Mr. Larry Hencshel is currently serving as the Director of International – FutureG at the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) in the Pentagon. This role places him at the forefront of developing international strategies and initiatives related to global defense technology innovations.

Mr. Hencshel has amassed a distinguished career in the U.S. government, starting in Signals Intelligence with the United States Air Force since 2006, notably serving at the National Security Agency (NSA). His post-military trajectory led him to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he contributed significantly to the Defense Counterintelligence HUMINT Center (DCHC). With the evolution of technologies, Mr. Hencshel furthered his education in cybersecurity and cyberspace operations, transitioning into pivotal roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly within the National Cybersecurity Communication and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). Here, he excelled as a Cyber and Policy Specialist and served as an International Liaison, fostering critical engagements and relationships with foreign governments and industries.

In 2014, Mr. Hencshel rejoined the Department of Defense as a Senior Cyberspace Operations Specialist, providing crucial guidance to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. His expertise shaped pivotal national cyberspace policies and Presidential Policy Directives, working closely with both the National Security Council and the White House. In 2016, he then transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as a Senior Advisor, leading efforts in infrastructure protection, cyber policy, and international coordination, particularly emphasizing stakeholder engagements, cybersecurity, and 5G technology. In 2020, Mr. Hencshel returned to the Department of Defense, where he was appointed Director of Operations and International for 5G and FutureG. In this role, he strengthened scientific and technological collaboration with international allies and partners. His leadership fostered common standards, interoperable technologies, and advancements in emerging technologies, guided by the strategic priorities of the White House, National Security Council, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Engineering.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Hencshel is deeply committed to community service. He actively volunteers with several nonprofits in the Washington DC area, serving as a senior advisor and educator focused on youth education, professional development for high school and college students, and cybersecurity workforce training, conducting over 15 large-scale, free seminars annually. He is particularly involved in educating the public about the Korean War under the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and its memorial in DC, serving as the Vice President for the Foundation. Mr. Hencshel also influences economic development as a board member of the Howard County Economic Development Authority in Maryland. His passion for mentorship extends into sports, where he is the head coach for the Taekwondo teams at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Johns Hopkins University, and the United States Naval Academy. Through his guidance, Mr. Hencshel has helped over 200 students pursue careers in the military, government, or corporate sectors, particularly in intelligence, cybersecurity, policy, and technology. Additionally, he often serves as Master of Ceremonies at major events throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Mr. Hencshel holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Technology Management at Korea University in South Korea.