OpenAI Appoints Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization

OpenAI announced on November 2, 2026, that Dan Driscoll has joined the company as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization. In this newly created role, Driscoll will work with senior leadership and external partners to advise on how advanced AI can strengthen national and cyber security. According to OpenAI, the role includes a particular focus on working with U.S. allies to advance the responsible use of the technology.

Role and Responsibilities

In his capacity as Senior Counselor, Driscoll will collaborate with OpenAI teams and leaders across industry, academia, government, and allied institutions. The goal of these efforts is to advance practical modernization initiatives that support the buildout of democratic AI. Additionally, Driscoll will assist internal OpenAI teams in understanding the operational needs of global national security institutions.

OpenAI states that Driscoll will advise both public and private sector partners on modernizing strategy and policy choices. This work aims to unlock practical uses of AI to improve national security and help ensure that AI development globally supports democratic principles. The company noted that the appointment builds on its existing work with partners to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential services under its Daybreak program.

Background of Dan Driscoll

Drisscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the United States Army. In that capacity, he oversaw the service's resources, modernization, and operations for nearly one million Active, Guard, and Reserve Soldiers, as well as more than 265,000 Army Civilians. His tenure included driving Army transformation focused on reforming acquisition, accelerating the fielding of new technology, and building a more capable force.

His professional experience spans military service, the private sector, and law. In addition to his time as Secretary of the Army, he also served as Acting Director of the ATF.

Regarding his move to OpenAI, Driscoll stated: "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."

Leadership Perspective

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, commented on the appointment, stating: "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."

Why it matters

OpenAI's appointment of a former high-ranking military official highlights the company's focus on the intersection of advanced AI capabilities and national security requirements. The company intends to use this role to identify where emerging AI capabilities meet institutional change and operational needs.

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Sources

• openai.com: OpenAI appoints Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization | OpenAI

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.