[Board] Board Digest, Vol 94, Issue 24

[Jeff McKenna]

Hi Bart,

I suppose my term is not a standard one, because I replaced Frank in
December of 2012; then in Nottingham (Sept 2013) the Board named me
president during the Face-to-Face meeting.  So according to process you
mentioned, I do wonder where I will be come September in the Board's
eyes (about to begin my second year of my 'first 2 year term', or...etc.

I officially will re-stand for the Board (if nominated) and feel
strongly that my total length as President should be 4 years.

However if this is becoming noise to some (like if some feel we should
be speaking of more important topics), we can discuss this at the next
face-to-face meeting (or face-to-cam ha).

-jeff



On 2014-07-17, 6:19 PM, Bart van den Eijnden wrote:
> I think what we have now is fine, which is:
> 
> 1) board members are chosen for 2 years, also the president
> 2) if the president wants to stand again for election as a member of the
> board, this is allowed
> 3) if the president wants to be re-elected by the board for his second
> term, then this is his decision (and the board’s final call)
> 
> So president is not a 4 year term, but it’s up to the a) the community
> b) the president and c) the board to decide whether or not a second term
> makes sense.
> 
> Best regards,
> Bart
> 
> On 17 Jul 2014, at 16:15, Steven Feldman <shfeldman at gmail.com
> <mailto:shfeldman at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>> Sorry to be a rogue on this topic but I think there are strong reasons
>> not to expect (or even allow) the president of the board to be a 4
>> year post:
>>
>>  1. It is unrealistic to expect many good candidate to step up to take
>>     on a demanding unpaid role for 4 years
>>  2. Jeff and Arnulf have already expressed the challenges of balancing
>>     the day job (particularly when you are running a micro business)
>>     with the time needed to be an effective president, surely those
>>     challenges will become overwhelming in years 3 and 4?
>>  3. Potentially a 4 year term implies a president’s agenda that the
>>     membership would find difficult to influence once the president
>>     had been elected
>>
>>
>> If I had a vote I would vote for a 2 year term (no more and no less)
>> and with the possibility that a candidate for the presidency serves
>> for 2 years on the board prior to standing for election so that there
>> is some continuity at handover.
>>
>> The role of president and that of the other board members could be
>> made easier if we were able to support a permanent executive staff
>> member who could carry some of the load.
>> ______
>> Steven
>>
>>
>> On 17 Jul 2014, at 10:53, board-request at lists.osgeo.org
>> <mailto:board-request at lists.osgeo.org> wrote:
>>
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>>> Today's Topics:
>>>
>>>   1. Re: Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance in
>>>      Portland) (Jeff McKenna)
>>>   2. Re: Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendancein
>>>      Portland) (Suchith Anand)
>>>   3. Re: Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendancein
>>>      Portland) (Bart van den Eijnden)
>>>   4. Meeting Reminder (today) (Jeff McKenna)
>>>   5. Re: Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: Myattendancein
>>>      Portland) (Ravi Kumar)
>>>
>>> *From: *Jeff McKenna <jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com>
>>> *Subject: **Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>> in Portland)*
>>> *Date: *17 July 2014 09:59:55 BST
>>> *To: *board at lists.osgeo.org
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2014-07-16, 10:07 AM, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
>>>> Next: Yes, my business suffered a lot during my presidency. It is
>>>> one of the reasons why I think that the term should be limited.
>>>> Oher than Jeff I think that one year president elect followed by
>>>> one year full president is enough. There is nothing worse than
>>>> burning out your presidents and discarding them when they are done.
>>>> Not good.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Arnulf,
>>>
>>> On your point about the length of term for OSGeo President I strongly
>>> disagree, and it is becoming more clear to me as I grow into the
>>> position.  I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time privately
>>> recently with Georg Gartner (president ICA) and Chris Rizos (president
>>> Int Assoc Geodesy) on the road (sometimes there is no better way to
>>> get to know someone than to be in a foreign country with them, as you
>>> know), and I asked them their own opinions - both said adamantly, 4
>>> year term.  And yes I fully agree.  It takes time to figure out the
>>> role, build relationships, and make an impact.
>>>
>>> Even here at FOSS4G-E I was twice pulled aside by (very very
>>> prominent) community members and told/asked to stay on as president
>>> for a term like 4 or 5 years, as a stable face and representative of
