Bryan Harris Appointed to North Carolina AI Leadership Council, Pioneering Trustworthy AI Initiatives

Bryan Harris Appointed to North Carolina AI Leadership Council

In a significant move for the integration of artificial intelligence within governmental strategies, Bryan Harris, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at SAS, has been named to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's newly established AI Leadership Council. This council, which is set up under an executive order from the Governor, aims to provide direction and expertise on matters related to AI strategy and policy, focusing on how North Carolina can harness this revolutionary technology for the benefit of its citizens.

Established to promote innovation and the growth of AI-driven sectors, the council will consist of elected officials, appointed leaders from the technological arena, and academic representatives. Together, they will assist the Governor and state agencies in developing comprehensive strategies for the effective deployment of AI technologies.

The Vision Behind the AI Leadership Council

During a recent announcement, Governor Stein emphasized the dual-edged nature of AI, noting that while it presents remarkable opportunities, it also entails significant challenges. His vision for the council is rooted in the belief that equipping the state with the necessary AI tools will lead to improvements in government functions, spur economic development, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for North Carolinians.

“There are three qualities at the heart of trustworthy AI: speed, accuracy, and consistency,” Harris stated, underlining the principles that will guide his contributions on the council. He believes that embedding these qualities into community practices will empower citizens to leverage innovative solutions, which, in turn, can catalyze substantial economic growth.

Bryan Harris: An Experienced Leader in Software Development

Bryan Harris, who has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the software industry, is at the helm of SAS's global Research and Development (R&D) efforts, managing a team of nearly 4,000 professionals. His leadership extends to a diverse portfolio of award-winning software products designed to empower organizations by employing data and AI technologies effectively. Under his direction, SAS has been a trailblazer in fostering a culture of responsible innovation, establishing initiatives focused on data ethics, and driving the company's commitment to trustworthy AI.

The hallmark of his leadership has been his successful launch of the cloud-native SAS® Viya® platform, which unifies across various industry solutions and models, showcasing SAS's commitment to cutting-edge developments in AI.

Moreover, Harris has made it his mission to cultivate an inclusive culture within the R&D organization, driving initiatives that promote professional development and collaboration across different divisions. This commitment has contributed to SAS's reputation as an industry-leading employer.

Support from SAS Leadership and Community Engagement

SAS CEO, Jim Goodnight, lauded Harris’s contributions to AI while expressing confidence in his ability to influence positive outcomes in the new council role. “Bryan has been instrumental in integrating our robust AI solutions with emerging technologies,” he said, further emphasizing the criticality of responsible practices in AI development.

Prior to his tenure at SAS, Harris held similar CTO positions in various reputable organizations across both federal and commercial sectors, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of both business needs and technological trends. His innovative spirit has resulted in 15 global patents related to cybersecurity, marking him as a significant contributor in this field.

As AI continues to shape the landscape of numerous sectors, North Carolina aims to stay at the forefront of this technological evolution with Harris as a key player. Learn more about the North Carolina AI Leadership Council and its objectives by visiting Governor Stein's official website.

In conclusion, Harris's appointment signifies an important step towards harnessing AI technologies responsibly and effectively in North Carolina, ensuring that the state remains a competitive force in the increasingly digital future.