Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Sam Klein]

>
> On 3/9/16 2:29 PM, MZMcBride wrote:
> > The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the foundation and
> > appoints its Executive Director. It seems very worrying that this body
> has
> > now admitted that it's so out-of-touch with the workings of the
> > organization that it ostensibly manages that it cannot fulfill one of its
> > most basic duties: appointing an interim Executive Director.


This seems to be partly a problem of communicating what's happening.  The
board is accountable for the result, and has final say.  Replacing an ED is
indeed the most important decision a board makes. Almost always after close
consultation with senior staff.

In this case, the board and senior team have discussed succession planning
since before Sue decided to leave; I'm sure that hasn't changed in the past
months during this turmoil.  My reading is that the board signalled
publicly, to all staff, that in addition to those discussions (and the
various plans or options known to already be on the table), it was
explicitly going to give priority to the preference of senior staff. There
has been a lot of gossip recently about whether or not the board is
listening to whom, and how decisions are being made – so while this
approach wasn't maximally smooth, it was very clear.  And communicating
this on wikimedia-l was a transparent update with the community.

We should have had a larger set of contingencies lined up, and a more
explicit pipeline for new exec talent (either external or internal), while
I was on the board.  But this particular update seems sane and
considerate.  I would be happy to discuss past mistakes we can learn from,
in a different thread.

Sam
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Jimmy Wales]

On 3/9/16 2:29 PM, MZMcBride wrote:
> The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the foundation and
> appoints its Executive Director. It seems very worrying that this body has
> now admitted that it's so out-of-touch with the workings of the
> organization that it ostensibly manages that it cannot fulfill one of its
> most basic duties: appointing an interim Executive Director.

No one, other than you, has said any such thing.  I would argue that the
decision to work with and trust the C level team to make a firm
recommendation at this time is precisely being *in touch* with the needs
of the organization at this time.

An out-of-touch board would dictate a particular decision without an
empowering consultation with the most informed and relevant
stakeholders.  I'm glad we aren't doing that.

--Jimbo


___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Samuel Klein]

And another is the reigning world champion in Nomic...
On Mar 9, 2016 11:19 AM, "Gordon Joly"  wrote:

> On 09/03/16 15:00, WereSpielChequers wrote:
> > With Computers coming down in price and Artificial Intelligence programs
> > steadily improving
>
> Yes, indeed. A machine beat a man at Go!
>
> Gordo
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[WereSpielChequers]

Don't be so hasty to rule out Donald.

With Computers coming down in price and Artificial Intelligence programs
steadily improving  it should be perfectly possible to  train an AI program
with the decision making power needed to make CEO style decisions; Remember
Chess has long had better computer players than human ones.  And having the
CEObot trained to adopt the personality, communication style and persona of
a much loved and highly successful comic artiste means they would be
something of a known and trusted quantity.

Indeed it would temporarily put us at the leading edge of technology,
though in a few years everyone will be using CEObots.

The only slight problems are that if we wanted to hire an AI CEO the
community would object to one that wasn't open source. And as a high
profile organisation we wouldn't want to be using the same licensed CEObot
as thousands of other organisations, especially if we had to pay a license
fee to Disney.



Jonathan/WereSpielChequers

>
> On 3/5/16 8:28 AM, Chris Sherlock wrote:
> >> In it's decision making capacity, the Board should:
> >>
> >> * Select, evaluate and (if necessary) remove the Executive Director;
> >
> > Whilst I'm sure that C-level managers are up to the task, that's rather
> abrogating the responsibility of the Board.
>
> I think you are misunderstanding.  The Board will meet to discuss and
> approve the recommendation of the C-level managers.  In order to
> properly carry out the Board's supervisory duties, we can and should
> take advice from those who are best situated.  We have not transferred
> the legal right and responsibility onto the C-level managers - we have
> indicated to them that we trust that they will make a reasonable
> recommendation.
>
> If, contrary to all expectations, they came back with a recommendation
> for Donald Duck or Donald Trump or some other cartoon character, we'd
> obviously refuse their recommendation as would be our fiduciary duty.
>
> --Jimbo
>
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[MZMcBride]

Gergő Tisza wrote:
>On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 7:54 AM, MZMcBride  wrote:
>> Removing a roof without also having a plan for an interim roof is a
>>really amateur mistake.
>
>Not really if the roof was radioactive, and on fire.

The roof didn't blow off in a storm; it was structurally unsound. We know
this because roof repair has been in discussion for months. We know this
because the old roof will be around until the end of March 2016. If the
roof were really on fire, I think we would all hope for faster action!

>It is entirely a matter of priorities - is it more urgent to fix a
>situation that was causing serious unrest amongst staff, and was
>escalating quickly, or to compose a nice transition plan? You might
>disagree with the board's answer to that question, but there are more
>honest ways of criticizing it than attacking them for not doing
>everything at the same time.

Respectfully, I think you're presenting a false dichotomy here.

The board was aware of the issues with the roof since at least November
2015, as I understand it. Is four months really not enough time to develop
a transition plan, not for a permanent replacement, but for an interim
replacement for the roof? Nobody is saying that the Board of Trustees must
do everything at the same time. But at some point in time, the board
should exhibit some meaningful leadership of the Wikimedia Foundation.

MZMcBride



___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[MZMcBride]

Jimmy Wales wrote:
>On 3/5/16 3:07 AM, MZMcBride wrote:
>> I don't see it as a sign of strength to abdicate your responsibility in
>> this way.
>
>There are at least two things I disagree with about this remark - one
>that seeking the advice and participation and buy-in of those best
>placed to give it is in some way "abdicating responsibility".  And the
>other is that the board's objective should be to give off a "sign of
>strength".  I think attempting to show strength is a pretty silly
>objective for a board to have, and I hope we never have that as our
>objective.

I'll try to better articulate my views.

The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the foundation and
appoints its Executive Director. It seems very worrying that this body has
now admitted that it's so out-of-touch with the workings of the
organization that it ostensibly manages that it cannot fulfill one of its
most basic duties: appointing an interim Executive Director. What kind
of confidence does this instill in employees, editors, and donors? How can
you all call yourselves trustees of an organization that you're openly
admitting that you all don't understand? Is that not crazy to anyone else?

It's not simply about strength and framing it as such misses the point:
it's about leadership. It seems very worrying that when pressed to provide
real and meaningful leadership of the Wikimedia Foundation, the Board of
Trustees passes the buck and erects smoke and mirror arguments such as
"but we don't lead the Wikimedia movement!" Nobody is asking the Board of
Trustees to lead the Wikimedia movement, you're being asked to manage the
non-profit foundation to which you all pledged your support and care.

