Rebecca Finlay

Rebecca Finlay is the Acting Executive Director at the Partnership on AI overseeing the organization’s mission and strategy. In this role, Rebecca ensures that the PAI Team and our global community of Partners work together so that developments in AI advance positive outcomes for people and society. She continues her role on the PAI Board of Directors while taking on this additional responsibility. 

While at CIFAR as the Vice-President, Engagement and Public Policy, Rebecca founded the Institute’s 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 to develop responsible approaches to real-world applications of AI, and was responsible for CIFAR’s partnerships with governments and public sector organizations worldwide.

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 on non-profit, foundation, and hospital boards.