OpenMS Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is the primary governance body of the OpenMS project. It is responsible for guiding the technical direction, long-term sustainability, and community governance of OpenMS.

The committee is composed of the core developers of the project and is led by an Executive Chairperson elected from among its members.

Purpose

The Executive Committee provides leadership for the OpenMS project by:

  • Defining the mission, direction, and long-term vision of OpenMS
  • Ensuring the continued sustainability of the project
  • Coordinating development priorities and resources
  • Maintaining governance policies for the project
  • Supporting a healthy and welcoming open-source community

Responsibilities

The Executive Committee is responsible for:

  • Determining the mission, direction, and vision of the OpenMS project
  • Planning for the long-term continuity of the project
  • Directing development resources in line with the project vision
  • Maintaining and updating the project bylaws
  • Enhancing the public image and reputation of OpenMS
  • Forming additional committees as needed
  • Electing the Executive Chairperson
  • Managing the list of core developers
  • Addressing Code of Conduct issues

Composition

The Executive Committee consists of the core developers of OpenMS.

Core developers are individuals who are active and key participants in the project and who help maintain the software, guide development, and support the community.

Adding Core Developers

New core developers may be added by a simple majority vote of a quorum of the Executive Committee.

Removal of Core Developers

Core developers may be removed due to inactivity or violation of the Code of Conduct by a two-thirds majority vote of a quorum of the Executive Committee, or by request of the member.

Executive Chairperson

The Executive Committee elects an Executive Chairperson from among its members for a one-year term.

The responsibilities of the Executive Chairperson include:

  • Convening and chairing meetings of the Executive Committee
  • Providing notice of meetings to committee members
  • Breaking tie votes when necessary

The Executive Chairperson may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee.

Meetings

The Executive Committee meets regularly to coordinate the governance and development of the project.

Meeting rules:

  • The committee meets at least once per calendar month
  • Meetings are scheduled by the Executive Chairperson, or by any committee member if the position is vacant
  • Members must receive at least 48 hours notice of meetings
  • A quorum of five members is required for votes
  • Proceedings follow Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised if requested by any committee member

Amendments to the Bylaws

Any member of the Executive Committee may propose amendments to the project bylaws.

The amendment process:

  1. A proposed amendment is circulated to all committee members.
  2. The amendment is discussed and voted on at the next regular meeting.
  3. Adoption requires a two-thirds majority of the quorum.

Transparency

In keeping with the principles of open science and open-source collaboration:

  • Minutes are recorded for meetings of governance committees
  • Meeting minutes are made publicly available unless the committee votes otherwise

This commitment ensures transparency and accountability in the governance of the OpenMS project.