OpenAI names Dan Driscoll senior counselor for national security

OpenAI said it has appointed Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, a role focused on responsible AI use in national security, cyber resilience and cooperation with U.S. allies.

Evidence and context

In its announcement dated Nov. 2, 2026, OpenAI said Driscoll will advise senior leadership and public- and private-sector partners on advanced AI applications for national security and cybersecurity. The company said the post is intended to support policy and strategy modernization, operational needs and responsible adoption, with an emphasis on democratic principles.

OpenAI also linked the appointment to its Daybreak cyber-resilience program. Reuters, in a report published Nov. 2, 2026, identified Driscoll as a former U.S. Army secretary and said he previously participated in diplomacy involving Russia and Ukraine. The announcement did not disclose additional terms of the appointment.

The significance of the hire lies in OpenAI's effort to formalize a national-security advisory function at a time when AI developers are increasingly being asked to address defense, cybersecurity and allied cooperation use cases. Public filings or the company announcement did not specify any compensation, duration or operational authority tied to the role.