Key Takeaways
- Amy Tong, former California Government Operations Secretary and Chief Information Officer, has joined Ballard Partners to lead its newly created Emerging Technology and AI Practice Group.
- During her tenure in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, Tong oversaw California’s first statewide generative AI strategy, cybersecurity modernization, broadband expansion, and a $67 billion operations portfolio.
- She helped launch pilot AI projects in customer service, health‑care inspections, traffic management, public safety, and language accessibility, which later evolved into broader deployments and the internal digital assistant “Poppy.”
- Tong advocates for a balanced AI policy that encourages innovation while managing risks, and she hopes to push for cohesive federal regulation to avoid a fragmented state‑by‑state approach.
- Her move to the private sector marks her first venture outside government after three decades, and she views it as an opportunity to apply her entrepreneurial mindset in a lobbying context.
- Ballard Partners states that Tong’s expertise will help clients navigate AI governance, procurement, regulatory compliance, and government engagement amid accelerating state and federal AI discussions.
Background on Amy Tong’s Government Service
Amy Tong served as California’s Secretary of Government Operations and Chief Information Officer under Governor Gavin Newsom, a role in which she directed a $67 billion portfolio that included more than $8 billion in technology investments and supervised roughly 22,000 state employees. Her tenure was marked by ambitious modernization initiatives, including the establishment of the California Cybersecurity Integration Center and the launch of the state’s middle‑mile broadband network designed to expand high‑speed internet access to underserved communities. Tong’s leadership combined deep technical knowledge with a pragmatic approach to large‑scale bureaucratic reform, earning her a reputation as an “entrepreneur inside a bureaucracy” who continually sought to push the limits of what state government could achieve.
AI Policy Leadership in California
While heading Government Operations, Tong championed California’s first executive order governing generative AI use in state agencies, issued in 2023. The order set forth guidelines for evaluating AI tools, shaping procurement practices, and implementing risk‑management frameworks that have since been referenced by other states crafting their own AI policies. Under her direction, the state initiated a pilot program in 2024 that partnered with five private companies to test generative AI applications in areas such as customer service, health‑care facility inspections, highway traffic management, public safety, and language accessibility. The successful pilots paved the way for wider deployment of generative AI tools across multiple agencies, aiming to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and streamline citizen interactions.
Expansion of AI Tools and the Poppy Assistant
Building on the pilot outcomes, California has rolled out generative AI solutions more broadly, leveraging the technology to optimize traffic signals, predict maintenance needs, and provide faster responses to public inquiries. In September 2024, the state launched an internal digital assistant named Poppy, described as “an efficient, effective, and secure GenAI environment for state entities.” Poppy is intended to help employees navigate internal systems, retrieve information quickly, and reduce administrative burdens while maintaining strict security and data‑privacy standards. Tong expressed pride in these developments, noting that they demonstrate how AI can be applied practically rather than remaining confined to theoretical discussions.
Tong’s Vision for Balanced AI Regulation
In her new role at Ballard Partners, Tong emphasized the need for a balanced approach to AI policy—one that curbs potential harms without stifling innovation. She warned against overly restrictive regulations that could hinder technological progress, advocating instead for clear guidelines that support responsible growth. Tong also highlighted the risk of a patchwork of state‑level AI laws, arguing that such fragmentation creates compliance challenges for businesses operating nationwide. She hopes to use her experience to encourage federal policymakers to establish a cohesive national framework that complements state initiatives while providing uniform standards for AI development and deployment.
Scale of Tong’s Government Operations Portfolio
During her time in state government, Tong managed an expansive operations budget of roughly $67 billion, overseeing a wide array of functions ranging from procurement and human resources to facilities management and IT services. Her technology‑focused responsibilities included directing more than $8 billion in investments aimed at modernizing legacy systems, strengthening cybersecurity defenses, and expanding broadband infrastructure. The sheer scale of her portfolio gave her a unique vantage point on how technology intersects with public policy, fiscal management, and service delivery—insights she now brings to her work advising private‑sector clients and government stakeholders alike.
Transition to the Private Sector and Entrepreneurial Drive
Joining Ballard Partners marks Tong’s first foray into the private sector after three decades of public‑service work. She described the move as an opportunity to test how her entrepreneurial spirit—honed while navigating the complexities of a large bureaucracy—translates to a environment where innovation and agility are paramount. Tong likened her government tenure to being an internal entrepreneur constantly seeking to improve efficiency and effectiveness; now she looks forward to applying that mindset externally, helping clients anticipate policy shifts, craft AI strategies, and engage effectively with regulators.
Ballard Partners’ Strategic Expansion
The hiring of Amy Tong enables Ballard Partners to deepen its presence in California and bolster its focus on technology policy at a moment when both state and federal governments are intensifying discussions around AI regulation, adoption, and workforce impacts. The firm’s newly launched Emerging Technology and AI Practice Group reflects growing demand from clients seeking expert guidance on AI governance, procurement processes, regulatory compliance, and effective government engagement. Ballard Partners founder Brian Ballard noted that Tong’s experience leading one of the nation’s largest government technology portfolios uniquely positions her to help clients understand the evolving technology‑policy landscape and navigate its complexities.
Conclusion: Bridging Government Innovation and Private‑Sector Expertise
Amy Tong’s transition from California’s top technology official to a senior role at Ballard Partners underscores the increasing importance of experienced public‑sector leaders in shaping private‑sector advice on emerging technologies. Her track record—spanning statewide AI strategy, cybersecurity modernization, broadband expansion, and large‑scale technology investments—provides a solid foundation for advising clients on how to harness AI responsibly while anticipating regulatory developments. As governments continue to grapple with the promise and perils of artificial intelligence, Tong’s dual perspective as former insider and upcoming private‑sector advocate may prove valuable in fostering policies that balance innovation with safeguards, ultimately promoting a more coherent and effective approach to AI across the nation.