>>> the community.  I agree with them, but limited to 4 years.
>>>
>>> And for the record, Georg actually asked me to stay on that length, to
>>> work with him and our organizations.
>>>
>>> Those who witnessed my talks here at FOSS4G-E or at AfricaGEO recently
>>> also saw a different side of me - the president is actually emerging
>>> (that's the best way I can say it).
>>>
>>> I really appreciate you explaining the demands and assumptions of the
>>> position, this really helps to explain how 'awkward' it is for me to
>>> have to ask for such things, to function as president.  Thank you.
>>>
>>> Your friend,
>>>
>>> -jeff
>>>
>>> PS. I am sitting outside now with Astrid in your beautiful country,
>>> she says hi too :)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From: *Suchith Anand <Suchith.Anand at nottingham.ac.uk>
>>> *Subject: **Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>> in Portland)*
>>> *Date: *17 July 2014 10:17:16 BST
>>> *To: *Jeff McKenna <jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com>,
>>> "board at lists.osgeo.org" <board at lists.osgeo.org>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> My humble suggestion is that President term should be min 4 year term
>>> . This is what many other organisations do as it takes time for
>>> people to learn and grow into the role.  Having yearly changes is not
>>> good for the organisation.
>>>
>>> Jeff is doing an amazing role as President of OSGeo actively
>>> promoting us globally and providing strong leadership. I requested
>>> him when i met him at FOSS4G-E  , if he is happy to continue as OSGeo
>>> President to please consider min. 4 year term.  I am happy to see he
>>> is considering this.
>>>
>>> Suchith
>>>
>>>
>>> From: board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org [board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org]
>>> On Behalf Of Jeff McKenna [jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com]
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:59 AM
>>> To: board at lists.osgeo.org
>>> Subject: Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance in
>>>   Portland)
>>>
>>> On 2014-07-16, 10:07 AM, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
>>>> Next: Yes, my business suffered a lot during my presidency. It is
>>>> one of the reasons why I think that the term should be limited.
>>>> Oher than Jeff I think that one year president elect followed by
>>>> one year full president is enough. There is nothing worse than
>>>> burning out your presidents and discarding them when they are done.
>>>> Not good.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Arnulf,
>>>
>>> On your point about the length of term for OSGeo President I strongly
>>> disagree, and it is becoming more clear to me as I grow into the
>>> position.  I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time privately
>>> recently with Georg Gartner (president ICA) and Chris Rizos (president
>>> Int Assoc Geodesy) on the road (sometimes there is no better way to
>>> get to know someone than to be in a foreign country with them, as you
>>> know), and I asked them their own opinions - both said adamantly, 4
>>> year term.  And yes I fully agree.  It takes time to figure out the
>>> role, build relationships, and make an impact.
>>>
>>> Even here at FOSS4G-E I was twice pulled aside by (very very
>>> prominent) community members and told/asked to stay on as president
>>> for a term like 4 or 5 years, as a stable face and representative of
>>> the community.  I agree with them, but limited to 4 years.
>>>
>>> And for the record, Georg actually asked me to stay on that length, to
>>> work with him and our organizations.
>>>
>>> Those who witnessed my talks here at FOSS4G-E or at AfricaGEO recently
>>> also saw a different side of me - the president is actually emerging
>>> (that's the best way I can say it).
>>>
>>> I really appreciate you explaining the demands and assumptions of the
>>> position, this really helps to explain how 'awkward' it is for me to
>>> have to ask for such things, to function as president.  Thank you.
>>>
>>> Your friend,
>>>
>>> -jeff
>>>
>>> PS. I am sitting outside now with Astrid in your beautiful country,
>>> she says hi too :)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Board mailing list
>>> Board at lists.osgeo.org
>>> http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/boardThis message and any
>>> attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain
>>> confidential information. If you have received this message in error,
>>> please send it back to me, and immediately delete it.   Please do not
>>> use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in
>>> any attachment.  Any views or opinions expressed by the author of
>>> this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of
>>> Nottingham.
>>>
>>> This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an
>>> attachment
>>> may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer
