U.S. health agency seeks tech, AI and data chiefs
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is on the lookout for top-tier talent to fill three critical C-level positions: chief technology officer (CTO), chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO), and chief data officer (CDO).
This recruitment drive, announced by Deputy National Coordinator of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Steven Posnack, aims to bolster the agency’s technological and data-driven initiatives.
Key leadership positions open at HHS
According to a LinkedIn post by Posnack, the responsibilities of these new roles include the following:
Chief technology officer
This role involves spearheading HHS’s vision for technology-enabled innovation and transformation. The CTO will be responsible for driving operational and cultural changes across the department’s policies and programs.
Chief artificial intelligence officer
The CAIO will lead the formulation of AI policy within HHS, ensuring the equitable and responsible use of AI in healthcare. This position is remote, with regular travel to Washington, D.C.
Chief data officer
The CDO will manage the strategy, implementation, planning, and execution of all organizational data operations. This role is based in Washington, D.C., with remote work flexibility.
According to usajobs.gov’s listings, the CAIO and CDO positions offer annual salaries ranging from $147,649 to $221,900.
Meanwhile, the CTO position is estimated to have an average annual salary of around $207,000.
Alignment with federal AI initiatives
This recruitment effort follows President Joe Biden’s executive order from October 30, 2023, mandating the appointment of a Chief AI Officer in each federal agency within 60 days.
Micky Tripathi, National Coordinator for Health IT, has been serving as the acting CAIO since May 2024. Tripathi has also chaired HHS’s AI Task Force and served as a federal liaison on the Coalition for Health AI board.
How fractional leaders can help
As the HHS seeks to fill these crucial roles, it’s worth noting the growing trend of fractional work in the business world. Fractional executives provide part-time or short-term leadership, offering expertise without the full-time commitment.
This model is particularly beneficial for organizations navigating rapid growth or transformation, as it allows them to scale leadership resources according to specific needs.
Fractional executives bring several benefits, including:
Cost-effectiveness
They offer high-level expertise without the substantial costs associated with full-time executives.
Flexibility
Organizations can adjust the level of leadership support as needed, which is crucial during periods of rapid change.
Quick integration
Fractional leaders can quickly integrate into the organization and start making an impact, bypassing lengthy hiring processes.
External insights
They bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, helping to drive strategic decisions and organizational growth.
The concept of fractional leadership also surged these past months, with over 110,000 individuals on LinkedIn identifying as such in early 2024, compared to just 2,000 in 2022.
Karina Mikhli, founder of the online community Fractionals United, noted that being a fractional leader “isn’t about a specific scope or project. It’s about playing a key role in the leadership team and being included in the organization chart.”
As HHS continues to prioritize technological innovation and data-driven decision-making, these new leadership roles are poised to play a crucial part in shaping the future of healthcare in the United States.
