Georgia's 2025 IT Success Stories

Georgia innovation lab is where AI use is made tangible

Georgia has launched an innovation lab, a dedicated space for state agencies to explore and implement AI solutions. The lab, which was inaugurated by Governor Kemp, aims to move AI from theory to practice by providing a hands-on environment for pilot projects. It's designed to help government teams streamline workflows, improve citizen services, and tackle challenges in a responsible and ethical way. 

Workshops promote AI readiness

Georgia's innovation lab recently hosted two workshops focused on the practical and ethical uses of AI. The first session taught state employees how to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT effectively by refining their prompts to solve problems and streamline work. The second workshop, led by ethics experts, guided participants through identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas that arise from using AI. These workshops are part of an ongoing effort to help state employees use AI responsibly and effectively.

Tech Summit emphasizes digital supply chain security

The Technology Summit focused on how to secure the digital supply chain from cyberattacks. Speakers highlighted that defending against these attacks requires a comprehensive approach, not just a single tool. Terry Brown of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank recommended managing IT like a business to improve defenses, while cybersecurity expert Dr. Gerald Auger emphasized adding security provisions to procurement contracts to protect against attacks on high-value government assets.

GovChats explores "ask Indiana" chatbot

In this episode of GovChats, listeners learned about "ask Indiana," a generative AI chatbot that's transforming how Indiana citizens interact with government services. Georgia's chief digital and AI officer Nikhil Deshpande spoke with Graig Lubsen, digital experience director for Indiana's office of IT.

GovTalks promotes digital accessibility

This year's GovTalks in May was partly about rules. The DOJ ADA final rule and accessibility standards to be complied with on government websites and digital offerings, but it was also about why accessibility is always the sensible priority, required or not. GTA's Office of Digital Services and Solutions (DS&S) team hosted the seminar and discussed accessibility capabilities built into GovHub, Georgia's official web publishing platform. They encouraged the agency website managers in attendance to capitalize on those tools to follow the rules, and they reinforced the "why" behind it all.

Two GTA leaders among Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers

GTA is honored to have two leaders named to Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for 2025. The distinction honors public sector IT leaders whose innovative technology efforts reshape how government serves constituents. State CIO and GTA executive director Shawnzia Thomas and chief digital and AI officer Nikhil Deshpande earned recognition among this year's Top 25.

GTA co-hosts AI hackathon with Microsoft

GTA was thrilled to partner with Microsoft for AI Hackathon 2025 for Public Service on March 24 - 26. The Hackathon, a one-of-a-kind event and the first initiative of the Georgia Innovation Lab gave participants from the state and local governments an opportunity to collaborate cross-agency, explore capabilities, innovate, and push the boundaries of generative AI technology.

BEYA award for state CIO

State CIO and GTA executive director Shawnzia Thomas was recognized in February as recipient of the prestigious 2025 BEYA Modern Day Technology Leader Award. With more than 12,000 in attendance, she was honored at the 39th Annual Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) Conference and celebrated as a leader shaping the future of STEM. Shawnzia's work, spanning 17 years in Georgia state government and capitalizing on technology to improve citizen services, was highlighted.

Georgia earns StateScoop 50 awards

Georgia's Orchard web design system has won a StateScoop 50 Award, reinforcing the value of this system that promotes a uniform look and experience across state agency websites. It's one of 11 technology-powered projects nationwide honored this year in the StateScoop 50 State IT Innovation of the Year category. GTA's Digital Services and Solutions team manages Orchard and helps earn site visitors' trust by building a consistent appearance across 90-plus agencies' websites. It also incorporates accessibility considerations into the site layout. Georgia also boasts a winner in the StateScoop 50 State Leadership of the Year category. Jonathan Reich, CIO of the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.