Beyond her professional achievements, Nadia is deeply committed to the open-source community. She serves as a Board Director and the 2024 President of KAIYUANSHE. She is also a member of the China Computer Federation (CCF) open-source committee, China Institute of Communications (CIC) open-source committee, and Open Source Communication Working Committee of the China Association for Science and Technology, as well as the Deputy Secretary of the Chance Open-Source Foundation. 

She also plays an instrumental role in organizing and volunteering for various open-source events. She is the main organizer and Track Chair of CommunityOverCode (formerly known as ApacheCon) Asia, Track Chair of CoC NA and Speaker of CoC EU. Nadia is also a core organizer of OpenInfra Days China and has significantly contributed as the co-founder and conference chair of OSPO Summit and Dev.Together Summit. Previously, she has spoken at COSCUP, State of Open Con, DevRelCon London.

Nadia Jiang is an Affiliate Candidate nominated by KAIYUANSHE. KAIYUANSHE is a non-profit open source alliance based in China and contributing globally, dedicated to promoting open source as a new lifestyle for human beings, focusing on open source software, community development, open source governance, open culture, open standards, etc. It has initiated China Open Source Conferences (COSCon) and China Open Source Annual Reports.

How the candidate will contribute to the board

KAIYUANSHE and OSI have established a strong foundation for collaboration. Since joining OSI as an Affiliate Member in 2016, we’ve achieved significant milestones together. Notably, we invited Tony Wasserman, a former OSI board director, to our 2018 China Open Source Conference, marking OSI’s 20th anniversary. Our efforts to translate OSI’s high-quality content into Chinese have significantly contributed to promoting open-source culture within China. A recent achievement includes the complete translation and publication of all 17 videos from the OSI-led Deep Dive AI Webinar Series. Additionally, we’ve played a pivotal role in securing OSI approval for the Mulan PSL and participated actively in the Open Source Congress in Geneva.

This year, I’m eager to deepen our collaboration with OSI, acting as a bridge between the Chinese and global communities. Together, we aim to champion open-source culture worldwide, highlighting the intrinsic value of open source and advocating for it as a new lifestyle for human beings.

Why the candidate should be elected

I have a great passion for open-source and have made significant, long-term contributions to multiple open-source organizations. I believe my experience in contributing to various non-profit organizations (Federations/Communities/Foundations) and my professional background in DevRel enable me to collaborate efficiently with the board to drive impactful initiatives.

The number of open-source users and developers in Asia is rapidly increasing, and it’s essential that the voices of Asian open-source developers are heard more broadly. As the 2024 President of KAIYUANSHE and OSI Affiliate Member representative, the largest non-profit open-source community in China, I hope to serve as a bridge between China and the global community, bringing Asian perspectives to the board and extend the reach of OSI’s high-quality content, spirit, and culture to a broader audience.

At PayPal, I authored “Understanding the InnerSource Checklist,” a cornerstone document that has significantly advanced collaborative development practices. This work improved internal processes and served as a model for other organizations striving to adopt open source methodologies within their corporate structures. My efforts have increased efficiency, innovation, and team cohesion, demonstrating the tangible benefits of open source principles in enterprise environments.

As the Executive Director of IEEE SA OPEN, I championed the development of cloud-based platforms to support open standards, significantly impacting how global technology communities collaborate and innovate. I focused on implementing a governance model that significantly broadened participation in open source development. This model was designed to empower a diverse range of contributors, enabling them to have a tangible impact on the direction and evolution of open source projects. By prioritizing inclusivity and widening access, I ensured that individuals from varied backgrounds could contribute their unique perspectives and skills, thus enriching the open source ecosystem and driving innovation forward.

Beyond these professional achievements, I have actively contributed to the broader open source community by founding Citability.org and leading structured codeathons. These initiatives have facilitated the development of open source software solutions for nonprofit organizations, reflecting my belief in technology as a tool for societal benefit. My ongoing involvement with respected industry groups, such as the Government Blockchain Association and the OSPO Alliance, highlights my commitment to advancing fintech, open government, and open data through open source principles.

