About
My passion for open source has evolved over many years, reaching new heights after OSI’s March 2022 meeting in Washington, D.C. In my current role as Sr. Data & DevOps Engineer at CivicActions, I’ve seen firsthand how a “default to open” philosophy empowers public sector and nonprofit organizations to innovate more effectively. At CivicActions, embracing open practices has proven transformative, and I’m committed to spreading that model to benefit even more groups.
In 2024, I leveraged open source technology in my U.S. Congressional campaign by releasing a substantial body of code—including an instant campaign finance disclosure tool and an innovative AI designed to engage an opponent who wouldn’t debate. Despite knowing the uphill nature of the race, the experience powerfully demonstrated the impact of transparency and community-driven innovation. I’m now eager to apply these insights to expand OSI’s influence, advocating for clear, well-defined open-source licensing that drives ethical and sustainable progress.
Current employer
CivicActions
Other affiliations
EOT Archive (Archive.org)
US Government Clients
Former, possible future, candidate for US Congress (VA-08)
What areas of the Board’s work do you see yourself contributing towards?
I see my contributions to OSI centered on advocacy, outreach, and strategic partnerships. With a background that spans technical roles and public advocacy, I’m well-positioned to help organizations embrace a default-to-open approach—guiding projects to choose the right licensing strategies from the start. My experience has shown that bridging the gap between developers, companies, and policymakers is crucial for unlocking the full potential of open source.
There’s also a tremendous opportunity to connect open source with environmental, sustainability, and social impact initiatives. By demonstrating tangible benefits such as cost savings, enhanced transparency, and community-driven innovation, we can engage a broader range of stakeholders and forge enduring partnerships. My technical expertise and public campaign experience empower me to drive these collaborative efforts effectively.
What goals do you hope to achieve for OSI and the world of open source by serving on the Board of Directors?
My primary goal is to reinforce OSI’s status as the trusted authority on open-source licensing and best practices in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. By promoting clear licensing standards and ethical, sustainable development, OSI can help projects navigate legal complexities while preserving the innovative, collaborative spirit that defines open source.
I also aim to broaden OSI’s reach into sectors that have yet to fully harness open source—such as nonprofits, environmental groups, and social impact organizations. Strengthening partnerships and enhancing educational resources will help welcome new voices into our community and ensure technology serves the public good. Ultimately, by advocating for thoughtful licensing and fostering inclusive collaboration, OSI can continue to shape a vibrant and impactful future for open source.
Previous board service
New Board Director
Main social media account or blog
https://linktr.ee/BentleyHensel
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