New Leadership at HHS Sets Stage for AI and Tech Innovations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has appointed three experienced officials to spearhead its initiatives in artificial intelligence, technology, and data management. On Monday, the department introduced Alicia Rouault as the new Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Chief Technology Officer, Kristen Honey as Chief Data Officer, and Meghan Dierks as Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer.
These appointments come in the wake of a significant reorganization of HHS’s health, data, AI, and cybersecurity divisions announced in July. Under this new structure, the critical roles of chief technology, data, and AI officers transitioned from the Assistant Secretary for Administration to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Micky Tripathi, who previously served as the national coordinator, has been elevated to Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, and the ONC has been rebranded as ONC/ASTP.
In a recent interview, Tripathi emphasized the urgency of filling these pivotal roles as "job one." With the news of Dierks, Rouault, and Honey joining the team, he has taken a significant step forward. While Dierks started her role on December 30, both Rouault and Honey officially stepped in on Monday.
Meet the New Officials
Alicia Rouault brings a wealth of experience from her time with the U.S. Digital Service, where she directed initiatives aimed at alleviating financial distress among Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her background also includes leadership roles at the General Services Administration’s 18F, which focuses on improving governmental user experiences. As the new CTO, Rouault will oversee the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the first person to do so since 2020.
Kristen Honey, stepping into the Chief Data Officer role, played a key role in establishing this office in 2020 as part of the pandemic response. With extensive experience as the chief data scientist for HHS InnovationX, Honey has made substantial contributions to COVID-19 diagnostics informatics during her six-and-a-half-year tenure at HHS.
Meghan Dierks, the newly appointed Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), comes from a strong background in both academia and technology. Formerly the Chief Data Officer at Komodo Health, she has a track record of leading AI-powered healthcare initiatives. Dierks also boasts an academic tenure at Harvard Medical School and past experience with the FDA, adding a unique perspective that blends industry knowledge with regulatory insight.
A New Era for HHS
Tripathi expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, "I am incredibly proud to have shepherded ASTP to its next chapter guiding the department in technology, AI, and data strategy. I am therefore excited to see three accomplished experts like Alicia, Kristen, and Meghan join ASTP to help drive that broader vision for HHS."
With these distinct but complementary talents at the helm, HHS is poised to enhance its technological capabilities and lead in health data innovation. As they navigate this evolving landscape, their innovative strategies are expected to improve the future of healthcare.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
