She’s also been very successful at managing complex teams and executing on large projects. She has an amazing amount of experience with thorny issues at the intersection of technology, law, and policy.
James Mickens, associate professor of computer science and Berkman Klein co-director, said, “I’m very excited to welcome Sue to the executive director role at BKC. “Sue’s passion for human rights work, in particular, resonates with so much of what we care about at BKC.” I look forward to collaborating with Sue on these vital efforts, which will benefit from insights from both her practice and her public interest work, as well as her deep connections with legal, tech, and policy communities,” said Berkman Klein Managing Director Elisabeth Sylvan. “Sue Hendrickson joins the Berkman Klein Center as we navigate our third decade, a time in which we are redefining our research, outreach, and educational programs. I’m looking forward to diving in with BKC’s dynamic communities and advancing the Center’s real-world impact.” Charting a positive course forward requires exactly the public-spirited, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international work at which BKC excels. The opportunities from technological development are vast and promising, but the disruptions and risks - whether to personal freedoms, democracy, equity, the rule of law, business models, or otherwise - are serious, complex, and need to be tackled head on. Hendrickson said, “I’m excited to be joining the team at BKC and grateful for the opportunity to lead the center at this consequential time in the relationship between the internet, technology, and society. Her longstanding involvement with advocacy and philanthropy organizations includes her current service as board member and liaison to the tech advisory board of Human Rights First where she is assisting the Innovation Lab’s efforts to incubate technologies to address pressing human rights issues. Hendrickson has forged effective alliances enabling leading international organizations, civil society organizations, technology companies, investors, and philanthropists to embrace the promise and mitigate the risks of emerging technologies. Her expertise extends across many sectors, including digital media, IT and telecommunications, healthcare, education, and the arts.
Her extensive experience with complex legal, commercial, and public policy issues spans three decades of technology expansion, from the early days of AOL to today’s advanced AI/machine learning, autonomous, and connected technologies. An accomplished team builder, she has served as a partner at Arnold & Porter, where she co-heads the technology and life sciences transactions practices. Hendrickson is a leading technology and intellectual property legal strategist focused on cutting-edge technology and innovation. We’re thrilled she’s joining us at a fraught moment in the study of the digital space.” “Not only is she a brilliant and innovative practitioner and counselor in areas of technology that the center’s communities care about deeply, but she’s also a resourceful and effective leader. “Sue brings an extraordinary combination of energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to BKC,” said Faculty Chair Jonathan Zittrain ’95, George Bemis Professor of International Law. She will begin her appointment in February 2022. Hendrickson will help lead the center and shape its next generation of education, research, and engagement on technology and society, connecting it to new communities and collaborators.
The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University has announced the appointment of Susan Hendrickson ’93 as its new executive director.