OpenAI hires Dan Driscoll for national security role

OpenAI appointed Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization, bringing the former US Army secretary into its national-security leadership in a newly created advisory role.

The company said Driscoll will advise senior leaders on how advanced AI can strengthen national security and cybersecurity. His remit includes working with OpenAI teams and leaders across government, industry, academia and allied institutions, with particular attention to responsible use alongside US allies.

Driscoll will also help OpenAI’s internal teams understand the operational needs of national-security institutions around the world, the company said. He will work with outside partners on practical modernization initiatives supporting what OpenAI calls democratic AI.

Driscoll said he was joining OpenAI to help the United States and its allies put the technology to work responsibly. He previously served as the 26th secretary of the Army and was sworn into that post on February 25, 2025.

The announcement did not say the appointment created a new program, contract or policy change. It also did not disclose Driscoll’s start date, reporting line or decision-making authority.