This Accenture–NASCA paper highlights how Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) can drive workforce and talent transformation in state government. Facing challenges like talent shortages, accelerated retirements, and evolving employee expectations, CAOs must shift from traditional management to talent leadership. Three levers are key: rewire job architecture with digital tools and AI to improve flexibility, recruit and develop new talent pipelines by removing degree barriers and leveraging partnerships, and rebrand public service to become an employer of choice through stronger employee value propositions. Data-driven strategies and continuous innovation will enable states to build resilient, future-ready workforces.

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