>>> system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email
>>> communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as
>>> permitted by UK legislation.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From: *Bart van den Eijnden <bartvde at osgis.nl>
>>> *Subject: **Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>> in Portland)*
>>> *Date: *17 July 2014 10:35:38 BST
>>> *To: *Suchith Anand <Suchith.Anand at nottingham.ac.uk>
>>> *Cc: *"board at lists.osgeo.org" <board at lists.osgeo.org>
>>>
>>>
>>> I agree. I’d say 4 years is good for both min and max (so nothing
>>> less than 4, but also nothing more than 4 ideally).
>>>
>>> First step is for the (Charter Member) community to re-elect Jeff in
>>> the upcoming board elections. Then the board can vote him into
>>> presidency again.
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>> Bart
>>>
>>> On 17 Jul 2014, at 11:17, Suchith Anand
>>> <Suchith.Anand at nottingham.ac.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> My humble suggestion is that President term should be min 4 year
>>>> term . This is what many other organisations do as it takes time for
>>>> people to learn and grow into the role.  Having yearly changes is
>>>> not good for the organisation.
>>>>
>>>> Jeff is doing an amazing role as President of OSGeo actively
>>>> promoting us globally and providing strong leadership. I requested
>>>> him when i met him at FOSS4G-E  , if he is happy to continue as
>>>> OSGeo President to please consider min. 4 year term.  I am happy to
>>>> see he is considering this.
>>>>
>>>> Suchith
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> From: board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org [board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org]
>>>> On Behalf Of Jeff McKenna [jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com]
>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:59 AM
>>>> To: board at lists.osgeo.org
>>>> Subject: Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>>> in   Portland)
>>>>
>>>> On 2014-07-16, 10:07 AM, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
>>>>> Next: Yes, my business suffered a lot during my presidency. It is
>>>>> one of the reasons why I think that the term should be limited.
>>>>> Oher than Jeff I think that one year president elect followed by
>>>>> one year full president is enough. There is nothing worse than
>>>>> burning out your presidents and discarding them when they are done.
>>>>> Not good.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi Arnulf,
>>>>
>>>> On your point about the length of term for OSGeo President I strongly
>>>> disagree, and it is becoming more clear to me as I grow into the
>>>> position.  I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time privately
>>>> recently with Georg Gartner (president ICA) and Chris Rizos (president
>>>> Int Assoc Geodesy) on the road (sometimes there is no better way to
>>>> get to know someone than to be in a foreign country with them, as you
>>>> know), and I asked them their own opinions - both said adamantly, 4
>>>> year term.  And yes I fully agree.  It takes time to figure out the
>>>> role, build relationships, and make an impact.
>>>>
>>>> Even here at FOSS4G-E I was twice pulled aside by (very very
>>>> prominent) community members and told/asked to stay on as president
>>>> for a term like 4 or 5 years, as a stable face and representative of
>>>> the community.  I agree with them, but limited to 4 years.
>>>>
>>>> And for the record, Georg actually asked me to stay on that length, to
>>>> work with him and our organizations.
>>>>
>>>> Those who witnessed my talks here at FOSS4G-E or at AfricaGEO recently
>>>> also saw a different side of me - the president is actually emerging
>>>> (that's the best way I can say it).
>>>>
>>>> I really appreciate you explaining the demands and assumptions of the
>>>> position, this really helps to explain how 'awkward' it is for me to
>>>> have to ask for such things, to function as president.  Thank you.
>>>>
>>>> Your friend,
>>>>
>>>> -jeff
>>>>
>>>> PS. I am sitting outside now with Astrid in your beautiful country,
>>>> she says hi too :)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Board mailing list
>>>> Board at lists.osgeo.org
>>>> http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/boardThis message and any
>>>> attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain
>>>> confidential information. If you have received this message in
>>>> error, please send it back to me, and immediately delete it.
>>>>   Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in
>>>> this message or in any attachment.  Any views or opinions expressed
>>>> by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of
>>>> the University of Nottingham.
>>>>
>>>> This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an
>>>> attachment
>>>> may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer
