The state official charged with leading Oklahoma’s strategy for deploying artificial intelligence and digital modernization across more than 125 agencies, boards and commissions will be the first speaker in Cameron University’s 13th academic festival, “Being Human in the Age of AI.”
Tai Phan is Oklahoma’s chief artificial intelligence and technology officer, where he leads state government’s next phase of digital modernization. In this role, he is responsible for advancing a secure, resilient and modern digital government that delivers trusted, unified services and responsible AI innovation for state agencies and Oklahomans.
Phan will kick off Festival XIII events at Cameron with an appearance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the University Theatre, 27th and A Avenue in Lawton. The presentation is open to the public. Phan’s appearance at Cameron is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. To reserve a ticket online, visit www.cameron.edu/festival-tickets.
“Artificial intelligence is getting smarter, but human judgment matters more than ever,” Phan said. “This presentation explores how creativity, trust and responsibility can help us use AI wisely and thrive in a changing world.”
As chief AI and technology officer, Phan guides the strategy, vision and guardrails for AI and emerging technology adoption across state government. He oversees statewide efforts to use AI and modern technology to improve government efficiency, streamline operations and reduce manual work. His priority is ensuring these systems remain secure, reliable and cost-effective while upholding privacy, transparency, accountability and responsible use.
Phan most recently served as chief technology officer for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), which houses the state’s IT division. In that role, he helped lead development of Oklahoma’s IT Strategic Plan and directed technology strategy, operations and delivery of core enterprise services supporting more than 125 state agencies, boards and commissions.
Before joining OMES in March 2025, he worked across Fortune 500 companies and public-sector organizations, leading enterprise-scale technology modernization, responsible AI adoption and business transformation initiatives across tightly regulated industry domains and customer-centric brands.
Cameron University established its academic festival series in 1991. Held once every three years, the festival explores an academic theme or societal issue through special events and campus activities, such as lectures, conferences, concerts, exhibits and theatrical productions.
The McCasland Foundation of Duncan is the primary sponsor of CU’s academic festival series. Over the years, financial support has also come from the McCasland/Amquest Bank Endowed Chair, the Cameron University Foundation and the CU Lectures and Concerts Series.
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