We're Seeing Government CDOs Becoming Key AI Deployment Partners — Deloitte CDO for Government and Public Services

(US & Canada) Adita Karkera. Ph.D., Chief Data Officer for Government and Public Services at Deloitte, speaks with Amy Horowitz, VP of Data Governance and Data Integration Solution Sales at Informatica, in a video interview about steering the company toward AI readiness, the changes in the CDO role especially with AI coming into play, her path to getting her Ph.D., and advice for women data professionals.

Karkera, in her role as a CDO at Deloitte, is leading the company toward an AI-powered future by focusing on three critical pillars. First, she emphasizes the importance of building a robust data infrastructure as the foundation for all AI initiatives. This infrastructure is bolstered by a trustworthy data governance framework, ensuring that data is managed and utilized responsibly across the organization. However, Karkera recognizes that technology alone is not enough; the workforce must be prepared to navigate this AI-driven landscape. To that end, she is deeply committed to enhancing data and AI literacy among Deloitte's employees.

This commitment is not a solo endeavor. Karkera describes how Deloitte operates with a collaborative, federated approach where a council of CDOs from different business units comes together to shape and implement firm-wide policies. These policies cover various aspects, including data infrastructure, standards, and the development of data products.

A significant achievement of this collective effort has been the launch of a comprehensive data and AI literacy program tailored to the diverse needs of Deloitte's workforce. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach would be insufficient, Karkera and her team have developed customized training programs based on specific roles and competencies.

The program begins with a foundational 101 course and is expanded with role-based literacy training, ensuring that employees at all levels are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven environment. This deliberate focus on education, combined with the robust data policies and governance standards in place, is driving Deloitte's readiness for the future.

When asked about how she envisions the role of the CDO changing in the next 5 years, especially with AI coming into play, Karkera explains from two perspectives. She notes that in the last five years, there has been a significant shift from CDOs being primarily data-focused and operating within the back office to becoming central figures in driving business strategy. This transformation is evident in government organizations as well, reflecting a broader trend across various sectors.

With the fifth anniversary of the Evidence Act, which mandated the creation of CDOs in the federal space, this role's evolution has become even more pronounced. Karkera points out that the recent Executive Order from the President, requiring each organization to establish an AI officer, has led many CDOs to take on the AI portfolio themselves. This change underscores the expanding influence of CDOs, who are increasingly becoming key partners in AI deployment.

Additionally, Karkera highlights the growing collaboration among CDOs and other key leaders, such as CISOs and CPOs, within what she describes as a "council of chiefs." This collective effort is essential in shaping the business imperatives of their organizations.

Next Karkera speaks about the driving ideas and inspiration behind her Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science. She reveals that her pursuit was driven by a long-standing passion for achieving that level of education. However, she faced challenges in finding a compelling research topic that had not already been explored. Additionally, balancing a full-time job and motherhood made her cautious about taking on a commitment she might not be able to sustain.

In 2017, when Karkera was appointed as the Deputy CDO for the state of Arkansas, she became deeply intrigued by the CDO role. She began to explore the characteristics, job responsibilities, and operational models associated with the position, particularly within the government sector.

At that time, there was a noticeable gap in research with scientific rigor focused on the role of government CDOs. This realization spurred her interest in conducting research to understand how the government CDO role had evolved, how it began, and how it was being shaped by market and industry trends.

Karkera also sought to examine how existing frameworks for assessing CDOs in the commercial sector could be applied to government CDOs. Recognizing that there was never going to be a perfect time to start, she decided to move forward with her research, driven by her desire to contribute to a deeper understanding of this evolving role.

Further sharing advice for women willing to pursue a career in STEM, data science, or as data professionals, Karkera emphasizes the crucial need for more women to engage in the data, AI, and analytics fields. While there has been progress, she believes it is not sufficient, highlighting the importance of increased female participation to ensure the creation of equitable, unbiased AI solutions.

In conclusion, Karkera encourages those with even the slightest interest in these areas to take initiative, seek guidance from female leaders in the industry, and explore the opportunities available in data and AI.

CDO Magazine appreciates Adita Karkera for sharing her insights with our global data community.