FOSDEM Update
Background A trip report from Steve Springett on his attendance at FOSDEM 2026, including any key takeaways, insights, or action items for the Board to consider.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Meeting Details
- Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM EST – 1:30 PM
- Location: Remote
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at around 12 pm US EST.
Board Members
- Ricardo Griffith
- Steve Springett
- Harold Blankenship
- Sam Stepanyan
- Ashwini Siddhi
- Kelly Santalucia
Absent
- Marisa Fagan — Absent
The Board has quorum.
Guests
- Andrew van der Stock
- Dawn Aitken
- Starr Brown
- Christian Capellan
- Stacey Ebbs
- Hayden Corry
Conflict of Interest and Anti-Trust Statement
As the Board consists of individuals from many competing organizations, OWASP and its Board shall abide by all applicable anti-trust and competition laws. To avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest, or anti-trust concerns under US federal, state, or regulations, only the published agenda shall be discussed or voted upon, or amended as below. If there are any conflicts of interest, Board members are expected to disclose the conflict of interest and must recuse themselves from discussion and voting.
Changes to the Agenda
Changes to the agenda - unless otherwise prohibited by anti-trust or competition laws - including adding, altering, or tabling of motions is permitted by following Roberts Rules of Order (RONR 12th Ed) 41:63, which requires an affirmative two-thirds vote.
Approval of Minutes
Pre-reading Material
New Business
25th Anniversary Planning Update
Background An update on upcoming activities in the next 30 days for OWASP's 25th anniversary, including any progress made since the last update, any challenges or issues that have arisen, and the timeline for completion.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Impact Report Update
Background An update on the status of the OWASP Impact Report, including any progress made since the last update, any challenges or issues that have arisen, and the timeline for completion.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Strategy Update
Background Stacey Ebbs will provide an update on the status of the OWASP Strategy, including any progress made since the last update, any challenges or issues that have arisen, and the timeline for completion.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Update on status of policy reviews
Background A short discussion on the current status of the policy review process, including any outstanding policies that require attention and the timeline for completion.
Priorities
- By-Laws - Andrew and Ricardo
- Committee Policy - Harold
- Community Review Process Policy (Exceptions caveat) - Ricardo
- Code of Conduct / Board Code of Conduct - (Must review by Legal) - Marisa
- Events Policy (Speaker/Training Agreement) (attendee code of conduct)- Marisa
- Whistleblower Anti-retaliation Policy (defines Compliance Team) - Grant and Steve
- AI Policy (new) - Andrew with Ricardo and Ashwini help
- Social Media Policy - Ashwini
Lower priority, but still important:
- Project Policy - Add AI language - Steve
- Member Policy - Sam
- Chapter Policy - Sam and Kelly
- Signatory Policy - Harold
Suggested time: 10 minutes
Call for new committee leadership
Background Current status of committee leadership and a call for volunteers to lead or co-lead committees.
Suggested time: 10 minutes
Membership Policy amendment proposal
Background The Board will discuss a proposal to modify the Membership Policy to add specific benefits for Distinguished Lifetime Members. This change aims to recognize and reward long-term commitment and contributions to OWASP.
Summary:
Proposal: Distinguished Lifetime Members receive lifetime leader benefits, including leader discounts and access privileges.
Board voiced general support.
Sam will prepare a formal policy modification for next meeting.
Suggested discussion time: 10 minutes
To Do
- Send the Distinguished Lifetime policy changes to the policy review team and community so the Board can vote on the changes next month.
Relevant reading
Update on OWASP Leaders being an OWASP Member
Background An update and discussion on the status of OWASP Leaders being required to be an OWASP Member, including any challenges or issues that have arisen and potential solutions, including Leader annual declaration status in a proper e-signature system.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Meetup and Website status update
Background An update on the status of OWASP Meetup migration and new website, including anything that would be helpful for the Board to know, and any support that the Board can provide. Also looking at the prior attendee data into MailChimp to ensure that Chapters can continue to communicate with their attendees.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
To Do
- Andrew to give community at least one month notice of when the website will be live
Update on initiatives and action plans resulting from Amsterdam Board Summit
Background An update from Marisa and the wider Board on the initiatives and action plans resulting from the Amsterdam Board Summit, including any progress made since the last update, any challenges or issues that have arisen, and the timeline for completion.
Suggested time: 10 minutes
Update on OWASP Audit Board Committee
Background A quick update from Ricardo Griffith on the status of the OWASP Audit Board Committee, including any progress made since the last update, any challenges or issues that have arisen, and the timeline for completion.
Suggested time: 5 minutes
Relevant reading
Executive Session
The Board will adjourn to executive session to discuss confidential matters. Only Board members and invited guests may attend executive session. The minutes of the executive session will be kept separately and will not be made public.
Suggested time: 20-30 minutes
Comments, Announcements, and Other Business
Adjournment
Adjournment motion
The next general Board meeting is on March 24, at 12 pm US Eastern Time.
"It is moved, and seconded to adjourn. Those in favor, say "aye""
Sponsor: Steve Springett Second: Harold Blankenship
Sponsor: Steve Springett · Second: Harold Blankenship
The next general Board meeting is next general Board meeting is on March 24, at 12 pm US Eastern Time..
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