Hotchkiss is excited to announce Dr. Abby Fanlo Susk '12 as the 2026 Commencement speaker.

Susk serves on the Product Policy team at OpenAI, where she helps develop the policies that govern the use of OpenAI’s technology and works closely with product and engineering teams to translate those policies into practice.

Previously, she led policy and strategy for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Responsible AI Division, helping craft department-wide policies to ensure the military’s use of AI adhered to high standards of ethics and legality. She began her career in technology policy at Meta, focusing on the global societal and political impacts of online platforms.

Abby holds a Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University and is committed to advancing public-interest approaches to emerging technology. She was featured as Hotchkiss's Alum of the Month in May 2024.

"It is with tremendous gratitude, and a spirit of openness and deep curiosity, that we welcome Abby back to campus," said Mario Williams ’12, class dean for the Class of 2026. "She is very much looking forward to sharing this meaningful moment in the lives of the members of the Class of 2026."