The Board of Trustees is clinically allergic to making decisions. It
chooses to be a "traditional" non-profit board when it suits it, holding
closed meetings accompanied by the barest possible meeting minutes, which
are only published months later. However, when called to act with
authority, as a traditional board might act, it demurs and points to
everyone else as the people who should be making the decisions.

The working theory currently is that the Board of Trustees has always been
weak, but that Sue covered or compensated for this weakness by taking on
some of the responsibilities that a board would typically have. Drafting a
Strategic Plan is probably the best example of this. This is very much a
shared responsibility and yet we now sit outside of a Strategic Plan. It
lapsed at the end of 2015 and no new plan has taken its place. What are
the Wikimedia Foundation targets for 2020? How is it acceptable that
neither the board nor the Executive Director have worked on this?

To be clear: I don't put much value in a colorful multi-megabyte PDF full
of platitudes, smiling faces, and unrealistic goals. However, in talking
with many people, the lack of strategy and vision (or in Lila's case, an
ever-shifting strategy and vision) for the Wikimedia Foundation is one of
the biggest and most often repeated concerns I hear. It's particularly
alarming given the enormous budget of the Wikimedia Foundation.

MZMcBride



___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Jimmy Wales]

On 3/5/16 3:07 AM, MZMcBride wrote:
> I don't see it as a sign of strength to abdicate your responsibility in
> this way.

There are at least two things I disagree with about this remark - one
that seeking the advice and participation and buy-in of those best
placed to give it is in some way "abdicating responsibility".  And the
other is that the board's objective should be to give off a "sign of
strength".  I think attempting to show strength is a pretty silly
objective for a board to have, and I hope we never have that as our
objective.

--Jimbo

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Jimmy Wales]

On 3/5/16 8:28 AM, Chris Sherlock wrote:
>> In it's decision making capacity, the Board should:
>>
>> * Select, evaluate and (if necessary) remove the Executive Director; 
> 
> Whilst I'm sure that C-level managers are up to the task, that's rather 
> abrogating the responsibility of the Board. 

I think you are misunderstanding.  The Board will meet to discuss and
approve the recommendation of the C-level managers.  In order to
properly carry out the Board's supervisory duties, we can and should
take advice from those who are best situated.  We have not transferred
the legal right and responsibility onto the C-level managers - we have
indicated to them that we trust that they will make a reasonable
recommendation.

If, contrary to all expectations, they came back with a recommendation
for Donald Duck or Donald Trump or some other cartoon character, we'd
obviously refuse their recommendation as would be our fiduciary duty.

--Jimbo

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gordon Joly]

On 05/03/16 19:45, Gordon Joly wrote:
> On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
>> Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia Foundation,
>> they are not even represented. 
> 
> 
> Then they should unionise?
> 
> Gordo


Following the arguments that unions would would not fit, does Wikimedia
UK allow unions? And other chapters with staff?

Gordo



___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[James Alexander]

Hey Lodewijk,

I'm definetly talking about the legal concept of a union yeah (which
triggers a lot of legal protections which, at least in the US, are somewhat
assumed when people talk about organizing internally). I do think there are
other options (both formal and informal) which is what I was referring to
in the "There are other options I imagine" bit. As one example the staff
asked for at least one non c-level staff member, chosen by the staff, to be
on the ED search team and the board has suggested that would be accepted
(Obviously it isn't done yet but it was acknowledged as a good idea in an
all staff email). I think that's the first example of a more formal
'representation' for non c-level staff that I've seen in the almost 6 years
I've been in WMF. Informally, of course, staff have been organizing over
the past couple months at different levels trying to help us through
difficult times.

[I should point out that I actually think our c-levels have been, and are,
traditionally very good at representing the needs of the staff as a whole
however having a lower level staff member representative, especially in
times like this, is still very useful both for appearances/trust and for a
different perspective then someone who would be a direct report]

James

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 1:06 PM, Lodewijk 
wrote:

> Hi James,
>
> just to understand correctly: are you talking only about the legal concept
> of a 'union' or also about all informal structures where the wmf staff
> could somehow influence how things go? I mean for example, I could imagine
> that in an organisation with more than 100 people, a representation of
> sorts outside the usual hierarchy might be imaginable and potentially
> beneficial. That representation could possibly be to the board, to the
> C-team or otherwise. Or are such structures already in existance (have been
> in existance)?
>
> Lodewijk
>
> On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 9:51 PM, James Alexander 
> wrote:
>
> > A traditional union is also difficult, honestly, because of the nature of
> > the WMF as an incredibly global organization. We are a huge mix of staff
> in
> > SF from the US, staff in SF on Visas (I don't know if this matters), Full
> > Time Equivalent contractors outside the US (and numerous different ways
> to
> > do that os that it's better for the staff member such as being a 'vender'
> > of a sole company etc), temporary contractors and more. I am not perfect
> at
> > Labour law but I'm fairly certainly not all of those can actually
> unionize
> > together officially and so no matter what we do a huge portion of the
> force
> > would be outside of a union and not get the legal protections that
> > provides. There are other options I imagine, and people are looking into
> > it, but sadly unionization laws weren't really written with the idea of
> us
> > in mind.
> >
> > Now that said I'm not 100% sure a union would really be the most
> beneficial
> > thing for the org. I'm just not sure they would be able to fix many of
> our
> > issues while at the same time probably adding some of their own. They can
> > be hugely beneficial when used in the right place but I'm not sure this
> is
> > one of those (they also take a long time to set up and so would not
> really
> > help for the specific, current, issues). Of course as a manager I don't
> > have a vote (and won't be protected) anyway if we go down that route so
> my
> > opinion is mostly academic.
> >
> > James
> > User:Jamesofur
> > [Manager, Trust & Safety, WMF]
> >
> > On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 11:47 AM, Gerard Meijssen <
> > gerard.meijs...@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hoi,
> > > That would not be a bad idea in and of itself. However, the kind of
> > > troubles are not necessarily the kind where a Union has its experience.
> > > Thanks,
> > >  GerardM
> > >
> > > On 5 March 2016 at 20:45, Gordon Joly  wrote:
> > >
> > > > On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
> > > > > Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia
> > > Foundation,
> > > > > they are not even represented.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Then they should unionise?
> > > >
> > > > Gordo
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ___
> > > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > > Unsubscribe:
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > > 
> > > >
> > > ___
> > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > 
> > >
> > 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gergő Tisza]

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 7:54 AM, MZMcBride  wrote:

> Removing a roof without also having a plan for an interim roof is a really

amateur mistake.


