Former Army Secretary joins OpenAI in national Security role

Driscoll, who most recently served as Secretary of the Army, will advise OpenAI’s leadership and external partners on leveraging advanced AI to bolster national and cybersecurity, with a focus on collaboration with U.S. allies. He will also assist OpenAI teams in understanding the operational needs of national security institutions worldwide.

In his new role, Driscoll will work with teams across government, industry, academia, and allied institutions to promote the responsible development and implementation of AI.

Driscoll previously held the position of Secretary of the Army starting last year, departing in September 2026. He also served as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during 2025 and 2026, with his time in both roles overlapping earlier this year.

“I’ve spent much of my career in public service…The people who serve deserve the very best tools we can put in their hands,” Driscoll stated. “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.”

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added, “AI should give people more power over their lives…The U.S. 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.”