Helen Toner joins OpenAI board of directors

OpenAI has appointed Helen Toner to its board of directors. This appointment is intended to advance the organization's mission of ensuring general-purpose AI benefits all of humanity through the safe and responsible deployment of technology.

Expertise in AI Policy and Global Strategy

Helen Toner is the Director of Strategy at Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET). In this role, she oversees data-driven AI policy research that provides nonpartisan analysis to the policy community. Her professional background includes advising policymakers and grantmakers on AI strategy during her tenure at Open Philanthropy.

Beyond her domestic policy work, Toner is a recognized expert on the national security implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning between the United States and China, having studied the AI landscape in China extensively.

Focus on AI Safety and Risk Mitigation

OpenAI leadership emphasizes that Toner's appointment brings critical expertise in global AI safety and long-term risk assessment.

• Greg Brockman, OpenAI's chairman and CTO, stated: "I greatly value Helen’s deep thinking around the long-term risks and effects of AI."
• Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, noted that Toner's understanding of the global AI landscape with an emphasis on safety is "critical for our efforts and mission."

Toner has previously advocated for increased transparency and collaboration to minimize AI risks. In a co-authored paper for CSET, she stressed the importance of developing new methods to test AI models and advocated for cross-border collaboration and information sharing regarding AI accidents.

Commitment to OpenAI's Mission

Helen Toner expressed her support for OpenAI's research and products, describing the organization as unique in the AI research space. She stated:

— "I strongly believe in the organization’s aim of building AI for the benefit of all, and am honored to have this opportunity to contribute to that mission."