Larry Irving is the President and CEO of the Irving Group, a consulting firm providing strategic advice and assistance to international telecommunications and information technology companies, foundations and non-profit organizations. Irving is one of the nation’s leading thinkers on technology and innovation, with extensive experience on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch of the US federal government. From September, 2009 to July, 2011, Mr. Irving served as Vice President for Global Government Affairs for the Hewlett-Packard Company, then the world’s largest technology company. He previously served nearly 7 years as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information in the Clinton Administration, addressing social and economic issues through enhancements of telecommunications and information technology policy. Mr. Irving is widely credited with coining the term the “digital divide” and sparking global interest in the issue. In large part due to his work to promote policies and develop programs to ensure equitable access to advanced telecommunications and information technologies, Mr. Irving was elected to the Internet Hall of Fame in 2019.

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

My work to help ensure equity in access to technology

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Music, wine, and travel.

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.

… Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.

Favorite snack food?

Russett potato chips (and recently Cashews w/ everything seasoning)

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I am the incoming president of Northwestern’s Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Trustees. My proudest award is the “Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award” from the National Association of Minorities in Communications. Mickey was my boss and mentor. It’s an honor to be presented an award named for him.