BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul last week designated Colin Ahern as New York state’s first director of security and intelligence.

“National security issues are no longer just Washington problems — they are all of our problems,” Ahern said. “And so, Gov. Hochul believed that this role could help bring her vision for a safer, more secure, more prosperous New York to life.”

What You Need To Know

Colin Ahern will serve as the first-ever director of Security and Intelligence of New York State

The position will focus on protecting New York from cybersecurity threats while also using the advancing technology to continue to grow

Proposals include everything from drones to quantum hubs throughout the state to bring next generation technology to New York state

In her State of the State address, Hochul emphasized her vision of establishing New York as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence usage, strengthening safeguards for consumers and children against AI while also continuing to support research of artificial intelligence in a safe way that mandates transparency and safety.

“We’re both managing risks, but also seizing opportunities,” said Ahern. “And that’s why from drones to the defense industrial base from quantum and others, we think there’s a lot of opportunities for a really, really transformative economic development around the state.”

Ahern said it starts with conversations in the Legislature to enact a budget to bring those visions to life.

“New York is a leader in next-generation technology, and the governor believes that in the budget we can significantly advance those priorities,” he said.

That also includes protecting New York from the emergence of AI-powered hybrid threats, which combine cyber attacks, disinformation and physical sabotage that is made strengthened by artificial intelligence.

“We’ve seen drones actually impacting flights,” Ahern said. “You know, we’ve now obviously seen war in the Middle East, which has an enormous impact on our service members in harm’s way.”

He’s on a mission to use security and intelligence to push New York forward.

“New York has never been a place that just tries to admire a problem. We’re looking to apply our resources and work across both party lines and, you know, government boundaries to make sure that New Yorkers get the things they need,” Ahern said.