Zoë Kooyman

Kooyman joined the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as program manager in 2019, in charge of public activities and communications, and became the executive director in February 2022. As program manager, she led the FSF to new records for attendance and submissions at the annual LibrePlanet conference, organizing and leading the conference for three years (2020-2022). The 2020 event was converted into a successful virtual conference in just five days at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues virtually for the time being. Kooyman directed the development of a series of animated videos highlighting and increasing awareness of important free software issues. She also drove successful efforts in associate member recruitment and fundraising.

Prior to coming to the FSF, she was already a highly experienced international project manager and event producer. She has demonstrated skills in leading technology and social justice initiatives.

Kooyman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Culture and a Master of Arts in the Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image, both from the University of Amsterdam. Born in the Netherlands, she has lived in seven countries and worked in twenty-two countries on four continents, soaking up life lessons along the way. She has a deep interest in the visual and digital nature of modern society, is always up for an adventure outdoors and, in true Dutch style, prefers to travel by bicycle.