Not really if the roof was radioactive, and on fire.

It is entirely a matter of priorities - is it more urgent to fix a
situation that was causing serious unrest amongst staff, and was escalating
quickly, or to compose a nice transition plan? You might disagree with the
board's answer to that question, but there are more honest ways of
criticizing it than attacking them for not doing everything at the same
time.
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Lodewijk]

Hi James,

just to understand correctly: are you talking only about the legal concept
of a 'union' or also about all informal structures where the wmf staff
could somehow influence how things go? I mean for example, I could imagine
that in an organisation with more than 100 people, a representation of
sorts outside the usual hierarchy might be imaginable and potentially
beneficial. That representation could possibly be to the board, to the
C-team or otherwise. Or are such structures already in existance (have been
in existance)?

Lodewijk

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 9:51 PM, James Alexander  wrote:

> A traditional union is also difficult, honestly, because of the nature of
> the WMF as an incredibly global organization. We are a huge mix of staff in
> SF from the US, staff in SF on Visas (I don't know if this matters), Full
> Time Equivalent contractors outside the US (and numerous different ways to
> do that os that it's better for the staff member such as being a 'vender'
> of a sole company etc), temporary contractors and more. I am not perfect at
> Labour law but I'm fairly certainly not all of those can actually unionize
> together officially and so no matter what we do a huge portion of the force
> would be outside of a union and not get the legal protections that
> provides. There are other options I imagine, and people are looking into
> it, but sadly unionization laws weren't really written with the idea of us
> in mind.
>
> Now that said I'm not 100% sure a union would really be the most beneficial
> thing for the org. I'm just not sure they would be able to fix many of our
> issues while at the same time probably adding some of their own. They can
> be hugely beneficial when used in the right place but I'm not sure this is
> one of those (they also take a long time to set up and so would not really
> help for the specific, current, issues). Of course as a manager I don't
> have a vote (and won't be protected) anyway if we go down that route so my
> opinion is mostly academic.
>
> James
> User:Jamesofur
> [Manager, Trust & Safety, WMF]
>
> On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 11:47 AM, Gerard Meijssen <
> gerard.meijs...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Hoi,
> > That would not be a bad idea in and of itself. However, the kind of
> > troubles are not necessarily the kind where a Union has its experience.
> > Thanks,
> >  GerardM
> >
> > On 5 March 2016 at 20:45, Gordon Joly  wrote:
> >
> > > On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
> > > > Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia
> > Foundation,
> > > > they are not even represented.
> > >
> > >
> > > Then they should unionise?
> > >
> > > Gordo
> > >
> > >
> > > ___
> > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > 
> > >
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
> >
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[James Alexander]

A traditional union is also difficult, honestly, because of the nature of
the WMF as an incredibly global organization. We are a huge mix of staff in
SF from the US, staff in SF on Visas (I don't know if this matters), Full
Time Equivalent contractors outside the US (and numerous different ways to
do that os that it's better for the staff member such as being a 'vender'
of a sole company etc), temporary contractors and more. I am not perfect at
Labour law but I'm fairly certainly not all of those can actually unionize
together officially and so no matter what we do a huge portion of the force
would be outside of a union and not get the legal protections that
provides. There are other options I imagine, and people are looking into
it, but sadly unionization laws weren't really written with the idea of us
in mind.

Now that said I'm not 100% sure a union would really be the most beneficial
thing for the org. I'm just not sure they would be able to fix many of our
issues while at the same time probably adding some of their own. They can
be hugely beneficial when used in the right place but I'm not sure this is
one of those (they also take a long time to set up and so would not really
help for the specific, current, issues). Of course as a manager I don't
have a vote (and won't be protected) anyway if we go down that route so my
opinion is mostly academic.

James
User:Jamesofur
[Manager, Trust & Safety, WMF]

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 11:47 AM, Gerard Meijssen 
wrote:

> Hoi,
> That would not be a bad idea in and of itself. However, the kind of
> troubles are not necessarily the kind where a Union has its experience.
> Thanks,
>  GerardM
>
> On 5 March 2016 at 20:45, Gordon Joly  wrote:
>
> > On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
> > > Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia
> Foundation,
> > > they are not even represented.
> >
> >
> > Then they should unionise?
> >
> > Gordo
> >
> >
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
> >
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gerard Meijssen]

Hoi,
That would not be a bad idea in and of itself. However, the kind of
troubles are not necessarily the kind where a Union has its experience.
Thanks,
 GerardM

On 5 March 2016 at 20:45, Gordon Joly  wrote:

> On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
> > Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia Foundation,
> > they are not even represented.
>
>
> Then they should unionise?
>
> Gordo
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gordon Joly]

On 05/03/16 16:49, Gerard Meijssen wrote:
> Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia Foundation,
> they are not even represented. 


Then they should unionise?

Gordo


___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[James Heilman]

We have three C levels who have been around for some time, Lisa, Katherine,
and Geoff. I imagine that either one of them will step up and take on the
role or a sharing agreement between a few of them will be suggested. I see
either of those options as perfectly reasonable.

We have had a recent engagement survey which confirmed strong support from
staff generally for these three. And I personally highly respect each of
their abilities and have confidence that each of them will be able to bring
greater stability to the WMF and the movement as a whole.

With respect to the "board removing the roof" analogy both the "tenants" ie
staff as well as a number of those in the community generally were asking
for said roof to be removed. Also the roof resigned with the board simply
accepting her resignation.

The WMF is a steward of movement resources. Agree that clarifying this
relationship can be done once an interim ED structure is in place. Do not
have concerns with continued community discussion about the future though
as these will likely take some months.

