{"id":48755,"date":"2025-07-31T00:03:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T00:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/48755\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T00:03:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T00:03:08","slug":"former-pge-executive-top-government-aide-tapped-for-new-oregon-chief-privacy-officer-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/48755\/","title":{"rendered":"Former PGE executive, top government aide tapped for new Oregon chief privacy officer role"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nik Blosser, who once served as a top aide to former Gov. Kate Brown<\/a> and has held various high-profile business and government positions, has been appointed as the state\u2019s first Chief Privacy Officer. He will oversee the state\u2019s data protection and artificial intelligence regulations, according to an announcement from the state\u2019s information services department.<\/p>\n

Blosser brings a wealth of private and public sector leadership experience<\/a> to the role, although it\u2019s unclear if he has significant experience overseeing privacy, data protection or A.I. regulations. Blosser didn\u2019t immediately respond to messages seeking more information about his experience.<\/p>\n

His first day will be Sept. 2, according to Hope Hiebert, spokesperson for the Enterprise Information Services department. He will earn a salary of $211,344, Hiebert said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNik will significantly enhance our ability to safeguard data, ensure compliance with privacy regulations, prioritize workforce AI literacy, and lead efforts to promote a culture of awareness across all state agencies, ultimately making Oregon a leader in data protection, privacy management, and AI governance,\u201d Terrence Woods, the state\u2019s chief information officer, said in a press release announcing the new hire.<\/p>\n

Blosser is a well-established figure in Oregon political and business circles. He served as Brown\u2019s chief of staff for three years before joining former President Joe Biden\u2019s transition team in 2020, then worked as chief of staff in the federal Office of Cabinet Affairs until 2022. <\/p>\n

After leaving the White House, Blosser worked as a top executive for Portland General Electric then spent 11 months leading the federal Columbia River Task Force. He is also a longtime board member of his family\u2019s business, Sokol Blosser Winery. <\/p>\n

In the role, Blosser will help implement and shape the state\u2019s use of artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, Gov. Tina Kotek\u2019s artificial intelligence advisory council finalized a list of recommendations to help the state increase its use of A.I. while strengthening data protection and cybersecurity. <\/p>\n

Blosser will also advise state agencies on ways to enhance data protection measures. Multiple agencies in recent years have been targeted by cyberattacks potentially placing Oregonians\u2019 data at risk, including the Oregon DMV<\/a> and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 orcfuentes@oregonian.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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