How will you contribute to the board

Upon joining the OSI Board of Directors, I intend to harness my experience in technology governance, community engagement, and advocacy for open standards. I aim to initiate and champion projects that cultivate a broad and inclusive open source community, utilizing my background in fostering collaborative spaces and driving transparency and innovation. My leadership style is marked by forward-thinking and a solid adherence to open principles, which are crucial for promoting the open source ecosystem’s growth and resilience. I am committed to propelling OSI to new heights by advocating for a visionary approach to navigating the evolving technological landscape, ensuring OSI remains a pivotal force in open source advocacy worldwide.

Why you should be elected

My diverse experiences, from initiating blockchain technologies to spearheading global open source platforms, make me a prime candidate for the OSI Board of Directors. I have demonstrated an ability to bridge diverse technological communities, enact effective governance, and champion open standards, aligning with OSI’s core mission. My unwavering dedication to the open source philosophy and a clear, strategic vision for its future underscores my capability to serve the community effectively. Electing me to the board means securing a committed, visionary leader poised to further OSI’s mission and amplify its global impact in the open source domain.

I have been the chair of the Python Software Foundation, on the board at the PSF, and general counsel of the PSF. I was also on the board at the OpenStack Foundation. Along the way, I’ve also helped many other foundations and projects.

I am one of the few people who has drafted a new license (the CAL) *and* gone all the way through the OSI review process to get it certified as open source.

I am also at the leading edge of AI legal issues, having worked in or helping on some of the first cases.

How will you contribute to the board

Practically, I have 15 years of experience with open source boards, so I can help on the day-to-day. There should also always be someone legally trained on the board. Pam Chestek is serving that role now, but her term will end next year. I would be able to provide continuity.

Why you should be elected

I am extremely concerned about the increasing misuse of the term “open source” around AI. I want to focus on this urgent issue.

I know that there is an effort underway to define “open source AI.” I support that effort. But we know enough to know that some of what is being misleadingly called “open source AI” is not.

Many people work in open source generally, but my work frequently focuses on the the open source definition specifically. I want to help keep it distinct and valuable.

Through his consulting firm and or pro bono, Tobie advises:

• Leading tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, Intel, Cisco, Postman, Airtable, and GitLab;
• Industry organizations and Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) including OpenSSF, OpenJSF, OASIS Open, and W3C;
• NGOs, philanthropies, and policy makers, among them the Atlantic Council, OpenForumEurope, and the United Nations’ Digital Public Goods Alliance.

Before establishing UnlockOpen, Tobie led Facebook’s standards initiative, representing the company at W3C and spearheading the Web Platform Tests open source initiative as a W3C Fellow.

Tobie is well-known for having co-maintaining one of the world’s largest JavaScript libraries, editing multiple web standards implemented in all modern browsers, and for his public speaking and keynotes at key industry events.

Tobie also sits on the Board of the OpenJS Foundation, is Vice Chair of its Cross Project Council, and sits on W3C’s Board Audit Committee

How will you contribute to the board

Open source is at a critical juncture due to its exponential growth and adoption. It now faces sustainability and security challenges, legislative pressures, and upcoming standardization requirements. Additionally, open source must quickly adapt to the disruptive rise of generative AI amidst challenging macro-economic conditions, which have led to massive layoffs and reduced support and funding for open source activities.

The OSI is spearheading a number of critical initiatives in these areas, notably with the recently launched Open Policy Alliance and its efforts to define open source AI. These initiatives require substantial support to secure funding and recognition.

As a Board member, I will:

• Leverage my network spanning technology, business, policy, nonprofits, and philanthropy to help secure sustainable and recurring funding for OSI’s key efforts and build new partnerships.
• Contribute the strategic expertise acquired through my consulting work to support the foundation’s board, Executive Director, and staff.
• Leverage my understanding of the policy and standardization landscapes to help create the best possible outcomes for open source, given the ongoing legislative pressures.
• Pursue public advocacy of open source through public speaking, workshops, and round tables.

