Denise Zheng is Accenture Federal Services’ new chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer, a newly created position aimed at helping federal clients leverage transformative technologies. Zheng is an innovative thought leader in the field of applied intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI programs. In her new role, she will also serve as the lead of the federal data and AI practice. Prior to this, Zheng was Accenture’s global generative AI and ecosystem lead, where she helped companies navigate adoption and scaling of new classes of AI. She has a unique blend of expertise, including advanced-technology research and development programs, policy development and strategy, and driving major cross-industry initiatives on AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity, working with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining Accenture, Zheng was head of technology and innovation at Business Roundtable. She also led the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and served as lead systems engineering and technical advisor and chief of staff of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Plan X program in the Information Innovation Office. Earlier in her career, Zheng was director for cybersecurity at CA Technologies and was a principal subject matter expert for Senate Homeland Security Committee , brought in to draft and negotiate comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. Zheng has testified multiple times before the US Senate and House of Representatives as an expert on data privacy and internet governance issues. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and she has been interviewed by CNN, the BBC, CBS, and NPR on a range of technology issues. Zheng completed her bachelor’s and graduate studies at the University of Michigan, the London School of Economics, the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.