take on this important new role, which will help us continue to build AI expertise into the fabric of our agency and ensure we are equipped to effectively leverage the power of AI well into the future.”
Federal agencies have been busy appointing CAIOs to meet a requirement under President Biden’s AI executive order released in October 2023. However, CISA – a component of the Department of Homeland Security – was one of the few agencies that was not required to appoint a CAIO.
CISA said Einstein’s appointment “reflects CISA’s commitment to responsibly use AI” and will help the agency to advance its cyber defense mission through the safe and secure development and adoption of AI.
“I care deeply about CISA’s mission – if we succeed, the critical systems that Americans rely on every day will become safer, more reliable, and more capable. AI tools could accelerate our progress,” Einstein said in a statement. “But we will only reap their benefits and avoid harms from their misapplication or abuse if we all work together to prioritize safety, security, and trustworthiness in the development and deployment of AI tools.”
“It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated and talented CISA team and with our partners across the United States and around the world over the last two years. I am honored to serve in this new role to help CISA tackle this important challenge,” she added.