OpenAI Appoints New Nonprofit Advisors Amid Controversy Over For-Profit Shift

Max Carter

Max Carter

April 15, 2025 · 3 min read
OpenAI Appoints New Nonprofit Advisors Amid Controversy Over For-Profit Shift

OpenAI has announced the appointment of four new advisors to its nonprofit commission, a move aimed at expanding its philanthropic efforts and addressing criticism over its recent shift to a for-profit company. The new advisors, Dolores Huerta, Monica Lozano, Dr. Robert K. Ross, and Jack Oliver, will help inform OpenAI's philanthropic efforts, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

The appointment comes just months after OpenAI announced its plan to transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit company, a move that has been met with opposition from several former employees and nonprofit, labor, and philanthropic leaders. Critics argue that the shift undermines OpenAI's original mission of helping humanity and raises concerns about the company's accountability and transparency.

Despite the criticism, OpenAI has maintained that its nonprofit arm is "not going anywhere" and that the new commission will play a key role in expanding its reach and impact. The company claims that the commission's goal is to ensure that its nonprofit becomes a "force multiplier" for communities and mission-driven organizations tackling urgent global challenges, including health, education, public service, and scientific discovery.

The new advisors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the commission. Dolores Huerta is a prominent labor activist, while Monica Lozano is a member of Apple's board of directors and former president and CEO of the College Futures Foundation. Dr. Robert K. Ross previously served as president and CEO of the health and wellness foundation The California Endowment, and Jack Oliver is a leader in government, technology, business, and advocacy.

The controversy surrounding OpenAI's shift to a for-profit company has been ongoing, with several former employees opposing the change in a proposed amicus brief supporting Elon Musk's lawsuit against the company. Musk accuses OpenAI of abandoning its original mission and has launched a "fake takeover bid" to gain control of the company. A coalition of nonprofit, labor, and philanthropic leaders has also urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate OpenAI's transformation into a for-profit company.

Despite the challenges, OpenAI remains committed to its philanthropic efforts, with the new commission playing a critical role in shaping its nonprofit arm's future direction. The company's announcement has sparked renewed debate about the role of technology companies in addressing social and environmental challenges, and the importance of transparency and accountability in their operations.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, OpenAI's nonprofit commission will be closely watched for its impact on the company's philanthropic efforts and its ability to address the concerns of its critics. With the appointment of the new advisors, OpenAI is taking a significant step towards expanding its reach and impact, but it remains to be seen whether this move will be enough to quell the controversy surrounding its shift to a for-profit company.

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