Some had speculated that Whitman, who lost to Democrat Jerry Brown by 13 points in November, might consider a run for Senate. Last month, she said she was “definitely not” plotting a 2012 Senate bid challenging Democrat Dianne Feinstein.

Rather, Whitman said Wednesday, she’s interested in public service outside electoral politics. “I’m back in business working on some not-for-profit initiatives. I joined the board of Teach for America and our local charter school here,” she said. “So that’s where I’m going to put my efforts.” She’s also taken a job as a part-time adviser to Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.