Exclusive: Will Hurd joins OpenAI's board of directors

• Hurd announced in 2019 he was retiring from Congress “in order to pursue opportunities outside the halls of Congress to solve problems at the nexus between technology and national security.”
• He denied his retirement had anything to do with his district growing increasingly competitive.

Between the lines: Hurd has worked most recently as a managing director at Allen & Company and a trustee of the German Marshall Fund.

• He also served recently as a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

What they’re saying: “I’ve been blown away by the scientific advances made by the team at OpenAI, and I’ve been inspired by their commitment to developing AI responsibly,” said Hurd.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said: “Will brings a rare combination of expertise — he deeply understands both artificial intelligence as well as public policy, both of which are critical to a successful future for AI."