Gunnar Hellekson

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Washington, DC

I'm the Chief Strategist for Red Hat's US Public Sector group, where I work with systems integrators and government agencies to encourage the use of open source software in government. I'm a founder of Open Source for America, one of Federal Computer Week's Fed 100 for 2010, and I've been voted one of the FedScoop 50 for industry leadership. I'm a member of the Military Open Source working group, the SIIA Software Division Board, the Board of Directors for the Public Sector Innovation Group, the Open Technology Fund Advisory Council, and New America's California Civic Innovation Project Advisory Council. I perk up when people talk about cross-domain security, edge innovation, and interagency collaboration through the open source model. I'm also co-host of the Dave and Gunnar Show. Prior to joining Red Hat, I worked as a developer, systems administrator, and IT director for a series of internet businesses. I've also been a business and IT consultant to not-for-profit organizations in New York City. During that time, I spearheaded the reform of safety regulations for New York State's electrical utilities following the tragic death of Jodie Lane.When I'm not spreading the Good News about open source, I'm wishing I had a dogenjoying time with my dog and my wife.

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That's yet another tension built into this project. More detail here:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110322_3673.php

Thanks for the reminder, Lori!

The USTR Special 301 report itself was actually pretty reasonable. I think you might be confusing the IIPA's suggestions with the report itself?

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20100224/0229248284.shtml

Open Source for America did a lot to make sure the IIPA opinion didn't metastasize -- which is why I want to make sure USTR gets credit for being reasonable and fair on the open source issue.

Also, don't forget who USTR works for; their whole job is to promote US business interests. "It's my nature," said the Scorpion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_and_the_Frog