ISOO replaced the Interagency Classification Review Committee (ICRC), which had been created by Executive Order 11652 issued by President Richard Nixon in 1972.

William L. Brown, an attorney with the Atomic Energy Commission, was appointed executive director in October 1973 and served until December, 1975.

In May 2002, the Archivist of the United States appointed J. William Leonard as Director with the approval of President Bush.

On August 1, 2011, the Archivist of the United States appointed John P. Fitzpatrick as ISOO's fifth Director, with the approval of President Obama.

This is carefully balanced by the imperative to hold certain information in confidence in order to protect from harm America's citizens, its democratic institutions, and its participation in the community of nations.