Why you should be elected

I have a unique mix of deep technical expertise, open source and standardization street creds, thorough understanding of IP concerns, industry-wide network, practical knowledge of nonprofit structure, funding, finances, and operations, and strategic perspective that make me and ideal candidate to support OSI’s board during these challenging times.

Moreover, my track record demonstrates not just strategic vision but a commitment to hands-on work. I never shy away from rolling up my sleeves and doing the work.

I am committed to fostering an open-source ecosystem that is sustainable, balancing privacy protection with open collaboration, and will help navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for open-source licensing in the era of AI and beyond.

Currently, I serve as the Technical Community Architect for the Confidential Computing Consortium, where I support privacy-enhancing Open Source projects within the Linux Foundation. My diverse background includes enhancing security practices at the CNCF, OpenSSF, NIH, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and leading AI/ML security compliance initiatives at Kessel Run, the U.S. Air Force’s agile software development unit. This experience underscores my commitment to advancing open-source across diverse sectors, and an understanding of their equally diverse stakeholders.

I’ve been actively involved with OSI for 3 years, engaging in both educational online panels and in-person interventional workshops on AI licensing.

How will you contribute to the board

I intend to apply my insights into developing and implementing scalable, secure open-source solutions that meet both technical demands and societal needs. Through active participation in policy formulation and community engagement, I aim to guide OSI in harnessing open-source software as a catalyst for ethical innovation and broad-based collaboration, ensuring it continues to thrive as a force for good in the rapidly changing technological landscape.

I’ll leverage my unique blend of technical knowledge, developing AI/ML standards, and ethical frameworks that may be relevant to the OSI’s mission. My hands-on experience with big data, scalable computing, and generative AI, positions me to expertly address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the open-source community.

Why you should be elected

I have a decade of hands-on, results-oriented approach to overcoming complex challenges in Open Source. Having actively contributed to OSI through educational initiatives, I’m prepared to tackle the evolving challenges, and invite the board to consider my diverse expertise as a valuable asset in steering OSI towards a future where open-source continues to be a cornerstone of technological advancement and societal progress.

I’ve previously worked in roles in data science, software engineering, and technical exploitation, with a career with the Department of Defense as an active duty service member and later as a government civilian. I’ve spearheaded multiple research and development initiatives with multinational organizations/governments and industry leaders and later spent time in the private sector in digital forensics, focusing on Kubernetes engineering.

I graduated with undergraduate degrees in Psychology, the Arabic language with an emphasis in several dialects, and Intelligence Operations from multiple universities; an MS in Analytics from American University; and am pursuing post graduate studies at several universities currently. I am proficient in multiple languages (spoken and programming) and am an avid learner.

How will you contribute to the board

Exposure in different roles enabled me to focus on technical expertise, community growth, and establishing an ecosystem across broad groups of individuals, many of whom traditionally remain siloed. I’m passionate about the prevalence of open source in society today and would center my efforts on inclusivity and diversity in OSI efforts.

Why you should be elected

I have an unconventional background and entry to working in data science and other areas of technology, and would bring unique experiences to the board. I truly believe in community and would be honored to serve on a board with other bright, creative individuals towards the common goal of fostering relationships and transparency amongst leaders in emerging technology.

How the candidate will contribute to the board

Miles was an ordinary council member of Linux Australia in 2019, which
Having worked in both civil service and private industry, Miles would seek to promote the adoption of quality open source solutions in professional environments to combat the tendency to select well marketed closed-source alternatives (which can often have other inferior qualities too). More than this, Miles would like to foster the professional environments to build-in contributing to open source projects (particularly within government environments).

Why the candidate should be elected

Miles’ 30 year experience in using open source software in professional situations (both private and government) provides a good background for advocating for the adoption and support of open source within these environments.

Miles’ brings experience of membership of and working within open source and community technology organisations.

In 2011 Jonah changed careers, moving to Gartner to focus on availability and performance monitoring and IT operations management (ITOM). Speaking and writing research globally for IT leaders and CIOs. Jonah led Gartner’s influential application performance monitoring (APM) Magic Quadrant and created the network performance monitoring and diagnostics (NPMD) Magic Quadrant, along with creating the Network Packet Broker (NPB) term and market.

