During BSDCan, the FreeBSD Foundation holds its annual meeting and Board elections. Following this year’s meeting, we are pleased to welcome Dave Cottlehuber to the FreeBSD Foundation Board of Directors. Take a minute to read this interview with Dave to learn more about his involvement with FreeBSD and why he joined the Foundation Board of Directors. 

This transition also provides an opportunity to explain how the Foundation Board operates, how board members are elected, and how the Board’s role differs from Foundation staff and FreeBSD Project leadership. These distinctions are not always obvious from the outside, and we want to provide a clearer explanation of how the Foundation is governed.

The Foundation Board exists to help the organization make thoughtful, responsible decisions for the long term. It brings together people with different experiences and perspectives to help the Foundation stay focused, accountable, and connected to the broader FreeBSD ecosystem.

Project Leadership, Foundation Staff, and the Foundation Board

The FreeBSD Foundation is part of the broader FreeBSD ecosystem, working alongside the FreeBSD Project, contributors, users, companies, and community members to help FreeBSD thrive.

The FreeBSD Project leads the operating system’s technical direction, including the source tree, releases, technical priorities, and Project governance.

The Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization with its own programs, staff, and Board. Foundation staff carry out the organization’s day-to-day work, including software development work, advocacy, fundraising, communications, events, operations, grants, partnerships, and program management.

The Foundation Board provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction for the Foundation. The Board does not govern the FreeBSD Project, make technical decisions for FreeBSD, direct committers, or manage staff’s daily work. Instead, it approves the annual budget, helps guide the Foundation’s priorities, and ensures the organization is using its resources responsibly and in alignment with its mission.

Each group has a distinct role, but all are part of the same FreeBSD ecosystem and are working toward FreeBSD’s long-term success.

What the Foundation Board Does

The Foundation Board exists to help the organization make thoughtful, responsible decisions for the long term. It brings together people with different experiences and perspectives to help the Foundation stay focused, accountable, and connected to the broader FreeBSD ecosystem.

Board members review and approve the Foundation’s annual budget, provide input on organizational strategy, and help evaluate major priorities. They also support the Foundation’s work in areas such as fundraising, governance, sustainability, community relationships, and long-term planning.

A strong Board brings a mix of experience and perspective. This may include knowledge of FreeBSD and open source communities, nonprofit governance, finance, fundraising, legal and policy issues, business development, technology strategy, security, and organizational growth.

As the Foundation and the FreeBSD ecosystem continue to evolve, the Board considers what skills and perspectives would strengthen its ability to guide the organization. This helps ensure the Board remains well-positioned to provide thoughtful oversight and help the Foundation plan responsibly for the future.

How Board Members Are Identified and Elected

Board members are elected by the current Board at the Foundation’s annual meeting. 

The process leading up to the election is intentional and ongoing. Current board members discuss the needs of the organization, consider the experience already represented on the Board, and identify areas where additional expertise or perspective may be useful.

The Board also meets with individuals who may be interested in serving. These conversations may include people from within the FreeBSD community as well as individuals outside the community who bring relevant experience that could benefit the Foundation.

The goal is not simply to fill a seat. It is to build and maintain a Board that can provide thoughtful governance, contribute useful perspectives, and help guide the Foundation in ways that benefit the long-term health of FreeBSD.

Potential board members are generally people who understand the importance of FreeBSD, care about the Foundation’s work, and are willing to take an active role in helping the organization succeed.

What Board Members Are Expected to Do

Serving on the FreeBSD Foundation Board is a volunteer role, but it carries important responsibilities.

Board members are expected to attend meetings, review materials in advance, participate in discussions, and remain engaged between meetings. They are also expected to bring their experience, judgment, and networks to the Foundation’s work when those contributions are helpful.

This may include providing feedback on strategic questions, helping think through organizational challenges, supporting fundraising efforts, making introductions, or advising staff and fellow board members on areas where they have relevant expertise.

Effective board service does not mean directing staff’s daily work. It means helping ensure the Foundation has the resources, structure, guidance, and accountability needed to carry out its work well.

Why This Matters

Good governance is not always the most visible part of the Foundation’s work, but it is essential.

The Foundation is trusted with donor funds, community expectations, and an important role within the FreeBSD ecosystem. A strong Board helps ensure the Foundation is planning responsibly, making thoughtful decisions, and remaining focused on work that benefits FreeBSD.

As the needs of the FreeBSD ecosystem continue to grow and change, the Foundation Board will continue to look for the right mix of experience, perspective, and commitment to help guide the organization forward.

We are grateful to everyone who serves or has expressed interest in serving the Foundation in this capacity. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in keeping the Foundation strong, sustainable, and prepared to contribute to FreeBSD’s long-term success.