The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has elected a new president. Geoffrey Knauth has served as FSF President since the resignation of Richard Stallman in 2020. Knauth had confirmed back in 2021 that he would step down from the leadership role once a suitable replacement was found, and that transition has now finally arrived.
The Free Software Foundation Board of Directors has officially confirmed Ian Kelling as its next president:
"The Free Software Foundation (FSF) today announced that Ian Kelling, the organization's senior system administrator and the first union member to hold a board seat, has been elected as the FSF's new president. FSF board members unanimously appointed Kelling as president at their September meeting, making him the first employee to hold this voluntary leadership position."
Ian Kelling, 43, has been a full member and voting member of the FSF Board of Directors since March 2021. Kelling holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and has been a long-time user, developer, and advocate of free software. Previously worked in a proprietary software company, but has always insisted on learning, developing and contributing to GNU/Linux.
FSF founder Richard Stallman commented: "Ian's work on the board has demonstrated good judgment and a strong commitment to the free software movement." Outgoing chairman Geoff Knauth added: "Ian is very familiar with the free software philosophy in the current technical environment and has a forward-looking strategic vision. He initiated and improved the new board recruitment mechanism, adhered to principles, actively promoted the development of the organization, and provided me with important advice at critical moments."
Kelling will continue to serve as FSF's senior systems administrator since 2017 and lead the technology team under executive director Zoë Kooyman. FSF emphasized that the position of chairman is still voluntary and Kelling will assume management and governance responsibilities on a part-time basis.
Outgoing Chairman Geoff Knauth has been vigorously promoting governance reforms since 2020. Now he is resigning as Chairman, Board of Directors and voting members as planned. He will continue to support the organization as FSF Treasurer until a successor is found.
With Kelling elected as chairman, union representatives and board seats will be re-elected by FSF employees.
For more information, please visit FSF’s official website FSF.org:
https://www.fsf.org/news/2025-ian-kelling-becomes-board-president