Along with this change, Jonah moved to Miami, Florida where the weather is warm, and the water is inviting, building an avid love for oceans, especially scuba diving. Jonah is underwater weekly exploring reefs and shipwrecks around the work in with both recreational and technical diving. For the latest diving photos, see https://instagram.com/jkowall.

In 2015 Jonah began building products, firstly Joining AppDynamics to drive the company’s corporate development, product strategy, and vision. Creating new products and solutions with technical partners, including IBM, SAP, and ServiceNow. Cisco acquired AppDynamics for $3.8b in 2017 to create IT and business alignment.

After a successful exit, Jonah then started running product and engineering efforts at startups. The first was Kentik, a leader in SaaS-based network analytics for network professionals. Later joining Logz.io to serve the same CTO function in building the industry’s first open source-based SaaS observability solution.

In 2022 Jonah moved to Aiven seeing the opportunity for a broader open-source based SaaS solution for data platforms encompassing databases, streaming, and ultimately a fully featured and portable platform. The contributions to open source continue as Jonah is a regular contributor to CNCF projects including OpenTelemetry, Fluent Bit, and a maintainer of Jaeger, the most popular distributed tracing project today.

How will you contribute to the board

Jonah’s experience as a leader in open source projects and businesses leveraging and contributing back to open source communities allows him to provide a unique perspective. Jonah has active participation as a member of the advisory board of the OpenSearch project, and is a maintainer of the CNCF project Jaeger. With connections back to these important projects and foundation, a unique perspective will be gained to the board as a practitioner and product leader.

Jonah contributes both in written content, discussions, and steering to ensure open source software thrives and is safe from organizational hijacking of the community and technology. Jonah is often speaking, evangelizing and protecting an open community, allowing for open source to always have a future in computing.

Why you should be elected

Having worked as a practitioner for over 15 years, and a long history of contributing, building, and creating businesses around open source Jonah brings a view of the technology. These views include the perspective not only as a practitioner, contributor and maintainer, but understanding the user perspective along with the business perspective.

Creating communities and encouraging and running mentorship programs is part of keeping open source alive. This is something we all must do to create the future ability for people to rely on open source projects.

Having worked closely with OSPOs at multiple companies, I believe there is more that we can do to ensure that corporations are participating and investing in open source to ensure viability and visibility.

Fueled by a desire to empower, I founded zero2hero in 2019, orchestrating over 200 tech events that have dramatically influenced numerous careers. My engagement with open-source platforms like npmjs.org and github.com highlights my dedication to collaborative innovation. Further, as a volunteer trainer for Microsoft Kodu and Junior Achievement, I’ve enriched young minds with game development and entrepreneurship skills. These efforts reflect my commitment to leveraging technology for community advancement and training.

Running for the OSI Board, I unite tech expertise with a passion for open-source values, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, data privacy, and transparency with a human-first approach, reminiscent of Asimov’s principles. My goal is to guide open source toward an ethical, secure, and community-driven future.

My career, a fusion of tech innovation and community impact, positions me as a distinctive candidate for the OSI Board. My passions extend beyond technology to include scuba diving, golf, Latin dance, and gliding, enriching my perspective with a dynamic blend of creativity, adventure, and rhythm. This unique combination of expertise and diverse hobbies equips me to contribute a broad, enriching viewpoint to the OSI Board.

How will you contribute to the board

To contribute to the board, I aim to bridge the gap between large tech corporations and the open-source community, fostering greater collaboration and encouraging these entities to embrace open-source principles. Recognizing the evolving landscape of technology, I will advocate for the development and refinement of open-source licenses that cater to future needs. This includes ensuring safety, sustainability, and human-centric approaches in software development, while preventing the misuse of technology.

I plan to spearhead initiatives for creating or enhancing licenses specifically tailored for AI, robotics, digital identity, and blockchain standards. These efforts will not only safeguard innovations but also align them with ethical standards and public welfare.

