Drawing on a distinguished career in federal government and public policy, Henke helps shape how advanced manufacturing drives growth and innovation across St. Louis. At AMICSTL, Henke is focused on aligning education, industry, research, and workforce systems to bridge equity gaps, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that the region’s future jobs are accessible. “Advanced manufacturing is not only driving innovation; it’s creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build individual and community wealth,” Henke says.
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2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? What excites me most is the transformational potential of AMICSTL to contribute to economic development in the St. Louis region. Advanced manufacturing is not only driving innovation—it’s creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build individual and community wealth. By aligning education, industry, research, and workforce systems, AMICSTL can help bridge equity gaps, spark entrepreneurship, and ensure that the jobs of the future are accessible to more people in more places across the region.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would change the outdated perception of manufacturing as low-tech and inaccessible. Today’s advanced manufacturing is driven by innovation—automation, AI, robotics, and digital design—yet the industry still struggles to attract a diverse and future-ready workforce. Changing that narrative is essential. If we can better connect people to the opportunity and dignity of modern manufacturing careers, we can unlock talent, have broader participation, and drive inclusive economic growth.
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Don’t be afraid to fail. Some of the best ideas, partnerships, and breakthroughs come from missteps and course corrections. Be bold enough to take risks, humble enough to learn quickly, and open enough to recognize when a door opens—even if it’s not the one you planned to walk through. Sometimes luck beats the best-laid plans, but preparation, persistence, and surrounding yourself with good people make all the difference.
MENTORS & PEERS
What is a key strength of the St. Louis metro area business environment? St. Louis offers a unique combination of industry diversity, collaborative leadership, and geographic advantage. Our region is a fertile ground for innovation at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, bioscience, geospatial, and more. AMICSTL is positioned to leverage this strength by connecting these sectors through next – generation manufacturing, helping anchor inclusive growth, talent development, and national competitiveness right here in the heart of the country.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? AMICSTL, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis, can be a game-changer for our region. It’s not just about new technology; it’s about building careers, revitalizing communities, and positioning St. Louis as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.
BACKGROUND
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was working part-time in a local DMV office. It taught me patience, professionalism, and the importance of clear communication—especially in high-pressure or bureaucratic environments. Those early lessons have stayed with me, helping me navigate complex systems and work effectively with people from all walks of life.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I step away, often by taking a walk or shifting my focus to something completely different. Creating that mental space helps me reset, gain perspective, and come back with clearer thinking and renewed energy.
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)? I got scuba certified and engaged to be married on the same day—but that is one chapter. I’ve also trained with live chemical agents, took classes on making chocolates in Switzerland, worked at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and co-own cattle. My background may be unconventional, but it’s given me a unique perspective on adaptability, creativity, and leadership.