P.S. Have not specifically included the other C levels as they have been in
their current positions for a shorter period of time.
James

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 8:54 AM, MZMcBride  wrote:

> Brion Vibber wrote:
> >There's less weakness in admitting a failure honestly, retreating and
> >regrouping, than in powering through when knowing oneself unprepared.
>
> After months of complaints from tenants and from a few neighbors, the
> landlord of a large building decides to replace the roof of the building.
> In the process of removing the old roof, the landlord realizes that it's a
> really big job and that he won't be able to properly replace the roof
> quickly. Scrambling, he then asks a few of the building tenants to come up
> with a plan for an interim roof, because whoa, an open roof leaves you
> susceptible to rain and birds and other problematic elements. And this is
> a large and expensive building that lots of people rely on, so an interim
> roof is definitely needed pretty soon.
>
> Sure, we can commend the landlord for recognizing that the old roof needed
> to be replaced. And we can commend him for realizing that he alone can't
> speedily fix the roof himself; he needs additional help to finish this big
> job. But that doesn't absolve the landlord of negligence. Removing a roof
> has very predictable consequences that any landlord should be able to
> foresee and account for. Removing a roof without also having a plan for an
> interim roof is a really amateur mistake. Perhaps landlords of smaller
> buildings could get away with this kind of mistake, but it's unacceptable
> for a landlord of a large building to be turning to the tenants to ask
> them to fix the problem. Yes, the tenants were the ones complaining for a
> new roof, but it's the landlord's responsibility to have the roof replaced
> in a professional and orderly way.
>
> MZMcBride
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>



-- 
James Heilman
MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian

The Wikipedia Open Textbook of Medicine
www.opentextbookofmedicine.com
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gerard Meijssen]

Hoi,
There is one big hole in this comparison. We are a movement, the Foundation
is the material part of it. It is responsible for all kinds of everything
but we, as a community do not pay for a roof over our head.

We are represented on the WMF board. That is it.

Arguably, the employees have a bigger stake in the Wikimedia Foundation,
they are not even represented. This whole fracas is largely about trust and
relations between the employees and the ED. Other shit happened as well and
as has been argued over and over again, much of that, particularly the
"search" issue  is not al all the issue.

Several people are so absorbed in their ideas of what the WMF should be
that they lose sight of what we are about. We are not about the WMF. We are
the Wikimedia Movement. The proposal is imho brilliant in that it puts
trust in the employees. It recognises their ability to keep the ship
afloat. When the "C-levels" (whatever that means) are indeed capable to do
good we should rejoice and let them get on with it.

Going back to the analogy, when they keep the ship afloat and the employees
are pumping, the water accumulated will get out of the ship. The weather
forecast is positive, so the holes in the roof can be fixed for now, the
engine can get emergency repairs and the ship can sail on towards its
destination and if need be it may take a dry dock to fix things properly.

The best thing we can do is do as a movement is do what we are about. Build
content, maintain relations in our community and not throw mines overboard
in front of the foundation.
Thanks,
   GerardM

On 5 March 2016 at 16:54, MZMcBride  wrote:

> Brion Vibber wrote:
> >There's less weakness in admitting a failure honestly, retreating and
> >regrouping, than in powering through when knowing oneself unprepared.
>
> After months of complaints from tenants and from a few neighbors, the
> landlord of a large building decides to replace the roof of the building.
> In the process of removing the old roof, the landlord realizes that it's a
> really big job and that he won't be able to properly replace the roof
> quickly. Scrambling, he then asks a few of the building tenants to come up
> with a plan for an interim roof, because whoa, an open roof leaves you
> susceptible to rain and birds and other problematic elements. And this is
> a large and expensive building that lots of people rely on, so an interim
> roof is definitely needed pretty soon.
>
> Sure, we can commend the landlord for recognizing that the old roof needed
> to be replaced. And we can commend him for realizing that he alone can't
> speedily fix the roof himself; he needs additional help to finish this big
> job. But that doesn't absolve the landlord of negligence. Removing a roof
> has very predictable consequences that any landlord should be able to
> foresee and account for. Removing a roof without also having a plan for an
> interim roof is a really amateur mistake. Perhaps landlords of smaller
> buildings could get away with this kind of mistake, but it's unacceptable
> for a landlord of a large building to be turning to the tenants to ask
> them to fix the problem. Yes, the tenants were the ones complaining for a
> new roof, but it's the landlord's responsibility to have the roof replaced
> in a professional and orderly way.
>
> MZMcBride
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[MZMcBride]

Brion Vibber wrote:
>There's less weakness in admitting a failure honestly, retreating and
>regrouping, than in powering through when knowing oneself unprepared.

After months of complaints from tenants and from a few neighbors, the
landlord of a large building decides to replace the roof of the building.
In the process of removing the old roof, the landlord realizes that it's a
really big job and that he won't be able to properly replace the roof
quickly. Scrambling, he then asks a few of the building tenants to come up
with a plan for an interim roof, because whoa, an open roof leaves you
susceptible to rain and birds and other problematic elements. And this is
a large and expensive building that lots of people rely on, so an interim
roof is definitely needed pretty soon.

Sure, we can commend the landlord for recognizing that the old roof needed
to be replaced. And we can commend him for realizing that he alone can't
speedily fix the roof himself; he needs additional help to finish this big
job. But that doesn't absolve the landlord of negligence. Removing a roof
has very predictable consequences that any landlord should be able to
foresee and account for. Removing a roof without also having a plan for an
interim roof is a really amateur mistake. Perhaps landlords of smaller
buildings could get away with this kind of mistake, but it's unacceptable
for a landlord of a large building to be turning to the tenants to ask
them to fix the problem. Yes, the tenants were the ones complaining for a
new roof, but it's the landlord's responsibility to have the roof replaced
in a professional and orderly way.

MZMcBride



___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Anders Wennersten]

I second Delphines praise.

I am also very glad to see that this being the fourth major decision 
taken by the Board this year (outing of James was done last year...) , 
and that they all have been very good and balanced. And even if valid 
wishes for quicker decisions is raised, I myself prioritize quality in 
the decisions before haste.


Anders



Den 2016-03-05 kl. 10:54, skrev Delphine Ménard:

Thank you Alice. I find this move pretty bold and welcome it, it renew
with an old tradition ;)

Also many thnaks for sharing with us these kind of developments.

Cheers,

Delphine

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 3:14 AM, Alice Wiegand  wrote:

Hi all,
short update, as announced by Patricio:

Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.

If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.

We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
this situation.

Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
until the end of next week.

Alice.

--
Alice Wiegand
Board of Trustees
Wikimedia Foundation


--
Alice Wiegand
Board of Trustees
Wikimedia Foundation

Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 







___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Delphine Ménard]

Thank you Alice. I find this move pretty bold and welcome it, it renew
with an old tradition ;)

Also many thnaks for sharing with us these kind of developments.

