OPM Navigates AI Governance Through People

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is prioritizing strategic AI adoption to ensure responsible and effective use in federal operations, backed by a skilled workforce.

OPM’s Chief Data Officer, Acting Chief AI Officer and Director of Enterprise Data and AI Taka Ariga explained how he is navigating the potential for AI in use cases including general productivity tools and bespoke solutions tailored for federal workforce needs. Ariga highlighted the importance of data integrity and trust — coupled with the careful alignment of people, processes and technology — and the pivotal role AI plays in modernizing government.

He also highlighted OPM’s efforts to grow the federal cybersecurity workforce and described how AI is shaping recruitment and training strategies. Additionally, Ariga shared how storytelling helps simplify complex concepts like data governance to build trust and understanding across the agency.