Oregon’s Department of Enterprise Information Services (EIS) has announced the appointment of Nik Blosser as the state’s first-ever chief privacy officer (CPO) and artificial intelligence strategist.
According to the July 29 announcement, the newly created dual-role position will oversee the state’s strategy on data privacy, protection, and AI governance, and put Blosser in charge of “crafting the strategic vision for the state of Oregon” in those areas.
Blosser will be responsible for efforts to enhance compliance with privacy regulations, promote workforce AI literacy, and cultivate a culture of awareness across state agencies.
“Adding a Chief Privacy Officer and AI Strategist to the team at EIS has been a goal of mine for a few years and I am excited to bring Nik onboard,” said Terrence Woods, the state’s chief information officer.
“Nik will significantly enhance our ability to safeguard data, ensure compliance with privacy regulations, prioritize workforce AI literacy, and lead efforts to promote a culture of awareness across all state agencies, ultimately making Oregon a leader in data protection, privacy management, and AI Governance,” Woods said.
Blosser has experience in both the public and private sectors. He served as chief of staff to former Oregon Governor Kate Brown, and in the White House. He also spent more than two decades as chair and board member of Sokol Blosser Winery, a family-owned Oregon business, and co-founded sustainability company Celilo Group Media.
“Nik Blosser’s leadership and dedication to public service and sustainability make him an invaluable asset to EIS and the state of Oregon,” the state said in announcing his appointment.
Blosser graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Aeronautical Engineering and English.