Jason Payne
CTO, US Federal, Microsoft
In the past year, Jason Payne helped strengthen Microsoft’s federal AI strategy by co-leading the development of a platform that spans all classification levels. As the main voice for federal customer needs, he drove work on the Azure AI Foundry service, which gives agencies access to OpenAI’s top foundation models and tools for translation, transcription, classification, object detection and search. The platform enables agencies to embed AI into mission-critical systems and scale its use across operations.
Candice Ling, senior vice president of US federal at Microsoft, credited Jason Payne’s leadership and deep understanding of federal needs as key to driving meaningful AI innovation for government customers.
“Jason’s ability to collaborate with agencies and industry partners, while emphasizing responsible AI adoption, has set a new standard for excellence,” she said. “His dedication to integrating AI into mission-critical systems has not only enhanced efficiency but also ensured compliance with stringent security requirements. We are fortunate to have Jason leading the way, and his contributions continue to inspire us all.”
Why Watch
In 2025, Payne and his team are leading AI-driven modernization across the federal government, helping agencies understand the impact of analytics, artificial intelligence and agents to streamline operations, cut inefficiencies and improve data-driven decision-making. Using the Microsoft AI platform, they assess each agency’s starting point and develop tailored plans aligned to mission goals.
Fun Fact: Payne isn’t just a technology executive; he stays actively involved with AI technology and speaks from hands-on experience. He generously volunteers his expertise to support the long-term care community in Virginia. By leveraging advanced analytics and AI agents, he implements technology that helps shape and enhance care at nursing centers and assisted living facilities throughout the state.