Neil Chilson

Neil Chilson is a lawyer, computer scientist, and author of the book “Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World.” As Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, Chilson works to create a policy and cultural environment where emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence) can develop and thrive in order to perpetually expand widespread human prosperity.

Prior to the Abundance Institute, Chilson was a senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity. He joined CGO from major philanthropic community Stand Together where he spearheaded ST’s efforts to foster an environment that encourages innovation and the individual and societal progress it makes possible.

Previously, Chilson was the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) chief technologist. In this capacity, he focused on understanding the economics of privacy, convening a workshop on informational injury, and establishing the FTC’s Blockchain Working Group, among other things. Prior to his appointment, Chilson was an adviser to then-Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. In both roles he advised Chairman Ohlhausen and worked with commission staff on nearly every major technology-related case, report, workshop, and proceeding. Chilson practiced telecommunications law at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP before joining the FTC in January 2014.

Chilson has testified before both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate on artificial intelligence. He is also a regular contributor to multiple news outlets, including the Washington Post, USA Today, and Newsweek. A partial list of his related publications is available here.

Chilson holds a law degree from the George Washington University Law School and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Harding University.