Dan Driscoll will join OpenAI as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization. In this newly created role he will advise OpenAI leadership and external partners on how advanced AI can be employed to strengthen national and cyber security, with particular emphasis on advancing responsible use together with U.S. allies.
Role and responsibilities
Driscoll will work across OpenAI teams and with leaders in government, industry, academia and allied institutions to promote practical modernization initiatives that support the development of democratic AI. He will also help OpenAI’s internal teams understand the operational needs of global national security institutions and identify where operational requirements, institutional change, and emerging AI capabilities intersect.
His appointment is presented as part of OpenAI’s commitment to help democratic institutions use advanced AI responsibly to bolster shared security. The role is intended to build on OpenAI’s existing cooperation with allies and partners, including efforts under its Daybreak program to strengthen cyber resilience and protect critical services.
Background and experience
Dan Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the United States Army. As Secretary, he oversaw operations, modernization, and resource allocation affecting nearly one million Active, Guard, and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians. Driscoll’s background spans military service, senior government leadership and the private sector; he is a former Army officer and has professional experience in law and business.
Why this matters
The appointment signals OpenAI’s intent to deepen collaboration with governments and international partners to align AI deployments with democratic principles while improving security. Driscoll’s mix of operational and institutional experience is intended to help reconcile real-world defense and security needs with emerging AI capabilities and policy choices.
Related initiatives
OpenAI highlights its Daybreak program as part of its work with allies to increase cyber resilience and protect essential services; Driscoll’s advisory role is expected to complement such efforts by providing strategic and operational guidance on modernization decisions.
