Hello Everyone,
As you may recall the board was restructured last year around this
time. At that time we asked the chapters to select two board members
for the board. This would happen in the even-numbered years. The three
community seats would be elected in the odd-numbered years.
As was to be expected it took the chapters a while to come to a
procedure and selection the first time around. Unfortunately this
could have had the result that 2009 would have been the year in which
both the elected board members and the chapter selected board members
were changed/added to the board. In the interest of continuity the
board asked the chapters to consider selecting one current board
member for one of the two chapter selected seats this time around. I
am happy to inform you that not only did they agree to this, they have
also found an excellent addition to the board for the other seat.
The chapters have provided the board with the following statement and
the board has been happy to approve their selections.
“Chapters Statement
In April 2008, the Wikimedia Foundation gave the chapters a role in
the board member selection process, by asking them to select
candidates to fill two of the Trustees seats.
The Wikimedia chapters have selected Arne Klempert as a new candidate.
In agreement with the board, they have decided to propose Michael Snow
as their second candidate, with the intent of confirming his position
on the Board of Trustees as occupying one of the chapters selected
Board seats. The chapters are glad that both candidates have accepted
their selection and hope that the Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia
Foundation will be able to formalize this as soon as possible. The
selection of those candidates comes after many heated but fruitful
discussions and represents the chapters' will to introduce novelty and
ensure continuity in the board of the Wikimedia Foundation.
Arne Klempert is Head of Digital Communications at IFOK, a German
consulting firm. He is one of the founders of the German chapter. He
was involved in the development of Wikimedia Deutschland first as vice-
chair and then as Executive Director, until September 2008.
Michael Snow has served on the Board of the Wikimedia Foundation since
December 2007, and was chosen in July 2008 to be its chair. Michael is
a lawyer and has been involved in Wikimedia for many years as Head of
the Wikimedia Communications Committee and creator of the Wikipedia
Signpost, amongst other roles.
The chapters are confident that this selection brings quality,
diversity and stability to the board of the Wikimedia Foundation, and
that both candidates will capably handle the responsibilities of being
Trustees. Both candidates are selected to fill a term that ends in
July 2010.
”
Please join me in welcoming Arne to the board and congratulating
Michael on his re-appointment. On behalf of the board I would like to
thank all those involved in facilitating the process and making these
appointments possible.
Jan-Bart de Vreede
Vice Chair Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees