Hi all,
This is a personal note to clarify a some questions that recently came up, specifically in the context of my role as the incoming ED.
My partner Wil and I are partners in our private lives. We have always both been extremely independent, and we respect that in each other. That said we have different roles: I am the Executive Director with responsibilities towards the Foundation and the movement, and he is an independent community member with his own voice.
I make my decisions using my own professional judgement in conjunction with input from the community and staff. I don’t consult Wil on these matters, ask him to do anything on my behalf or monitor his engagements with the community. When I speak here, it is in my capacity as an ED.
Wil, on the other hand, has a very strong personal interest in the community and agreat deal of curiosity about how the Wikimedia projectswork. It is very important to him that he remains an independent individual able to speak with his own voice and ask his own questions. He does not take direction from me. He will not work for the WMF or engage with the WMF employees.
I hope this addresses some of the questions and draws distinction between my role as ED and Wil’s participation as an independent member. If you have any questions for Wil you can reach him directly. If you have any questions for me or the WMF, you can get a hold of me by email or on my talk page.
Thanks,
Lila