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About me
I've worked around the world in various capacities, nearly all directly related to advancing fundamental rights and open and free societies. Before joining the Wikimedia Foundation, I was Advocacy Director for the international digital rights organization Access in Washington DC, where I worked on global policy issues related to freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy.
Previously, I held roles supporting the efforts of citizens and governments around the world to embrace transparency and civic technologies, working with activists and human rights defenders on the use of technology to support democratic reforms and human rights, and designing ICT4D programs in support of community development. I'm a fellow at the Truman National Security Project, and my writing on human rights, technology, and foreign policy has appeared in various publications, as well as in State Power 2.0 (Ashgate 2013). More available on my LinkedIn page.
Personal/for-fun edits: w:User:Maherkr.
My work
As of 23 June 2016, I serve as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation, after serving as interim Executive Director since 14 March 2016. I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and for their confidence in the Foundation. I also want to thank community members and staff for continuing to be such committed advocates for our future -- your passion and belief in our movement and purpose have been tremendous things to behold.
I joined the Wikimedia Foundation in April of 2014. I lead the Wikimedia Foundation's efforts to communicate with our sprawling, diverse, and polyglot community, the readers who love the Wikimedia projects, and the press and media who cover the many stories in which our projects play a role. My role includes making the story of the Wikimedia movement accessible and relatable, developing strategies that advance our mission and vision, responding to unfolding events, and keeping us faithful to our identity in what we say and how we say it.