Ted Schmitt is the Senior Director, Conservation at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2) and Director of Skylight. Prior to AI2, Ted spent over 15 years leading efforts to deliver fit-for-purpose technology for effective solutions to a range of terrestrial and marine Conservation issues at Vulcan Inc. He has worked extensively in Africa with field organizations applying technology to secure and manage protected areas. Prior to joining AI2, Ted was a Senior Program Officer at the United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He served as Business Development Director at several technology start-ups in Germany, Sweden, and the United States, leading the application of technology to drive impact across a range of issues. He started his career as a software engineer for IBM, earning patents and several technical achievement awards. Ted holds a Master of Arts in International Science and Technology Policy from George Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and a Bachelor of Arts in German from Purdue University. He is Chair of the Purdue School of Language and Culture Advisory Board, a member of Lewa Conservancy’s US Board, and an advisory board member for several conservation organizations.