>>>> system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email
>>>> communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as
>>>> permitted by UK legislation.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Board mailing list
>>>> Board at lists.osgeo.org
>>>> http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/board
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From: *Jeff McKenna <jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com>
>>> *Subject: **[Board] Meeting Reminder (today)*
>>> *Date: *17 July 2014 10:47:13 BST
>>> *To: *osgeo-board List <board at lists.osgeo.org>
>>>
>>>
>>> A reminder for today's Board meeting
>>> (http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Board_Meeting_2014-07-17).  It will be a
>>> mixture of face-to-face and IRC.
>>>
>>> -jeff
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From: *Ravi Kumar <ravivundavalli48 at yahoo.com>
>>> *Subject: **Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>> in Portland)*
>>> *Date: *17 July 2014 10:52:15 BST
>>> *To: *"board at lists.osgeo.org" <board at lists.osgeo.org>
>>> *Reply-To: *Ravi Kumar <ravivundavalli48 at yahoo.com>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Board,
>>> I also feel that a -4- year term is good for the OSGeo President
>>> to contribute substantially.
>>> OSGeo President, hardly stands a chance for a proverbial 'Burn Out',
>>>
>>> +1 for a Four year term for the OSGeo President.
>>> Cheers
>>> Ravi Kumar
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thursday, July 17, 2014 3:34 PM, Suchith Anand
>>> <Suchith.Anand at nottingham.ac.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> My humble suggestion is that President term should be min 4 year term
>>> . This is what many other organisations do as it takes time for
>>> people to learn and grow into the role.  Having yearly changes is not
>>> good for the organisation.
>>>
>>> Jeff is doing an amazing role as President of OSGeo actively
>>> promoting us globally and providing strong leadership. I requested
>>> him when i met him at FOSS4G-E  , if he is happy to continue as OSGeo
>>> President to please consider min. 4 year term.  I am happy to see he
>>> is considering this.
>>>
>>> Suchith
>>>
>>>
>>> From: board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org
>>> <mailto:board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org> [board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org
>>> <mailto:board-bounces at lists.osgeo.org>] On Behalf Of Jeff McKenna
>>> [jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com <mailto:jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com>]
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:59 AM
>>> To: board at lists.osgeo.org <mailto:board at lists.osgeo.org>
>>> Subject: Re: [Board] Support fot OSGeo officers (Re: My attendance
>>> in  Portland)
>>>
>>> On 2014-07-16, 10:07 AM, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
>>> > Next: Yes, my business suffered a lot during my presidency. It is
>>> > one of the reasons why I think that the term should be limited.
>>> > Oher than Jeff I think that one year president elect followed by
>>> > one year full president is enough. There is nothing worse than
>>> > burning out your presidents and discarding them when they are done.
>>> > Not good.
>>> >
>>>
>>> Hi Arnulf,
>>>
>>> On your point about the length of term for OSGeo President I strongly
>>> disagree, and it is becoming more clear to me as I grow into the
>>> position.  I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time privately
>>> recently with Georg Gartner (president ICA) and Chris Rizos (president
>>> Int Assoc Geodesy) on the road (sometimes there is no better way to
>>> get to know someone than to be in a foreign country with them, as you
>>> know), and I asked them their own opinions - both said adamantly, 4
>>> year term.  And yes I fully agree.  It takes time to figure out the
>>> role, build relationships, and make an impact.
>>>
>>> Even here at FOSS4G-E I was twice pulled aside by (very very
>>> prominent) community members and told/asked to stay on as president
>>> for a term like 4 or 5 years, as a stable face and representative of
>>> the community.  I agree with them, but limited to 4 years.
>>>
>>> And for the record, Georg actually asked me to stay on that length, to
>>> work with him and our organizations.
>>>
>>> Those who witnessed my talks here at FOSS4G-E or at AfricaGEO recently
>>> also saw a different side of me - the president is actually emerging
>>> (that's the best way I can say it).
>>>
>>> I really appreciate you explaining the demands and assumptions of the
>>> position, this really helps to explain how 'awkward' it is for me to
>>> have to ask for such things, to function as president.  Thank you.
>>>
>>> Your friend,
>>>
>>> -jeff
>>>
>>> PS. I am sitting outside now with Astrid in your beautiful country,
>>> she says hi too :)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>