First Five with our newly appointed Vice-Chair aimee ‘Max’ whitcroft
A series where we get to know people within ODC’s network: new staff, volunteers and affiliates in the open data community
We initiated the process of revising our by-laws in 2023 to create more stability for the Open Data Charter. We set out to convene a task force of Board Members that would submit proposals for the whole Board to revise. By the second quarter, all was in favour of creating the position of the Vice-chair, which was to be filled by one of the current board members. The new wording stated that whoever took on this responsibility would then become the next Board Chair after the current Chair’s term is over.
We also added wording on what would happen if a board member changes jobs during their term. After discussions, it was agreed that all members would have been selected due to their individual attributes and contributions to the open data work and not their job title. We then set-up a mechanism that the Board is to nonetheless be informed of any changes formally, but all agreed that this would not change their status as a member of the board.
In the third quarter, the by-laws were updated and approved, while aimee ‘Max’ whitcroft was voted and appointed the Vice-Chair position. This will ensure a smoother transition when Cathie Woteki completes her term as Board Chair and steps down by the end of the year.
To get to know our newly appointed Vice-Chair, aimee ‘Max’ whitcroft, Senior Coordinator, Knowledge and Delivery at Open North, we asked them these first five:
1. Where are you on your open data journey?
I’ve been on the open data journey for many years, first as a civilian advocate running major open data events in Aotearoa New Zealand and then increasingly in my professional work, including with the Open Data Charter. Open data is incredibly important work, and the people within the movement are some of the best I’ve ever met, so it’s an honour to be part thereof.
2. What do you hope to bring to the current wave of open data discussions?
I work with multiple organisations across the world, all with a unifying thread: the common good, and wanting to help improve matters for humans and other lifeforms. It’s been great to see the open data conversation mature, as the movement has over the last few years, to talking about data governance, sovereignty (including and perhaps especially indigenous data sovereignty), justice and equity.
3. Share your vision: What does the world’s future look like with open data fully implemented and integrated?
Open data is key to our ability to make wise, kind, informed choices, at every level from hyperlocal to international. To have agency over our lives and how we live them.
4. Do you have a favourite open data project or initiative or one that you encountered recently that left an impression on you?
Currently my mind is very much on climate change, and looking at how we can use data not as an end in itself, but as a means to an improved future for all the beings with whom we share Earth For those interested, Open North has written a great report which can be found here.
5. One last one — a fun one: If you were to write a movie or book with open data at its centre, what would it be called?
For me, open data is an enabler rather than a primary character — a culture based on the ideals of openness (I call it openX), transparency and justice would look a lot like some of my favourite science fiction stories. Kinder. Stronger. More resilient.
aimee ‘Max’ whitcroft is Senior Coordinator, Knowledge and Delivery at Open North. She is an international advocate for what she calls #openX — open data, open government, civic tech, open access, open source and so on. She mixes these with her passion for privacy advocacy, data governance and strategy. She’s also an InternetNZ Councillor and is involved in national and international openX initiatives.
View the updated Governance Structure document here.
