Rebecca Finlay

Rebecca Finlay is the CEO at Partnership on AI overseeing the organization’s mission and strategy. In this role, Rebecca ensures that the PAI Team and its global community of Partners work together so that developments in AI advance positive outcomes for people and society.

Most recently, Rebecca was Vice President, Engagement and Public Policy at CIFAR. In this role, Rebecca founded the Institute’s global knowledge mobilization practice, bringing together experts in industry, civil society, and government to accelerate the societal impact of CIFAR’s research programs. In 2017, she was responsible for the launch of CIFAR’s AI & Society program to support international working groups on the questions AI poses for all aspects of policy and society. In 2019, she launched CIFAR Solution Networks to support multi-year, international teams in the development of responsible approaches to real-world applications of AI. She led CIFAR’s partnerships with governments and public sector organizations, diversifying the organization’s funding sources internationally.

Prior to joining CIFAR, Rebecca held leadership roles in research and civil society organizations including as Group Director, Public Affairs and Cancer Control for the Canadian Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute of Canada. She began her career in the private sector building strategic partnerships, including as First Vice President, Financial Institution and Partnership Marketing for Bank One International. In 2019, Rebecca was honored as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and McGill University. She is an active volunteer and lives with her family in Toronto, Canada.