OpenAI expands public sector work as Gabrielle Tarini takes on leadership role in government division
OpenAI has expanded its government-focused operations with the appointment of Gabrielle Tarini as head of Strategy and Operations for OpenAI for Government.
The update was shared in a LinkedIn post where Tarini reflected on her first year with the company and outlined the importance of building public trust in artificial intelligence.
OpenAI for Government was created to deliver the company’s AI models, including GPT, to government agencies and public institutions. The division aims to enable responsible use of AI in national security, defense, and public administration.
In her post, Tarini said, “The United States may build the most advanced AI models, but we could still lose the race to secure trust and adoption globally.” She added, “AI can help to solve some of the consequential challenges facing democratic governments, but only if public servants trust it, can access it, and use it to advance their missions.”
Leadership and experience
Before joining OpenAI, Tarini worked in the U.S. Department of Defense as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs and as a China Policy Advisor. She previously served as a Policy Analyst at the RAND Corporation and as a Teaching Assistant at Harvard Kennedy School.
She will work closely with Joseph Larson, Katrina Mulligan, and Felipe Millon, who oversee OpenAI for Government’s strategy and partnerships. The division’s work connects OpenAI’s technology with agencies that protect national interests and deliver public services.
Focus on scaling government AI capacity
Tarini said her new role will involve building operational systems, expanding partnerships, and supporting governments in safely adopting OpenAI’s models. “OpenAI for Government was created to put OpenAI's world-leading AI models in the hands of those who serve our communities and protect our nation,” she wrote.
She added, “I’m thrilled to help Joseph Larson, Katrina Mulligan, and Felipe Millon build the team, shape our strategy, and expand our impact.”
Tarini closed her post by expressing appreciation for her colleagues, writing, “I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues across OpenAI (especially Sasha Baker and Katrina Mulligan) for their support and mentorship. I'm looking forward to carrying what I’ve learned into this next chapter.”
