Join Us in Forming the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs)

The OpenSSL Corporation (primarily focused on commercial communities) and the OpenSSL Foundation (primarily focused on non-commercial communities) are pleased to announce the formation of the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) to provide expert guidance and strategic direction for our technical initiatives. This marks a significant milestone, and we need dedicated individuals to help shape their future.

Whether you want to nominate a deserving candidate or put yourself forward, now is the time to take action. Founding TAC members will directly influence how these committees operate and advise the technical direction of the OpenSSL Library.

There will be two separate TACs to represent all the communities:

  • OpenSSL Corporation Technical Advisory Committee
  • OpenSSL Foundation Technical Advisory Committee

Both TACs will follow the same election process, dates, and structure to ensure alignment and fairness across both entities. This initiative will create a structured platform where the OpenSSL Communities: Academics, Committers, Distributions, Individuals, Large Businesses, and Small Businesses will have a stronger voice. The OpenSSL Corporation and Foundation formed the TACs so that these communities have greater influence on the work on the OpenSSL Library.

Upcoming Timeline

We will hold an open election for both TACs to ensure a transparent and community-driven selection process. The formation process follows this timeline:

  • March 17 – April 13: Registration, Nominations & Candidate Vetting
  • April 14 – 27: Voting (Open Ballot on the Community Page)
  • April 28: Results Announcement

TAC Timeline

Technical Advisory Committees: Formation Process

  • Registration: Companies, groups, projects, or individuals, if not registered yet, register as community members of their respective communities on the community page.*
  • Nomination: Each community nominates individuals to represent them. Self-nominations are welcome, but community-backed nominations are encouraged.
  • Candidate Vetting: Nominees will provide a brief statement explaining how they plan to represent the community on the TAC, which will be included when they are announced as candidates.
  • Voting Period: Registered members of each community will vote online.
    The voting period will last two weeks.
  • Announcement: Elected representatives will be publicly announced with their profiles and vision statements.

*For more registration information, follow the How to join a Community guide.

Why Form Technical Advisory Committees?

The TACs will serve as key bodies in shaping technical decisions, advising on best practices, and helping steer development priorities.

By establishing the TACs, we aim to:

  • Incorporate community feedback into decision-making.
  • Strengthen the role of our communities in shaping the technical direction.
  • Improve transparency and engagement between the community and OpenSSL leadership.

Relationship Between BACs and TACs

The Business Advisory Committees (BACs) decide the “what,” providing strategic direction, market insights, and operational support. The Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) determine the “how,” offering technical expertise, security measures, and best practices. Together, they create a balanced advisory structure that balances innovation and commercial viability, ensuring decisions reflect diverse stakeholders and uphold our Mission and Values. Once both BACs and TACs are formed, the OTC will be dissolved on April 30, 2025.

TAC Q&A Sessions

To help community members better understand the TACs, their mission, and the formation process, we will host two Q&A Sessions where participants can ask questions and engage directly with OpenSSL Corporation and OpenSSL Foundation representatives.

Session 1:

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 2pm Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Session covered by: Tim Hudson, President (OpenSSL Corporation), Matt Caswell, President (OpenSSL Foundation)
  • Register Here

Session 2:

  • Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  • Time: 9am Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Session covered by: Anton Arapov, Operations Director (OpenSSL Corporation), Matt Caswell, President (OpenSSL Foundation)
  • Register Here

Get Involved

We encourage all community members to participate in this important initiative. Whether by nominating a candidate, voting in the election, or simply engaging in discussions about the future of our technical ecosystem, your involvement is crucial to the success of the TACs.

For more details on the nomination process, candidate criteria, and election procedures, visit our community page. Let’s work together to build strong and forward-thinking Technical Advisory Committees!

Join us in shaping the future—your voice matters!