Cheers,

Delphine

On Sat, Mar 5, 2016 at 3:14 AM, Alice Wiegand  wrote:
> Hi all,
> short update, as announced by Patricio:
>
> Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
> and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
> Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.
>
> If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.
>
> We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
> day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
> for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
> decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
> this situation.
>
> Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
> solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
> decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
> box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
> C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
> their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
> until the end of next week.
>
> Alice.
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
> Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 
> 



-- 
@notafish

NB. This gmail address is used for mailing lists. Personal emails will get lost.
Intercultural musings: Ceci n'est pas une endive - http://blog.notanendive.org
Photos with simple eyes: notaphoto - http://photo.notafish.org

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Fæ]

On 5 March 2016 at 08:28, Chris Sherlock  wrote:
>> In it's decision making capacity, the Board should:
>>
>> * Select, evaluate and (if necessary) remove the Executive Director;
>
> Whilst I'm sure that C-level managers are up to the task, that's rather 
> abrogating the responsibility of the Board.

I'm not a fan of this move, strategically speaking, as the trustees
have painted themselves into a corner if they don't like what their
C-levels suggest and they, say, then want to appoint someone with
excellent experience in transforming organizations (or for that
matter, boards of trustees) from outside as an interim. However
appointing an interim CEO that your internal employees like, is not
the same thing as appointing a CEO.

Fae
-- 
fae...@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Chris Sherlock]

Sent from my iPhone
> On 5 Mar 2016, at 1:14 PM, Alice Wiegand  wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> short update, as announced by Patricio:
> 
> Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment and 
> to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the Board 
>  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.
> 
> If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.
> 
> We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the 
> day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best 
> for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a 
> decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
> this situation.

You might want to rewrite the Board manual then because it current reads, under 
the section The Role of the Board, Effective Board Oversight:

> In it's decision making capacity, the Board should:
> 
> * Select, evaluate and (if necessary) remove the Executive Director; 

Whilst I'm sure that C-level managers are up to the task, that's rather 
abrogating the responsibility of the Board. 

I'm wondering how long till other responsibilities of the Board will be moved 
to C level managers.

Chris
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[geni]

On 5 March 2016 at 03:21, Brion Vibber  wrote:
> There's less weakness in admitting a failure honestly, retreating and
> regrouping, than in powering through when knowing oneself unprepared.


Fallacy of the excluded middle.

In any case that doesn't change the fundamental problem. The only
formal mechanism the wider community of editors has to control the
activities of the foundation is via the nominal community seats on the
board. Things in that respect are pretty bad. We've lost our
apparently most effective member and the replacement is currently
doing pet rock impressions.

In more recent times the only practical level of control the board has
exercised is appointing the ED. If they are given that up the wider
community no longer has any formal mechanisms of control left.

While that may not be the intent of the WMF employees it is where we are.

-- 
geni

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Sydney Poore]

Thank you, Alice, for the update.

As you say, the the C-level staff are in a good position to develop a
transition plan based on their well informed knowledge of the organization.
I'm looking forward to hearing their recommendation and the Boards
announcement.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Warm regards,
Sydney



Sydney Poore
User:FloNight
Wikipedian in Residence
at Cochrane Collaboration

On Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 9:14 PM, Alice Wiegand 
wrote:

> Hi all,
> short update, as announced by Patricio:
>
> Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
> and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
> Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.
>
> If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.
>
> We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
> day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
> for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
> decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
> this situation.
>
> Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
> solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
> decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
> box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
> C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
> their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
> until the end of next week.
>
> Alice.
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
> Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Brion Vibber]

Alice, thanks for the update.

I'm broadly hopeful; delegating with your staff's C level team is an
excellent step I very much like to see happening.

I would very much like to make sure that communications lines open further
between the board and their C levels and below, and that those continue to
rebuild the health of the organization.

Define some boxes for us, just not alone. :) We're all in this together.

-- brion
On Mar 4, 2016 6:15 PM, "Alice Wiegand"  wrote:

> Hi all,
> short update, as announced by Patricio:
>
> Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
> and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
> Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.
>
> If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.
>
> We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
> day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
> for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
> decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
> this situation.
>
> Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
> solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
> decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
> box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
> C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
> their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
> until the end of next week.
>
> Alice.
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
> Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Craig Franklin]

As much as I agree Geoff would probably do a wonderful job, I'm not sure
that as a movement we want him away from the excellent job he's doing in
the Legal team for too long.  Call me cynical, but I expect that the term
of the interim ED will turn out to be lengthy.  Any number of people would
make a good interim ED, but there are less people that would make a good
head of Legal.

Cheers,
Craig

On 5 March 2016 at 13:07, MZMcBride  wrote:

>
> My vote is for Geoff Brigham.
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Brion Vibber]

There's less weakness in admitting a failure honestly, retreating and
regrouping, than in powering through when knowing oneself unprepared.

-- brion
On Mar 4, 2016 7:07 PM, "MZMcBride"  wrote:

> Alice Wiegand wrote:
> >We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
> >day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> >culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
> >for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make
> >a decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted
> >in this situation.
> >
> >Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
> >solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
> >decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
> >box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
> >C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
> >their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
> >until the end of next week.
>
> Current Wikimedia Foundation "C-levels" based on
> :
>
> * Lila Tretikov, Executive Director
> * Wes Moran, Vice President of Product
> * [vacant], Chief Technology Officer
> * Maggie Dennis, Senior Director of Community Engagement (Interim)
> * Lisa Seitz-Gruwell, Chief Advancement Officer
> * Geoff Brigham, General Counsel
> * Katherine Maher, Chief Communications Officer
> * Jaime Villagomez, Chief Financial Officer
> * Joady Lohr, Vice President of Human Resources (Interim)
>
> Does the "C-level team" in this context include Lila and/or the interims?
>
> My vote is for Geoff Brigham. There's precedent for the General Counsel to
> be interim Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation, of course. And
> Geoff has been around long enough and is trusted to be a good steward of
> the Wikimedia Foundation. I don't think an outsider would be a good idea.
>
> I don't see it as a sign of strength to abdicate your responsibility in
> this way. This action makes the Board of Trustees, already perceived as
> being weak, look even weaker, out-of-touch, and unprepared. You've known
> about general discontent with the Executive Director since November 2015
> and you really weren't able, by March 2016, to figure out who would serve
> as interim Executive Director? This is almost derelict behavior.
>
> I don't think anyone demands perfection from members of the Board of
> Trustees, but it is an actual commitment to an organization that has a
> very large budget and a large number of staff operating a fairly important
> set of Web properties. The fact that nine adults really didn't think
> through the consequences of "what comes next after the current Executive
> Director?" in order to come prepared with an answer to the most obvious
> question ("who will be the interim?") is pretty embarrassing and sad.
>
> MZMcBride
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[MZMcBride]

Alice Wiegand wrote:
>We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
>day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
>culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
>for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make
>a decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted
>in this situation.
>
>Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
>solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
>decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
>box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
>C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
>their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
>until the end of next week.

