OpenAI
November 2, 2026
CompanyGlobal Affairs
OpenAI appoints Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization
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Dan Driscoll will join OpenAI as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, working with senior leadership and external partners to advise on how advanced AI can strengthen national and cyber security, with a particular focus on working with U.S. allies to advance its responsible use.
In this newly created role, Dan will work with OpenAI teams and leaders across governments, industry, academia, and allied institutions to advance practical modernization initiatives that support the buildout of democratic AI. He will also help internal OpenAI teams understand the operational needs of global national security institutions.
Dan previously served as the 26th Secretary of the Army, overseeing the service’s operations, modernization, and resources. He brings experience spanning military service, senior government leadership, and the private sector.
In his role, Dan will advise our public and private sector partners in modernizing policy and strategy choices to unlock practical uses of AI to improve national security and help ensure the world is building AI to support democratic principles. He will work to identify where operational needs, institutional change and emerging AI capabilities come together. Dan’s appointment reflects our commitment to helping democratic institutions use advanced AI responsibly to strengthen shared security, and builds on OpenAI’s work with allies and partners to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential services under its Daybreak program.
“AI should give people more power over their lives and people should have a say in how it’s developed. The US has an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI and I’m excited to welcome Dan Driscoll to OpenAI to strengthen American leadership and help us do that.”
Sam Altman
“I’ve spent much of my career in public service, first as a Soldier and most recently as Secretary of the Army and Acting Director of ATF. The people who serve deserve the very best tools we can put in their hands. National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past fifty years. This technology will help them keep pace by cutting through paperwork, making sense of more information, and getting the right answer to the right person faster. I’m joining OpenAI to help the United States and our allies put this technology to work responsibly, for the people who keep us safe.”
Dan Driscoll
Dan Driscoll was the 26th Secretary of the United States Army. As Secretary, he oversaw operations, modernization, and resource allocation for nearly one million Active, Guard, and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians. He drove Army transformation focused on accelerating the fielding of new technology, reforming acquisition, and building a more capable force. A former Army officer and business leader, Dan has experience spanning military service, law, and the private sector.
2026
Global Affairs
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