Commerce Secretary Announces Key Additions to US AI Safety Institute Leadership

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has announced the addition of new members to the executive leadership team of the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute.

The newly appointed officials – Paul Christiano, Adam Russell, Mara Campbell, Rob Reich and Mark Latonero – will supplement the existing leadership helmed by AISI Director Elizabeth Kelly and Chief Technology Officer Elham Tabassi, who assumed their positions in January, the Department of Commerce said.

Christiano will spearhead AISI’s AI safety initiatives, with a particular focus on mitigating potential national security risks associated with advanced AI. Mara Campbell, with her background in government operations, will take on the role of acting chief operating officer, overseeing the AISI’s daily operations.

Russell, who will serve as the chief vision officer, will be tasked with shaping AISI’s strategic direction and managing external communications. Rob Reich, a scholar on technology and ethics, will join the team as senior adviser and serve as a liaison between AISI and civil society organizations.

Finally, Latonero, with his experience in international science policy, will lead international engagement, aiming to establish globally aligned approaches to AI safety standards.

Raimondo underscored the need to recruit top talent across various fields to address the potential risks and harness the potential benefits of AI.