Current Wikimedia Foundation "C-levels" based on
:

* Lila Tretikov, Executive Director
* Wes Moran, Vice President of Product
* [vacant], Chief Technology Officer
* Maggie Dennis, Senior Director of Community Engagement (Interim)
* Lisa Seitz-Gruwell, Chief Advancement Officer
* Geoff Brigham, General Counsel
* Katherine Maher, Chief Communications Officer
* Jaime Villagomez, Chief Financial Officer
* Joady Lohr, Vice President of Human Resources (Interim)

Does the "C-level team" in this context include Lila and/or the interims?

My vote is for Geoff Brigham. There's precedent for the General Counsel to
be interim Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation, of course. And
Geoff has been around long enough and is trusted to be a good steward of
the Wikimedia Foundation. I don't think an outsider would be a good idea.

I don't see it as a sign of strength to abdicate your responsibility in
this way. This action makes the Board of Trustees, already perceived as
being weak, look even weaker, out-of-touch, and unprepared. You've known
about general discontent with the Executive Director since November 2015
and you really weren't able, by March 2016, to figure out who would serve
as interim Executive Director? This is almost derelict behavior.

I don't think anyone demands perfection from members of the Board of
Trustees, but it is an actual commitment to an organization that has a
very large budget and a large number of staff operating a fairly important
set of Web properties. The fact that nine adults really didn't think
through the consequences of "what comes next after the current Executive
Director?" in order to come prepared with an answer to the most obvious
question ("who will be the interim?") is pretty embarrassing and sad.

MZMcBride



___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[James Heilman]

Thank you Alice

I support that as a reasonable way forwards. Agree we have some great
C-levels.

James

On Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 7:14 PM, Alice Wiegand 
wrote:

> Hi all,
> short update, as announced by Patricio:
>
> Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
> and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
> Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.
>
> If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.
>
> We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
> day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
> culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
> for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
> decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
> this situation.
>
> Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
> solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
> decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
> box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
> C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
> their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
> until the end of next week.
>
> Alice.
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
>
> --
> Alice Wiegand
> Board of Trustees
> Wikimedia Foundation
>
> Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 




-- 
James Heilman
MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian

The Wikipedia Open Textbook of Medicine
www.opentextbookofmedicine.com
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Alice Wiegand]

Hi all,
short update, as announced by Patricio:

Our organization needs stability, it needs a chance to rest for a moment
and to move on with the things that matter at the same time. That’s why the
Board  is aiming for a quick decision about the interim ED.

If you want to make a difference you need to act differently.

We know that our C-level team is doing a great job in managing the
day-to-day-operations and they all have a deep understandning of our
culture, challenges and needs. Who, if not them, knows better what is best
for the organization in this moment. The Board is not best suited to make a
decision about the interim which can quickly be established and accepted in
this situation.

Therefor the board empowers the entire C-level-team to come up with a
solution for the interim question. We leave it up to them how that
decisions looks like. We trust them to think traditional or outside of the
box as it fits to our organization, the Wikimedia Foundation. The
C-level-team needs some time to deliberate and decide. They will present
their result to the board which has to vote on it. We plan to finalize
until the end of next week.

Alice.

--
Alice Wiegand
Board of Trustees
Wikimedia Foundation


-- 
Alice Wiegand
Board of Trustees
Wikimedia Foundation

Support Free Knowledge: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Donate
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Denny Vrandecic]

In order to avoid misunderstandings, would you please clarify what you mean
with "fully vetted"? This term can mean so many different things, and I
want to make sure.
On Feb 26, 2016 05:32, "Comet styles"  wrote:

> I was banned on this mailing list last month for pointing out Lila's
> incompetency as a leader..I just hope the next ED we have is fully
> vetted before they are selected and I'm really hoping that we get
> someone with a "wikipedia" background for a change.. Why don't we hire
> someone who know the project inside and out instead of someone who is
> thrust into the position without the know-how?...
>
> The events of the last 2 months seemed like something from a Hitchcock
> film..Good luck to Lila on her future venture but lets just hope the
> incompetency levels we have at both the Board and Staff level stops
> here...If the community has to go through this again this year, I'm
> sure the next job on the line may very well be at the very TOP..
>
> Cometstyles
>
> On 2/26/16, Anthony Cole  wrote:
> > There will be an AllHands staff discussion about recent events tomorrow,
> > per Katherine Maher on Facebook.
> >
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/wikipediaweekly/permalink/963758547005310/?comment_id=963762980338200_comment_id=963831903664641_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D
> >
> >
> > Anthony Cole
> >
> >
> > On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 5:25 AM, Erik Moeller 
> wrote:
> >
> >> 2016-02-25 12:19 GMT-08:00 Gayle Karen Young :
> >> > I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff,
> not
> >> on
> >> > the staff, and not on Lila.
> >> > I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there
> is
> >> an
> >> > enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in
> moving
> >> > forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
> >> > onward.
> >>
> >> Well said, Gayle, and best wishes in the journey ahead, both for WMF
> >> and the movement, and for Lila. I'll go back to lurking for a bit, but
> >> may chime in on some of the topics that have been raised in some of
> >> the very constructive side conversations.
> >>
> >> Warmly,
> >>
> >> Erik
> >>
> >> ___
> >> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> >> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> >> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> >> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> >> 
> >>
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
>
>
> --
> Cometstyles
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Comet styles]

I was banned on this mailing list last month for pointing out Lila's
incompetency as a leader..I just hope the next ED we have is fully
vetted before they are selected and I'm really hoping that we get
someone with a "wikipedia" background for a change.. Why don't we hire
someone who know the project inside and out instead of someone who is
thrust into the position without the know-how?...

The events of the last 2 months seemed like something from a Hitchcock
film..Good luck to Lila on her future venture but lets just hope the
incompetency levels we have at both the Board and Staff level stops
here...If the community has to go through this again this year, I'm
sure the next job on the line may very well be at the very TOP..

