Election 2024 Candidate Manifestos
A space for the candidates for election to the Board to share some information about themselves, their aspirations for OSGeo, what they would like to change, improve or introduce and what role they would like to play on the board.
You are welcome to follow the template, and add further relevant info as you need:
Michael Smith - United Stats (msmitherdc/ OSGeo profile)
About me
For those of you that don't know me, I'm Michael Smith, a physical scientist at the US Army Corps of Engineers. I've been involved with the MapServer community since 2001 and OSGeo since its inception. For the last 10 years, I've been honored to be a OSGeo Board member and the OSGeo treasurer. It’s been quite a learning experience and I greatly thank Daniel Morissette, the previous OSGeo treasurer for so much support in handling the transition.
My vision
In my time on the board and as treasurer, my focus has been on encouraging governments (in general) and the US in particular, especially the Department of Defense which, personally I know makes extensive use of OSGeo projects, to more actively participate is OSGeo and the projects beyond just use and occasional commits. Long term, we do need to work on the sustainability of the OSGeo Foundation financial health.
What you have done within the community in the past
In general, I work a lot with the project managers of the various OSGeo projects as well as the Code Sprint and Event coordinators.
What your interests are in terms of the board
If reelected, I plan to continue as OSGeo Treasurer. It's been a bit of a learning experience handling the funds from OSGeo, learning how to do the non profit tax filings for the US Government (where OSGeo is incorporated) and handling distributions of funds to Code Sprints and Events. It has also been a lot of fun to work directly with groups and individuals all over the world with OSGeo. Its been a very rewarding experience.
Any things that you would like to change or introduce
The next board will begin to look at how other foundations approach their long term sustainability and look to work closer with the regional events and our sponsors.
What role you would wish to fulfill on the board (if any)
If reelected, I plan to continue as OSGeo Treasurer.
It’s really wonderful to see a great group of new candidates to the board. It is wonderful to see the diversity and multiple regions of the world represented in the candidates. Thank you for the nomination, OSGeo Community!