[Foundation-l] Welcome to our three new board members

Anthony wikilegal at inbox.org
Fri Dec 8 22:11:16 UTC 2006


On 12/8/06, Brad Patrick <bradp.wmf at gmail.com> wrote:
> As will be made clear from the revisions to the Foundation Bylaws and
> the Board Expansion resolution adopted by the Board, your position is
> overstated.  Your call did not fall on 'deaf ears' - far from it.  You
> were heard.
>
> The Board will be composed of a majority of individuals from the
> community.  That does not require election of all board members, as you
> would prefer, only some.  Given the fiduciary responsibility required of
> all board members and the need for diverse talents, it is logical and
> effective to appoint some persons and not rely on an open election
> process for each position.
>
> Also, Board positions have terms now.  They are not indefinite, as
> Michael Davis, Tim Shell, and Jimmy Wales were in the past.  All will be
> subject to reappointment at the conclusion of their term, unless they
> resign earlier.
>
> The Board will also be expanded in size.  At this time, the number is
> now 7, up from 5.  It will increase further in the next year, probably to 9.
>
This is all great to hear.  Thanks to the board members who came up
with and supported this.  Sure, some compromises were evidently made,
but it's great to see a majority elected board and terms for the rest
of the positions.  Combined these two changes ensure that over time
the board is essentially entirely chosen by the community, a minority
just chosen indirectly.

Anthony



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