GET TO KNOW to get my runs in . I want my team to know it ’ s ok to have flexible work hours . We offer a generous PTO plan , to ensure staff can take time off when needed .
What are a couple of unique challenges leading an open-source software foundation – as compared to a proprietary technology vendor ?
The biggest challenge we face is securing funding to support our work . The Foundation receives funding from corporate sponsors , individuals and grants that allow us to help keep the open-source FreeBSD operating system secure , stable and reliable . It ’ s similar to paying for a product , but what you receive is less tangible .
Another challenge is that the FreeBSD Project is not under our governance , despite our sole purpose to support the Project and community . We work closely with the Project to provide guidance , software development support , and advocacy . However , we cannot tell the Project what to do .
Unlike many other foundations , we are not a trade association that supports the industry . Instead , we are a non-profit 501c3 charity for the public good . But , we are also a tech company that competes directly for top talent with for-profit tech companies like Netflix , Apple and Google . We cannot match the high salaries and other perks offered to software developers by these companies . We developed other ways to attract exceptional software developers to our team and we have a team of passionate and dedicated members who work hard towards our mission .
How has your role evolved in your nearly 20 years as the Foundation ’ s Executive Director ?
With a handful of employees and contractors , my role has changed to set our vision , orchestrate the efforts between our team members and engage with our stakeholders .
I ’ ve been with the Foundation for a long time and continue to find my work challenging and interesting .
What is a technology trend you ’ re paying close attention to right now , and why ?
Two trends are security and AI . Security has always been a top priority in the design and development of FreeBSD . Projects like CheriBSD allow us to further our industry leadership in the overall area of security . We are staying on top of the government cybersecurity guidelines and mandates and ensuring these are incorporated into our design and processes .
My first role at the Foundation was to run the business side while managing the Java binaries project . I was also our accountant , fundraiser and board director . I became the Foundation ’ s first employee in January 2006 . We had a few software developers working on specific contracted projects , while the board members helped run the organization and provide direction .
AI is the technology trend everyone is talking about and with some of our upcoming projects and technology partnerships , I see FreeBSD growth in this area . More on this in mid-2024 !
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
As we grew , we added team members to fill the critical needs of the Project , including software development , release engineering , cluster administration and advocacy efforts . This team also implemented features and functionality to FreeBSD , supported the Project ’ s security efforts , increased FreeBSD advocacy and education , built strong relationships with users and grew the Project . We were focused on improving FreeBSD and adding employees who were passionate about our cause .
Cybersecurity . Part of that interest is the fear of what can happen to our digital infrastructure , data and identities . I ’ ve always tried to understand the foundations of things , whether it ’ s the hardware that runs our computers , the physics of karate or how my bicycle works . Understanding where security breaches can happen will help me understand how to protect the technology better . I ’ m not changing my career now , but I have a cybersecurity course ready for me to take through Coursera once I find some free time . p
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