Moreover, I intend to facilitate more collaborative efforts and focus groups among pioneers in the tech industry. By organizing and participating in international events, I aim to raise awareness about the benefits of open-source development and its impact on global technology standards. Through these actions, I am committed to contributing to a future where open source continues to be a driving force for innovation, inclusivity, and responsible technology use.

Why you should be elected

As a technology enthusiast deeply rooted in the open source community, I have witnessed its evolution from a niche movement to a cornerstone of technological innovation and trust. My journey with Linux, PHP, Apache, and MySQL has shown me the power of collaboration against the challenges posed by tech giants. Today, as we face the future of AI, blockchain, and robotics, the principles of open source – transparency, safety, and humanity – are more crucial than ever. I believe the open source community must play a pivotal role in shaping a technology-driven future that prioritizes ethical standards and human values. My goal is to leverage my extensive experience in blockchain and technology to guide the Open Source Initiative in taking a proactive stance on emerging technologies. By fostering a safe, transparent, and inclusive technological landscape, we can ensure a resilient and equitable future for all. I am committed to this responsibility and eager to contribute to the OSI’s mission, championing the values that have made open source a beacon of hope and innovation in the tech world.

Prior to joining Huawei, I worked at Red Hat for 15 years in the US, from where I originally come.

More broadly, I also serve and have served on a variety of open source boards and other open source organization leadership roles, including at Eclipse Foundation, Linux Foundation, OpenUK, Software Heritage Foundation, etc. I am a frequent keynote speaker at various events around the world and have been consistently cited as one of the most influential people in cloud computing for more than 10 years.

I have spent the entirety of my career in open source, including:
I started as an open source developer across a variety of open source web and middleware projects, including as an Apache committer
• I built, acquired, and/or led a wide range of products and businesses spanning many diverse open source projects, such as Linux, JBoss, Eclipse IDE, Kubernetes, etc.
• I have worked with many customers and partners around the world to help them in their open source journey
• I helped build a strategic partnership between Eclipse Foundation in Europe and OpenAtom Foundation in China to cooperate around the OpenHarmony open source project and ecosystem, the first time two different open source foundations have collaborated on a shared ecosystem

How will you contribute to the board

I hope to help build and strengthen the OSI in a few key areas:
• Increase participation and representation in Asia. Despite Asia being one of the top participants in open source, there are relatively few Asian OSI members and no board members from Asia. Did you know that the OSI cannot even currently process payments to accept members from China?
• Evolving to meet the needs of a changing technology and regulatory landscape. Whether to deal with challenging issues around cloud and AI, new government regulations and policies, or security, the OSI as an organization needs to grow and evolve to meet the increasingly complex needs of open source
• Increased leadership in the overall open source community. As the overall stewards of the open source definition, the OSI needs to play a stronger role in shaping the overall direction, discussions, and ecosystems around open source for the shared benefit of all. For example, the OSI can take leadership in initiatives such as the Open Source Congress

Why you should be elected

I believe that in today’s complex, fragmented world, open source is one of the best ways to build trust, cooperation, and shared benefits for all people. As an American living in Hong Kong, working in Mainland China, and traveling to Europe up to half of each year, I have a uniquely broad and global perspective and experience in open source. Based on this, I have been working hard—with a proven track record—to build bridges through open source around the world.

Additionally:

• I would be the first board member based in Asia and could help strengthen the OSI’s participation from and engagement with Asia
• I have strong business and industry experience around open source. I can help connect the value of the OSI and open source to key business and industry stakeholders
• I have strong connections and many leadership roles in the broader open source community
• Although not a lawyer, I have a diversity of experience around legal, regulatory, and IP issues. Early in my career, I personally applied for US export licenses for products with cryptographic open source libraries and clearly remember the days when open source was not universally accessible. I have purchased open source companies, led partnership deals, and created new open source business strategies, working closely with various lawyers around IP and legal due diligence. I worked closely with our policy teams in Europe around open source strategy and policy for regulations such as the CRA, AI Act, DMA, etc. And, I happen to be married to an IP lawyer, demonstrating I can get along well with them.