FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 15, 2026
Aspen Institute Fellow and Author of AI & the Boardroom Selected by Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to Foster International Cooperation on Algorithmic Governance and Digital Policy.
Rohan Sharma, a globally recognized authority on artificial intelligence governance and a 2025 Aspen Institute Civic AI Leader, has been appointed to the Fulbright Specialist Roster, a prestigious program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Following a rigorous review by a U.S. peer review panel, Mr. Sharma will serve a three-year tenure as a representative of American technical and intellectual leadership, engaging with host institutions abroad to strengthen global capacity in AI governance, regulatory frameworks, and digital transformation.
The Fulbright Specialist Program, part of the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions overseas to share expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, and learn from other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions. Mr. Sharma’s selection underscores the increasing geopolitical importance of artificial intelligence and the critical need for cross-border alignment on safety standards and ethical deployment.
Mr. Sharma brings to the roster a unique “scholar-practitioner” perspective, combining his tenure as an operating executive at Fortune 100 enterprises with his current roles on the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the ACM Technology Policy Committee. His mandate will involve advising universities, government ministries, and research institutes on operationalizing responsible AI, bridging the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and local public policy requirements.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer merely a technical discipline; it has become a central pillar of modern statecraft, economic sovereignty, and institutional integrity,” said Rohan Sharma regarding the appointment. “I am deeply honored to serve the Fulbright mission. We are at a juncture where the governance frameworks we build today will define the trajectory of global digital infrastructure for decades. It is vital that we collaborate across borders to ensure these systems are resilient, transparent, and aligned with democratic values.”
This appointment complements Mr. Sharma’s ongoing work in establishing high-integrity governance standards. As the author of AI & the Boardroom (Springer Nature), his frameworks for executive oversight have been cited by NATO and Google DeepMind. His inclusion in the Fulbright Specialist Roster facilitates a direct channel for transferring these best practices to emerging markets and established economies alike, fostering a cohesive international approach to algorithmic risk.
“The Fulbright mission—to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries—has never been more urgent than in the context of algorithmic decision-making,” Mr. Sharma added. “True technological progress requires that we export not just our code, but our commitment to accountability and human-centric design.”
Recipients of Fulbright Specialist awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership in their field. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, with additional support from participating foreign governments and host institutions.
MEDIA ASSETS
- Official Headshot: Available upon request (High-resolution, 300 DPI, neutral background).
- Supporting Documentation: AI & the Boardroom book cover; Official bio; U.S. Department of State Fulbright Program backgrounder.
- Availability: Mr. Sharma is available for comment on U.S. digital diplomacy, international AI standards (ISO/IEC), and the role of public-private partnerships in technology governance.
ABOUT ROHAN SHARMA
Rohan Sharma is a globally recognized authority on artificial intelligence governance, digital transformation, and enterprise risk, and a 2025 Aspen Institute Civic AI Leader. His work sits at the intersection of technology, public policy, and board-level decision-making, where he advises executives and institutions on the strategic, regulatory, and capital implications of advanced AI systems.
Mr. Sharma serves on the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), contributing to the development of global AI safety and quality standards, and leads the Law Sub-committee of the ACM Technology Policy Committee, shaping legal and governance perspectives on emerging technologies. He is an Agenda Contributor to the World Economic Forum, an advisor to Stanford Seed, and has previously held senior leadership roles driving AI-enabled transformation at Apple, Disney, and Fortune 100 enterprises.
An author and public intellectual, Mr. Sharma wrote the Springer-published AI & the Boardroom, a widely cited text on AI governance and executive oversight that has been referenced by NATO, Google DeepMind, and peer-reviewed academic journals including Nature and Emerald. He is also the author of Minds of Machines and a frequent speaker at global C-suite forums, including TEDx Yale and The Atlantic CEO Summit.
Mr. Sharma serves as a strategic advisor to UCLA Anderson, and a mentor with Techstars. He resides in California with his family.
MEDIA CONTACT
Name: Rohan Sharma Title: Managing Principal, Zenolabs AI Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (323) 236 8723 Website: http://www.rohansharma.net