Larry Irving
Larry Irving | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 7, 1955 |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, telecommunications policy expert, consultant |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Hewlett-Packard (2009–2011); founder, president, and CEO of Irving Information Group; Director of National Telecommunications Infrastructure Administration; author of "Falling Through the Net" reports; Internet Hall of Fame inductee |
Clarence "Larry" Irving Jr. (born July 7, 1955) is a distinguished American attorney who held the position of Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Hewlett-Packard Company between 2009 and 2011.
Career
Irving is the founder, president, and CEO of the Irving Information Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in telecommunications and information technology, based in Washington, D.C., established in October 1999. Prior to starting his own firm, he directed the National Telecommunications Infrastructure Administration (NTIA) within the United States Department of Commerce, where he provided presidential counsel on telecommunications policies vital to the nation’s economic and technological advancement. He played a pivotal role in shaping President Bill Clinton's initiatives on telecommunications, Internet development, and e-commerce, acting as a senior advisor to both Clinton and Vice President Al Gore from 1993 until 1999. Additionally, Irving contributed to the science and technology sector during President Barack Obama's transition team.
Prior offices
Before his tenure at NTIA, Irving served as Senior Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance, participating in the formulation of significant legislation such as the Cable Television Consumer Protection Act and the Children's Television Act. He also held the roles of Legislative Director and Counsel for Congressman Mickey Leland, a Texas Democrat, and was involved with the Congressional Black Caucus. Earlier in his career, he practiced law as an Associate at the Washington, D.C.-based firm Hogan and Hartson.
Published reports
While leading NTIA, Irving authored the notable "Falling Through the Net" series of reports that brought attention to inequalities in information technology access. These publications played an essential role in defining and raising awareness about the digital divide, emphasizing obstacles to achieving fair digital connectivity across America.
Other activities and honors
Irving holds board memberships and advisory positions with several organizations including Internews, ReliabilityFirst Corporation, Waggener Edstrom, the Education Development Center, USC's Annenberg School, Stanford Law School, and Northwestern University's Weinberg College. He was recognized as one of the 50 most influential individuals during the "Year of the Internet" by Newsweek in 1994 and was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2019.
Education
Irving completed his undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, earning a B.A. in 1976, followed by a J.D. from Stanford University, where he also served as class president.