Headshot of Robert C. O’Brien, a Booz Allen board member.

Booz Allen Adds White House National Security Adviser to Board of Directors

Robert C. O’Brien, a national security expert, has joined Booz Allen Hamilton’s board of directors. 

He will be a member of the board’s committees on nominating and corporate governance, and compensation, culture and people, the government contracting company said Wednesday.

Robert O’Brien’s Professional Background

O’Brien brings to the role his experience leading national security efforts across government. He was appointed to serve as a national security adviser for the White House in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term and was added to the president’s Intelligence Advisory Board in March 2025. 

He also previously led as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the official in charge of bringing home U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained in another country. 

Before his roles at the White House, the official sat as co-chair of the Department of State’s Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan under former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

O’Brien also represented the United States for the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly during the administration of George W. Bush.

“Ambassador O’Brien’s unique understanding of national security and geopolitics will bring tremendous value to Booz Allen and our work on America’s most critical missions,” commented Horacio Rozanski, president and CEO of Booz Allen and a three-time Wash100 Award winner. “His contributions will enrich our Board as we collaborate and serve Booz Allen’s stockholders, customers, people and the nation.”

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