Retired U.S. Army General and former National Security Agency (NSA) Director Paul M. Nakasone has joined the Board of Directors at artificial intelligence giant OpenAI.
Nakasone will also join the Board’s Safety and Security Committee that was announced in late May, which responsible for making recommendations on safety and security decisions for all OpenAI projects and operations.
OpenAI says Nakasone’s insights will “contribute to OpenAI’s efforts to better understand how AI can be used to strengthen cybersecurity by quickly detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.”
General Nakasone, who retired in early 2024, served as Commander, USCYBERCOM and Director, NSA/CSS since May 2018, taking the helm after the retirement of Admiral Mike Rogers as it ascended to the status of a unified combatant command.
“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to have huge positive impacts on people’s lives, but it can only meet this potential if these innovations are securely built and deployed,“ said Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board. “General Nakasone’s unparalleled experience in areas like cybersecurity will help guide OpenAI in achieving its mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.”
“OpenAI’s dedication to its mission aligns closely with my own values and experience in public service,” Nakasone said. “I look forward to contributing to OpenAI’s efforts to ensure artificial general intelligence is safe and beneficial to people around the world.”
Under General Nakasone’s leadership, the NSA established the unclassified Cybersecurity Collaboration Center and announced the formation of the Artificial Intelligence Security Center in September 2023.
General Timothy D. Haugh assumed command of NSA and USCYBERCOM on February 2, 2024, taking over the role from Nakasone.
