OpenAI appoints Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization

OpenAI announced the appointment of Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, a newly created role focused on advising how advanced AI can enhance national and cyber security. Driscoll will collaborate with OpenAI teams, government leaders, industry, academia, and allied institutions to advance modernization initiatives that support democratic AI development. His responsibilities include helping internal teams understand the operational needs of global national security institutions. The role emphasizes practical applications of AI to improve security while ensuring alignment with democratic principles.

Dan Driscoll brings extensive experience to the position, having served as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Army, where he oversaw operations, modernization, and resource allocation for nearly one million Soldiers and over 265,000 Army Civilians. His tenure included driving Army transformation through accelerated technology deployment, acquisition reform, and force capability improvements. Driscoll’s background spans military service, senior government leadership, and private sector roles, providing a broad perspective on national security challenges.

In his new role, Driscoll will advise public and private sector partners on modernizing policy and strategy to unlock AI’s practical applications for national security. He will focus on identifying intersections between operational needs, institutional change, and emerging AI capabilities to support democratic institutions. The appointment reflects OpenAI’s commitment to responsible AI use in strengthening shared security with allies. Driscoll’s work will complement OpenAI’s existing efforts, such as the Daybreak program, which aims to enhance cyber resilience and protect essential services.

OpenAI highlighted that Driscoll’s appointment builds on its ongoing collaboration with allies and partners to advance AI in ways that protect democratic values. His role will involve close coordination with U.S. allies to ensure AI development aligns with shared security goals. The company emphasized the importance of practical modernization initiatives that support the responsible use of AI in national and cyber security contexts. Driscoll’s appointment underscores OpenAI’s focus on bridging gaps between AI capabilities and the operational needs of global security institutions.