Important clarifications and a change regarding the 2026 Apereo Foundation Board of Directors election cycle
Michelle Hall
Dear Apereo Community,
I would like to provide an important clarification and a change regarding the 2026 Apereo Foundation Board of Directors election cycle, and apologize for the confusion caused by our earlier communications.
As many of you know, the Apereo Board is elected from our primary constituents, organizational members, and individual members. Currently, the board is composed of eight seats elected by organizational members, three seats elected by individual members, and one appointed seat. In an effort to increase parity in representation on the board, I asked the board to expand the number of individual seats, taking advantage of the two seats now open with Inge Donkervoort and Wilma Hodge’s departure from the board.
After a more careful review of the Apereo Foundation bylaws, it was discovered that Board seat classifications cannot be changed by Board motion alone without a formal amendment to the bylaws. With that in mind, the Board has decided not to pursue a seat reclassification for this year’s election cycle.
As a result, no Individual Member Representative seats are open for election this year.
Instead, there are now two (2) Organizational Member Representative seats open for election, including one seat that recently became available (more on that soon). These seats will be nominated and elected by Apereo Organizational Member Representatives.
I apologize for the confusion and appreciate the community’s patience as we worked through this clarification. Please know that my and the Board’s goal was to increase the representation of individual members and expand opportunities for PMC members who do so much on behalf of their projects, our communities, the Foundation, and open source in education.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the individuals who have already agreed to be nominated during this process. I hope your interest continues and you’ll consider an organization seat in this year’s election. I know I speak for the Apereo Board, staff, and projects; we deeply appreciate your willingness to serve the Apereo community and your continued commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
With the addition of the second open Organizational Member Representative seat, we are issuing a renewed call for nominations and encourage Apereo Organizational Members to consider additional candidates who would bring thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and strategic perspective to the Board of Directors.
Who Votes?Voting in this election will be conducted by designated representatives of Apereo Organizational Members in good standing.
Eligibility CriteriaNominees must be at least 18 years of age.
Directors are not required to be U.S. citizens or residents of New Jersey.
Employment by a member organization is not required, though Organizational Member Representative seats are nominated and elected through Apereo Organizational Membership.
Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged.
Directors may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Please send nominations to Patrick Masson, Executive Director, at e...@apereo.org.
Nominations should include:
The nominee’s name
Contact information
A brief statement outlining their qualifications and interest in serving on the Board
We strongly encourage nominators to speak with prospective nominees before submitting their names to ensure they are willing and able to serve if elected.
Updated Election TimelineMay 6, 2026 — Nominations open
May 29, 2026 — Nominations close
June 1, 2026 — Announcement of nominees
June 8, 2026 — Voting opens
June 19, 2026 — Voting closes
June 22, 2026 — Run-off elections open, if needed
June 26, 2026 — Run-off elections close, if needed
June 29, 2026 — Executive Director notifies elected board members and candidates of results
July 1, 2026 — New board members officially seated
July 22, 2026 — Annual General Meeting and first Board Meeting for newly elected Directors
Thank you again for your understanding, engagement, and continued support of the Apereo Foundation and its community-driven mission.
Warm regards,
Michelle HallCommunications Manager
Apereo Foundation
On behalf of Patrick Masson, Executive Director