UPDATE — JULY 2025: The AISIC has since been restructured, rebranded, and refocused under the Trump administration:

• Specifically, the word “Safety” has been removed from the institute’s name. It is now frequently referred to as the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CASI) or the AI Innovation Center.

• Moreover, the institute’s mission has shifted from prioritizing risk mitigation and ethical guardrails to emphasizing U.S. innovation, standards-setting, and national security.

• In addition, executive orders issued in 2025 reversed several Biden-era directives, removing references to “AI fairness” and “AI safety” from official NIST and federal documentation.

• This marks a significant change in federal AI policy, with a new emphasis on rapid deployment and global competitiveness.

However, the article describes the leadership appointments and structure, which remain factually correct as of their original announcement in April 2024. But the policy context and institutional identity have since evolved substantially.

ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:

New Leadership Team Announced for U.S. AI Safety Institute

On April 2024, 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, who will serve as Head of AI Safety; Adam Russell will serve as Chief Vision Officer; Mara Campbell will act as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff; Rob Reich will serve as Senior Advisor; Mark Latonero will lead international engagement. They will work alongside AISIC Director Elizabeth Kelly and Chief Technology Officer Elham Tabassi, who were announced earlier this year.

Furthermore, President Biden directed the establishment of the AISIC within NIST as part of the administration’s effort 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.

Comments by Leaders

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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the newly appointed leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective roles. 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 will serve as Senior Advisor and 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.

Need Help?

Keeping track of the ever-changing AI landscape can be tough, especially if you have questions and concerns. Therefore, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance.