U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo unveiled the latest additions to the executive leadership team of the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC), marking a significant step forward in the nation’s commitment to responsible AI governance. The AISIC, housed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is tasked with advancing the safe and trustworthy development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.
Joining the esteemed leadership team are Paul Christiano, appointed as Head of AI Safety; Adam Russell, assuming the role of Chief Vision Officer; Mara Campbell, stepping in as Acting Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff; Rob Reich, appointed as Senior Advisor; and Mark Latonero, taking on the role of Head of International Engagement. They will work alongside AISIC Director Elizabeth Kelly and Chief Technology Officer Elham Tabassi, who were announced earlier this year.
The establishment of the AISIC within NIST was directed by President Biden, as part of the administration’s efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating associated risks.
Secretary Raimondo expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, “To safeguard our global leadership on responsible AI and ensure we’re equipped to fulfill our mission to mitigate the risks of AI and harness its benefits, we need the top talent our nation has to offer. That is precisely why we’ve selected these individuals, who are the best in their fields, to join the U.S. AI Safety Institute executive leadership team.”
Bruce Reed, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, emphasized the importance of assembling a diverse and expert team to navigate the complex landscape of AI governance. “One of the best levers we have to get this right is to bring in the experts from civil society to tech innovators to scientists,” he said. “We are building a strong team across government to keep pace with this technology, protect our interests, and shape it in accordance with our values.”
Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio welcomed the new appointments, highlighting their unique experiences and expertise. “They each bring unique experiences that will help the institute build a solid foundation for AI safety going into the future,” she remarked.
The newly appointed leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective roles. Paul Christiano, as Head of AI Safety, will lead efforts to conduct tests of frontier AI models, with a focus on national security concerns. Adam Russell, assuming the role of Chief Vision Officer, will shape and communicate the vision and strategy of the AISIC. Mara Campbell, in her role as Acting Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, will oversee the institute’s operations and activities. Rob Reich, appointed as Senior Advisor, will engage with civil society organizations to ensure stakeholder feedback is integrated into AISIC efforts. Mark Latonero, as Head of International Engagement, will lead AISIC’s efforts to collaborate internationally on AI safety standards and initiatives.
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