Stephen Ehikian, formerly the deputy administrator at the General Services Administration (GSA), has announced his departure from the agency. He will be transitioning into the role of Chief Executive Officer at C3 AI, an enterprise AI application software company. This move marks a significant shift for Ehikian, who previously played a key role in the Trump administration's efforts to streamline government operations.
Ehikian communicated his departure to GSA staff in an email, stating he would remain an advisor during the transition period. C3 AI officially announced his appointment as CEO on Wednesday. Ehikian expressed his enthusiasm, stating he is "honored" to join the company "at such a pivotal time in the AI era."
Prior to his departure, Ehikian served as the acting head of the GSA for the first half of the year, until Michael Rigas from the State Department was appointed by President Trump in July. Rigas acknowledged Ehikian's service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Edward Forst, a financial services executive, has been nominated to take over as the next administrator of the GSA. The confirmation hearing is pending scheduling.
Ehikian was a key figure in the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting initiatives. In his departure letter, he reflected on the changes implemented during his tenure, highlighting his private sector background in AI startups and scaling high-performing teams.
"As someone who spent most of my career in the private sector — co-founding AI startups, scaling high-performing teams, and solving complex problems through technology — I was drawn to public service by the promise of impact at scale," Ehikian wrote. "Since joining GSA, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to bring that mindset to bear across the federal enterprise."
The GSA highlighted Ehikian's background as a "serial entrepreneur," noting his involvement in founding two AI-powered platforms that were eventually acquired by Salesforce. His previous experience also includes roles in finance at Morgan Stanley, Westbrook Partners, and SRS Investment Management.
What does this mean for C3 AI?
Ehikian's experience in both the private and public sectors, particularly his focus on AI and efficiency, positions him well to lead C3 AI. His background suggests a focus on practical application and scalability of AI solutions within enterprise environments.
The Future of GSA
With Forst's nomination pending, the GSA is poised for further changes. The agency's direction will likely continue to emphasize efficiency and technological modernization, building upon the foundation laid by Ehikian and the DOGE initiatives.