TLDR: North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order to create an AI Leadership Council and an AI Accelerator within the Department of Information Technology. These initiatives aim to fast-track AI innovation, develop robust policy and ethics frameworks, and provide training to ensure the responsible and beneficial integration of artificial intelligence across state operations and for its citizens.
Raleigh, NC – Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has taken a significant step towards positioning the state at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation and responsible governance by signing Executive Order No. 24: ‘Advancing Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence That Benefits All North Carolinians.’ The executive order, announced on September 2, 2025, establishes a comprehensive framework including an AI Leadership Council, an AI Accelerator within the Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), and AI Oversight Teams across state agencies.
The AI Leadership Council is tasked with advising and supporting the Governor and state agencies on AI strategy, policy, and training. Its mandate includes developing a statewide AI roadmap, recommending governance and ethics frameworks, guiding the AI Accelerator, and addressing the impacts of AI on the workforce, economy, and infrastructure. The Council is co-chaired by State CIO and NCDIT Secretary Teena Piccione and State Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, with 22 additional members from both public and private sectors. Their first report is anticipated by June 30, 2026.
Central to this initiative is the North Carolina AI Accelerator, envisioned as a centralized hub within the NCDIT for AI governance, research, partnership, development, implementation, and training. This program is designed to be a cost-free resource for state agencies and employees, allowing them to propose AI use cases for development, testing, and piloting in a secure environment. The Accelerator operates on a rapid 60-day engagement cycle, fostering collaboration with private sector entities and universities to explore and implement AI solutions.
Governor Stein emphasized the dual nature of AI, stating, “AI has the potential to transform how we work and live, carrying with it both extraordinary opportunities and real risks. Our state will be stronger if we are equipped to take on these challenges responsibly. I am looking forward to this council helping our state effectively deploy AI to enhance government operations, drive economic growth and improve North Carolinians’ lives.”
Secretary Teena Piccione highlighted the strategic importance of these new bodies: “I am honored to chair this council dedicated to strategically harnessing the exponential potential of AI for the benefit of North Carolina’s people, businesses and communities. The AI Accelerator, along with our other initiatives, puts us in a strong position to implement swift and transformative solutions that will not only position North Carolina at the forefront of technological innovation but also uphold the latest standards of data privacy and security.”
Echoing this sentiment, Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley added, “Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work and industry, and North Carolina has a unique opportunity to lead in this transformation. I’m honored to help guide the state’s AI strategy so we can unlock economic growth, attract innovation, and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”
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The NCDIT will be responsible for developing an AI governance framework, risk assessment protocols, and statewide definitions for AI and generative AI. Potential government use cases identified for AI include procurement, fraud detection, and cybersecurity. The establishment of these bodies follows the state’s publication of its AI responsible use framework just over a year prior, demonstrating a sustained commitment to integrating AI thoughtfully and effectively.
