Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute, has been appointed by Gov. Katie Hobbs to serve on the state’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee.
The committee brings together leaders and experts from across sectors to develop a statewide policy framework and governance strategy for the use of AI. The committee will guide the state’s efforts to harness AI for public good while ensuring responsible innovation and data privacy.
With decades of experience advancing public-private partnerships, Zylstra is a recognized voice on the ethical deployment of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, across industry and government.
Committee members also include workforce and education leaders, state and local government representatives, public interest technologists and civil rights advocates, and private sector AI and data ethics experts.
The AI initiative builds on Hobbs’ broader agenda to modernize government; support emerging technologies; and ensure Arizona remains competitive, innovative and future-ready. The committee held its first meeting in May and is expected to release initial recommendations by spring 2026.