Cometstyles

On 2/26/16, Anthony Cole  wrote:
> There will be an AllHands staff discussion about recent events tomorrow,
> per Katherine Maher on Facebook.
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/wikipediaweekly/permalink/963758547005310/?comment_id=963762980338200_comment_id=963831903664641_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D
>
>
> Anthony Cole
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 5:25 AM, Erik Moeller  wrote:
>
>> 2016-02-25 12:19 GMT-08:00 Gayle Karen Young :
>> > I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not
>> on
>> > the staff, and not on Lila.
>> > I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is
>> an
>> > enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
>> > forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
>> > onward.
>>
>> Well said, Gayle, and best wishes in the journey ahead, both for WMF
>> and the movement, and for Lila. I'll go back to lurking for a bit, but
>> may chime in on some of the topics that have been raised in some of
>> the very constructive side conversations.
>>
>> Warmly,
>>
>> Erik
>>
>> ___
>> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
>> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
>> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
>> 
>>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 


-- 
Cometstyles

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Anthony Cole]

There will be an AllHands staff discussion about recent events tomorrow,
per Katherine Maher on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wikipediaweekly/permalink/963758547005310/?comment_id=963762980338200_comment_id=963831903664641_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D


Anthony Cole


On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 5:25 AM, Erik Moeller  wrote:

> 2016-02-25 12:19 GMT-08:00 Gayle Karen Young :
> > I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not
> on
> > the staff, and not on Lila.
> > I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is
> an
> > enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
> > forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
> > onward.
>
> Well said, Gayle, and best wishes in the journey ahead, both for WMF
> and the movement, and for Lila. I'll go back to lurking for a bit, but
> may chime in on some of the topics that have been raised in some of
> the very constructive side conversations.
>
> Warmly,
>
> Erik
>
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Erik Moeller]

2016-02-25 12:19 GMT-08:00 Gayle Karen Young :
> I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not on
> the staff, and not on Lila.
> I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is an
> enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
> forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
> onward.

Well said, Gayle, and best wishes in the journey ahead, both for WMF
and the movement, and for Lila. I'll go back to lurking for a bit, but
may chime in on some of the topics that have been raised in some of
the very constructive side conversations.

Warmly,

Erik

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Denny Vrandecic]

I wanted to explicitly state that a number of us are reading intensively
many of the ideas suggested in a diversity of channels, including this
mailing list.

We are hearing you.

We cannot reply to all of them, as we simply lack the bandwidth. But we are
listening.

Thank you for your passion.



On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 12:19 PM, Gayle Karen Young 
wrote:

> I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not on
> the staff, and not on Lila.
> I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is an
> enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
> forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
> onward.
>
> Wishing you well always,
> Gayle
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 12:14 PM, Sydney Poore 
> wrote:
>
> > Patricio, thanks for the update.
> >
> > I appreciate you and Lila informing the wikimedia movement now, before
> all
> > of the details of the transition plan are complete.
> >
> > As the BoT works on a transition strategy and plans for hiring a new ED,
> > perhaps a member of the Board can take on the role of Chief Communicator.
> >
> > Understandably, it is not always easy to know when to make announcements
> > and updates to the wikimedia movement especially when plans are
> incomplete.
> >
> > At this moment in time, a good communication strategy that keeps everyone
> > regularly informed will help build a stronger bond between the WMF Board
> > and the rest of wikimedia movement.
> >
> > My thoughts are with you and the rest of the Board as you work through
> this
> > situation.
> >
> > Warm regards,
> > Sydney
> >
> >
> > Sydney Poore
> > User:FloNight
> > Wikipedian in Residence
> > at Cochrane Collaboration
> >
> > On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 1:50 PM, Patricio Lorente <
> > patricio.lore...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Dear friends,
> > >
> > > This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last
> > day
> > > will be  March 31, 2016.
> > >
> > > I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years,
> and
> > > her passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in
> her
> > > future endeavors and accomplishments.
> > >
> > > The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our
> > > top priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build
> > > confidence with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and
> > begin
> > > the search for a new Executive Director. We will continue working
> closely
> > > together over the coming days, and will share an update next week.
> > >
> > > This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the
> next
> > > few weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll
> be
> > > very focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience
> and
> > > understanding during this time.
> > >
> > > Patricio
> > >
> > > TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board
> > > Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here:
> > >
> >
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> > > --
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ___
> > > Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately
> > > directed to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia
> > > community. For more information about Wikimedia-l:
> > > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
> > > ___
> > > WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
> > > wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l
> > >
> > >
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
> >
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

[Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[ido ivri]

>
>
> I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not on
> the staff, and not on Lila.
> I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is an
> enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
> forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
> onward.
>
> Wishing you well always,
> Gayle
>

Well said, Gayle.

All the best,

Ido
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Gayle Karen Young]

I know this isn't easy - not on the Board, not on the senior staff, not on
the staff, and not on Lila.
I'm so sorry and sad for all of us where this has come to, and there is an
enormous amount of goodwill and skill in supporting the board in moving
forward and doing the thorough planning it needs to do from this point
onward.

Wishing you well always,
Gayle


On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 12:14 PM, Sydney Poore 
wrote:

> Patricio, thanks for the update.
>
> I appreciate you and Lila informing the wikimedia movement now, before all
> of the details of the transition plan are complete.
>
> As the BoT works on a transition strategy and plans for hiring a new ED,
> perhaps a member of the Board can take on the role of Chief Communicator.
>
> Understandably, it is not always easy to know when to make announcements
> and updates to the wikimedia movement especially when plans are incomplete.
>
> At this moment in time, a good communication strategy that keeps everyone
> regularly informed will help build a stronger bond between the WMF Board
> and the rest of wikimedia movement.
>
> My thoughts are with you and the rest of the Board as you work through this
> situation.
>
> Warm regards,
> Sydney
>
>
> Sydney Poore
> User:FloNight
> Wikipedian in Residence
> at Cochrane Collaboration
>
> On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 1:50 PM, Patricio Lorente <
> patricio.lore...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Dear friends,
> >
> > This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last
> day
> > will be  March 31, 2016.
> >
> > I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and
> > her passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her
> > future endeavors and accomplishments.
> >
> > The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our
> > top priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build
> > confidence with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and
> begin
> > the search for a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely
> > together over the coming days, and will share an update next week.
> >
> > This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next
> > few weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be
> > very focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and
> > understanding during this time.
> >
> > Patricio
> >
> > TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board
> > Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here:
> >
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> > --
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
> > Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately
> > directed to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia
> > community. For more information about Wikimedia-l:
> > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
> > ___
> > WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
> > wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
> > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l
> >
> >
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
> New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> 
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Sydney Poore]

Patricio, thanks for the update.

