Arkenstone Defense announced on July 21 that Joseph Larson has joined the company’s board of directors as lead independent director.
Larson currently serves as vice president and head of government at OpenAI, where he leads the company’s engagement with federal, state, local, and international government partners. He joins Arkenstone’s board after a career spent at the intersection of emerging technology, defense innovation, and public service.
“The next generation of defense capability will come from commercial companies building AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, biotech, and other technologies at venture speed,” said Larson. “But too many still underestimate what it takes to become a trusted government supplier. Arkenstone is solving that operational challenge at scale, making it easier for innovative companies to support national security. That’s an important capability for the ecosystem, and I’m excited to help shape the company’s next chapter.”
Prior to OpenAI, Larson served as senior vice president and chief of staff at Anduril Industries, where he helped lead strategy for joint all-domain command and control, ISR, and battle management. From 2022 to 2024, he was the inaugural deputy chief digital and artificial intelligence officer for algorithmic warfare within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw autonomy, AI, and machine learning initiatives across the Department of War, including the creation of Task Force Lima and leadership of the Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team, known as Project Maven.
Larson is also a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, where he serves as an intelligence officer with the MAGTF Staff Training Program in Quantico, Virginia. He holds a JD from Stanford Law School and an MA in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
“Joseph understands something few leaders do: breakthrough technology only changes national security if the government can actually adopt it,” said Peter Dixon, co-founder and CEO of Arkenstone Defense. “He’s helped shape AI policy inside the Pentagon, scaled one of defense’s fastest-growing companies, and now works at the forefront of everything defense tech and AI. That combination of experience will help Arkenstone continue building the operational foundation that allows more commercial innovators to serve the government.”
Source: Arkenstone Defense
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By Loren Blinde
July 27, 2026
