Fathom Doubles Its Staff in a Strategic Expansion
Fathom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of an AI-driven world, has announced a significant expansion of its workforce, more than doubling its personnel. This initiative aims to enhance its capabilities and impact as it navigates the second year of its mission.
Key Leadership Appointments
CEO Blake Pierson emphasized the importance of building a skilled team to keep pace with the rapid advancements in AI technology. "The pace of AI innovation is relentless, and our mission is more critical than ever," he stated. Each new hire brings a wealth of expertise aimed at ensuring Fathom's continued success and growth.
Here are some notable additions to the team:
- - Jamie Van Leeuwen joins as Chief of Philanthropic Partnerships, bringing extensive experience in public policy and community development. His role will focus on enhancing donor partnerships and expanding Fathom's outreach.
- - Shana Mansbach, appointed Vice President of Communications and Strategy, is set to lead initiatives that shape public discourse on AI integration. She brings knowledge from her previous role as a senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and has a rich background in political communication.
- - Jake Swanton, as Vice President of State Policy and External Affairs, will leverage his two decades of policy experience to forge partnerships with legislative bodies and key policymakers. His background includes positions at Lyft and The Pew Charitable Trusts, enriching Fathom’s advocacy efforts.
- - Jamie Chou, Vice President of Impact Strategy and Special Projects, will focus on coalition building within Silicon Valley and beyond. With experience in guiding growth in federal market strategies at Virta Health, she is poised to drive Fathom’s innovative projects.
- - Max Docksey and Gillian Hadfield join as Senior Advisors, offering strategic insights from their respective backgrounds in political strategy and AI governance research.
Strengthening Core Functions
In addition to the high-profile leaders, Fathom has also expanded its operational team with key roles in policy, philanthropic partnerships, and operations.
- - Lucía de la Torre, Director of Policy Innovation, comes with a strong background in data journalism and advocacy.
- - Adam Edgerton, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, brings over a decade of experience in policy roles, enhancing the organization's relationships with stakeholders in the philanthropic community.
- - Alexis Sacasas, Chief of Staff, adds to the team with nearly ten years at FWD.us, focusing on issues surrounding technology and policy.
Fathom has also welcomed new Senior Fellows, further strengthening its expertise. Notable fellows include
Dean Ball, who previously worked with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and
Dex Hunter-Torricke, a communications strategist for major global organizations.
Future Direction
With this expanded team, Fathom is poised to enhance its commitment to responsible AI governance, ensuring that the voices and values of various stakeholders are heard. The organization is at the forefront of establishing governance models that align with technological advancements, foster public trust, and support innovation by the American public.
Fathom invites everyone to stay connected by signing up for their Substack for regular updates on AI governance. For more information, visit
Fathom's website.
As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, Fathom's strategic staffing decisions reflect a robust plan to address the society's growing needs in this dynamic arena.