I appreciate you and Lila informing the wikimedia movement now, before all
of the details of the transition plan are complete.

As the BoT works on a transition strategy and plans for hiring a new ED,
perhaps a member of the Board can take on the role of Chief Communicator.

Understandably, it is not always easy to know when to make announcements
and updates to the wikimedia movement especially when plans are incomplete.

At this moment in time, a good communication strategy that keeps everyone
regularly informed will help build a stronger bond between the WMF Board
and the rest of wikimedia movement.

My thoughts are with you and the rest of the Board as you work through this
situation.

Warm regards,
Sydney


Sydney Poore
User:FloNight
Wikipedian in Residence
at Cochrane Collaboration

On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 1:50 PM, Patricio Lorente <
patricio.lore...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear friends,
>
> This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last day
> will be  March 31, 2016.
>
> I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and
> her passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her
> future endeavors and accomplishments.
>
> The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our
> top priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build
> confidence with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and begin
> the search for a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely
> together over the coming days, and will share an update next week.
>
> This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next
> few weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be
> very focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and
> understanding during this time.
>
> Patricio
>
> TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board
> Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> --
>
>
>
> ___
> Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately
> directed to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia
> community. For more information about Wikimedia-l:
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
> ___
> WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
> wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l
>
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Brion Vibber]

Patricio, thanks for the update and thanks for all of your thoughtful
consideration and work on this issue. I know it's been a stressful time for
everyone.

I've left a note on the talk page, just want to make sure we capture the
notion that existing staff leadership such as team leads and middle
managers who work with both upper management, staff & the larger user
community be involved in capturing what sort of expectations and values we
need to hire for.

Recruiting and interviewing and hiring leaders is hard at the best of
times; it's doubly hard in weird hybrid
open-source-non-profit-company-community situations like ours. Take
advantage of the resources available to you in your staff.

-- brion

On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 10:50 AM, Patricio Lorente <
patricio.lore...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear friends,
>
> This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last day
> will be  March 31, 2016.
>
> I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and
> her passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her
> future endeavors and accomplishments.
>
> The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our
> top priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build
> confidence with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and begin
> the search for a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely
> together over the coming days, and will share an update next week.
>
> This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next
> few weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be
> very focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and
> understanding during this time.
>
> Patricio
>
> TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board
> Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> --
>
>
>
> ___
> Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately
> directed to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia
> community. For more information about Wikimedia-l:
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
> ___
> WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
> wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l
>
>
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Wojciech Pędzich]

W dniu 2016-02-25 o 20:01, Brad Patrick pisze:

Best of luck to the Board moving forward with this process. You have a lot of 
work ahead.

Brad


I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Board, in the time to come their 
decisions will certainly have impact on the wiki-world. Also, I am 
keeping my fingers crossed for Lila, and her future endeavours.


Wojciech / [[User:Wpedzich]]

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Florence Devouard]

+ 1 Brad.

And I would like to say thank you Lila for your efforts and best of luck 
for the future.


Flo

Le 25/02/16 20:01, Brad Patrick a écrit :

Best of luck to the Board moving forward with this process. You have a lot of 
work ahead.

Brad



On Feb 25, 2016, at 1:50 PM, Patricio Lorente  
wrote:

Dear friends,

This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last day will 
be  March 31, 2016.

I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and her 
passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her future 
endeavors and accomplishments.

The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our top 
priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build confidence 
with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and begin the search for 
a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely together over the 
coming days, and will share an update next week.

This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next few 
weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be very 
focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and 
understanding during this time.

Patricio

TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board Noticeboard 
for for translation. You can find it here: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
--


___
Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately directed 
to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia community. For more 
information about Wikimedia-l:
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
___
WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l

___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 






___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Brad Patrick]

Best of luck to the Board moving forward with this process. You have a lot
of work ahead.

Brad

On Thursday, February 25, 2016, Patricio Lorente 
wrote:

> Dear friends,
>
> This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last day
> will be  March 31, 2016.
>
> I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and
> her passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her
> future endeavors and accomplishments.
>
> The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our
> top priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build
> confidence with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and begin
> the search for a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely
> together over the coming days, and will share an update next week.
>
> This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next
> few weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be
> very focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and
> understanding during this time.
>
> Patricio
>
> TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board
> Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> --
>
>
>

-- 

Bradford A. Patrick, Esq.
3001 North Rocky Point Drive East
Suite 200
Tampa, Florida 33607
b...@baplegal.com
www.baplegal.com
813-384-8548 vox
813-333-7321 fax
BradPatrick Skype
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, 

Re: [Wikimedia-l] [Wikimedia Announcements] Executive transition planning

[Brad Patrick]

Best of luck to the Board moving forward with this process. You have a lot of 
work ahead.

Brad


> On Feb 25, 2016, at 1:50 PM, Patricio Lorente  
> wrote:
> 
> Dear friends,
> 
> This week, the Board of Trustees accepted Lila’s resignation. Her last day 
> will be  March 31, 2016.
> 
> I would like to thank Lila for her efforts over these past two years, and her 
> passion for our shared mission. Together, we wish her the best in her future 
> endeavors and accomplishments.
> 
> The Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to determine next steps. Our top 
> priority is to develop a clear transition plan that seeks to build confidence 
> with community and staff, appoint interim leadership, and begin the search 
> for a new Executive Director. We will continue working closely together over 
> the coming days, and will share an update next week.
> 
> This work will require extensive collaboration by the Board over the next few 
> weeks. Although we know you’ll have questions, it is likely we’ll be very 
> focused on planning the next steps. We appreciate your patience and 
> understanding during this time.
> 
> Patricio
> 
> TRANSLATION NOTE: This message is also posted on Meta at the Board 
> Noticeboard for for translation. You can find it here: 
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Board_noticeboard/25_February_2016_-_Executive_transition_planning
> -- 
> 
> 
> ___
> Please note: all replies sent to this mailing list will be immediately 
> directed to Wikimedia-l, the public mailing list of the Wikimedia community. 
> For more information about Wikimedia-l:
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l
> ___
> WikimediaAnnounce-l mailing list
> wikimediaannounc...@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediaannounce-l
___
Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: 
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines
New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,