OpenAI has appointed four advisors to its nonprofit commission, aiming to guide its philanthropic efforts amid scrutiny over its recent shift to a for-profit structure.
The company has revealed the “advisors” for its new nonprofit commission: Dolores Huerta, Monica Lozano, Dr. Robert K. Ross, and Jack Oliver. OpenAI says the four advisors will help “inform OpenAI’s philanthropic efforts,” according to an announcement on Tuesday.
Huerta was a prominent labor activist during the 20th century. Lozano has a notable background as the president and CEO of the College Futures Foundation and is a member of Apple’s board of directors. Ross previously served as president and CEO of The California Endowment, a health and wellness foundation. OpenAI describes Oliver as a “leader in government, technology, business and advocacy.”
Their appointment comes just months after OpenAI announced its plan to shift into a for-profit company. Several former OpenAI employees opposed the change in a proposed amicus brief supporting Elon Musk’s lawsuit against the company, which accuses it of abandoning its original mission of helping humanity. A coalition of nonprofit, labor, and philanthropic leaders have also urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to probe OpenAI’s transformation into a for-profit company.
OpenAI has faced criticism from various stakeholders, including Elon Musk, who has accused the company of abandoning its original mission. However, the company maintains that its nonprofit arm will continue to exist and contribute to addressing global challenges.
“As we’ve said, OpenAI’s nonprofit isn’t going anywhere—and this commission will be key to expanding its reach and impact,” OpenAI says in the announcement. “The commission’s goal is to help ensure that our nonprofit becomes a force multiplier for communities and mission-driven organizations tackling urgent global challenges—from health and education to public service and scientific discovery.”
