Michael Henry is a distinguished technology leader with extensive experience bridging Department of Defense requirements through the adaptation and implementation of free and open source solutions (FOSS). As the Chief of Information Technology for the Secretariat of the Air Force, Studies and Analysis, he provides strategic vision and technical leadership that shapes the future of Air Force information systems.
As the Crossfunctional Integration Lead of the Applications Category for the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System, Michael has been instrumental in developing next-generation command and control capabilities through open source integration. His leadership has enabled seamless data flow across previously siloed systems, significantly enhancing the military’s ability to execute Joint All-Domain Command and Control operations.
Michael is the co-founder and creator of YodaBox, which has evolved to become the edge cloud node of record which is now known as EdgeOps at Platform One, the Air Force’s DevSecOps Platform. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized edge computing capabilities for the Department of Defense, enabling secure deployment of mission-critical applications in highly contested environments.
A lifelong hacker and maker at heart, Michael brings his passion for innovation to everything he does. Outside his professional role, he pursues ambitious technical projects including making furniture, building robots, building race cars, and constructing experimental aircraft—applying the same creative problem-solving approach that has defined his government service. He actively experiments with various radio technologies and satellite communications, pushing the boundaries of connectivity in diverse environments all through automation.
His impact on national infrastructure extends beyond defense systems. In 2013, he developed the groundbreaking arrival-departure window for the Federal Aviation Administration, which mitigated midair collisions in terminal areas at major airports throughout the United States National Airspace System (NAS). These critical safety measures have been codified as regulation in the air traffic control procedures 7110.65 and continue to protect millions of travelers daily in the world’s busiest airports.
Throughout his career, Michael has championed the adoption of Linux-based systems across critical defense infrastructure, successfully developing statements of work that balance security requirements with the benefits of open source collaboration. As a strong believer in all things automation through open source, he advocates that government should be the largest contributor to open source technologies—not just a consumer. His expertise in navigating complex procurement regulations has enabled numerous defense projects to leverage community-driven innovation while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.
At the Open Source Summit North America 2025, Michael will share insights on creating effective edge clouds that align with both defense and commercial retail operations alike. By adopting open source principles, the government and open source communities can work together to enhance national security capabilities to build a stronger and more resilient future.
