Time savings, efficiency and effectiveness and future workflow benefits- these are just some things being said about the Department of State Treasurer’s (DST) pilot program with OpenAI.
Treasurer Brad Briner released the independent study of the pilot program at a joint press conference Friday, Aug. 1, with Dr. Siobahn Day Grady of N.C. Central University. She is the founding director of the university’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) that conducted the evaluation.
“Adopting this innovative technology has helped us deliver improved results to our constituents and to taxpayers.” Treasurer Briner said. “This important analysis clearly shows that adding the power and speed of artificial intelligence to the talent, experience and judgment of our state employees is the key to unlocking greater workplace achievements.”
The 48-page report highlights examples of how ChatGPT impacted users’ performance on specialized tasks and provided new ideas during the three-month trial run announced in March. In some instances, functions that required 20 minutes were done in 20 seconds. A 90-minute audit request review was reduced to a third of the time.
“This pilot is a clear signal: AI can help public servants do their jobs faster, smarter, and with greater impact for the people they serve,” said Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer for OpenAI. “Putting tools like ChatGPT directly in the hands of state employees means less time on paperwork and more time delivering real results. It’s a powerful example for how states can lead — and ensure that more communities share in the benefits of AI.”
“The 2025 ChatGPT Pilot engaged a diverse group of public sector employees to explore how generative AI could support day-to-day operations. Feedback from pre- and post-pilot surveys showed broad enthusiasm, with 85% of participants reporting a positive experience. Time savings averaged 30-60+ minutes per day, and real-world usage evolved significantly beyond initial expectations,” the report said.
“This partnership represents what’s possible when innovative public service meets thoughtful technology adoption,” Dr. Grady said. “Through the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research, North Carolina Central University is proud to support the State Treasurer’s efforts to explore ethical and effective AI use in government.”
By using ChatGPT, employees in DST’s divisions of Unclaimed Property and State and Local Government Finance were able to explore new ideas and accelerate problem-solving in complex workflows, draft communications and summarize long texts for internal and external stakeholders. They were able to translate complex or technical information into clear, actionable outputs that improve service delivery, and “to perform with greater clarity, speed, and confidence,” the report stated.
Of particular note, the research concluded that ChatGPT did not replace human judgment. Rather, users were able to include their expertise, judgment and nuance into the process to refine the results.
To view the report, click here. To view a recording of the press conference, click here.
A link to the video shown at the press conference and clean video for media is available here: Open AI Video links