Accenture Federal Services has named Denise Zheng as its chief artificial intelligence officer, a newly created position aimed at helping federal clients leverage transformative technologies.
Zheng is an innovative thought leader in the field of applied intelligence, machine learning and generative AI programs. In her new role, she will also serve as the lead of the Federal Data & AI practice.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to steer the Data & AI practice and to shape the next chapter in what a smart and safe adoption of AI looks like for our federal clients,” Zheng said. “There is unlimited potential to unlock strategic innovation, enhance the quality and efficiency of services, and accelerate talent and upskilling initiatives across the federal sector.”
Her experience in the public and private sectors will also help clients navigate the intersections between enterprise, ecosystem and responsibility in an increasingly connected world, the company said.
Her responsibilities include accelerating Accenture Federal Services’ momentum in five key areas: developing cutting-edge AI solutions to address critical challenges faced by federal agencies; expanding ecosystem partnerships with leading technology providers; establishing robust frameworks for ethical AI use; building a highly skilled data & AI team by investing in continuous learning; and tailoring AI & data analytics solutions to meet the unique needs of federal agencies.
“As the power of data & AI continues to transform the federal landscape, we are thrilled to create this new leadership position and look forward to the insight and expertise Denise brings to Accenture Federal Services,” said John Goodman, CEO of Accenture Federal Services.
“We are confident this will not only advance how we invest, partner and deliver for our federal clients but also how they embrace generative AI as a strategic advantage to create more value and even greater outcomes.”
Prior to this role, Zheng was Accenture’s Global Generative AI and Ecosystem lead, where she helped companies navigate adoption and scaling of new classes of AI. Before that, she was head of technology and innovation at Business Roundtable.
Zheng also led the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and served as lead systems engineering, technical advisor and chief of staff of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s foundational cyber and AI program.