Open Source Initiative Charts Next Phase for the Organization with Executive Director Search

OSI affirms commitment to OSI's current momentum, mission and strategic direction during leadership transition.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open Source Initiative (OSI), globally recognized by individuals, companies and public institutions as the authority that defines Open Source, today announced that a search will commence to select a new executive director. Stefano Maffulli will be departing his role in October to expand his work on Open Source AI and data governance. Maffulli is currently working on the transition with OSI Board Member Emeritus and former US Policy Director Deborah Bryant, who has been appointed as interim executive director.

Appointed in 2021 as OSI's first executive director, Maffulli led the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation. During his tenure, OSI expanded its global partnerships and strengthened its role as a trusted voice in public policy, licensing and AI governance.

Maffulli helped transform OSI from a primarily volunteer-run organization into a globally respected, professionally managed nonprofit at the forefront of defining and defending Open Source in the modern era, including the rise of artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, OSI released the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) 1.0 and hired a team of full-time professionals to contribute to major international conversations on security, digital policy and transparency in emerging technologies. Maffulli is moving on to focus more keenly on the OSAID within the Open Source community and, more importantly, in the broader technology and policy landscape.

OSI plans to launch a comprehensive, inclusive process to select its next leader, ensuring continued growth and modernization.

"Stefano helped build a strong and resilient foundation for OSI during a time of extraordinary change in the tech world," said Tracy Hinds, chair of the OSI board of directors. "We are grateful for his dedication to OSI's mission and to the global open source community. The board is committed to maintaining our course and continuing the important work underway—especially around licensing, policy and the future of open source AI."

"I knew that serving as the first OSI's executive director would require strength to drive change and build a new organization from scratch," said Maffulli. "Over the past four years, we've modernized the organization, grown its reach and reinforced its essential role in global tech policy. With strong programs and staff, OSI is well-positioned for the future. I look forward to supporting the team during this transition and cheering for their continued success."

Maffulli's reflections on his time at OSI and plans for the future of open source AI can be found in this blog post.

About the Open Source Initiative
Founded in 1998, the Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a nonprofit corporation with global scope formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open source community. It is the steward of the Open Source Definition and the Open Source AI Definition, setting the foundation for the global open source ecosystem. Join and support the OSI mission today at https://opensource.org/join.

Media Contact
Cristin Connelly
Cathey Communications for the Open Source Initiative
[email protected]

SOURCE OSI