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Mainframe Voices: TAC Leadership Driving Open Source Innovation

By | July 28, 2025August 25th, 2025

In our latest Mainframe Voices episode, we explore the pivotal role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) within the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation initiative. This episode offers a unique perspective on how TAC leadership is shaping the future of open-source mainframe technology, featuring insights from some of the industry’s most influential leaders.

Fresh Perspectives on Open Source Leadership

The TAC plays a critical role in guiding the strategic direction of open-source projects on the mainframe, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. For this episode, we brought together a distinguished group of TAC leaders to share their personal journeys in mainframe technology and discuss the value the TAC brings to the open-source ecosystem. Their insights highlight how the TAC is not only advancing technical innovation but also building a vibrant, inclusive community for the next generation of mainframers.

Our special guests include:

  • Lauren Valenti – Director, Mainframe Education, Customer Engagement, Vitality and Mainframe Expert Program at Broadcom Software

  • Donna Hudi – Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Business Development at Phoenix Software International

  • Tom Slanda – Program Coordinator at The Linux Foundation

  • Joe Bostian – Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM

Building the Future of Open Source

The TAC’s mission is to provide technical oversight, align projects with industry needs, and promote collaboration across the mainframe community. Our guests share how their diverse backgrounds—from education and marketing to technical expertise—contribute to a holistic approach to open-source innovation. They discuss the TAC’s goals, such as accelerating the adoption of open-source tools, reducing barriers for new contributors, and ensuring the mainframe remains a cornerstone of modern IT.

The episode also captures the excitement of the global mainframe community, with TAC leaders emphasizing the importance of mentorship, skill-building, and community engagement. Their work ensures that open-source projects like Zowe and others continue to thrive, making mainframe technology accessible to both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

Why This Matters

The perspectives of TAC leaders offer valuable insights into how the Open Mainframe Project is bridging the gap between traditional mainframe expertise and modern open-source development. Their leadership is paving the way for a more collaborative and innovative ecosystem, inspiring the next generation of mainframers to contribute to open-source projects.

Mainframe Voices was created to amplify diverse perspectives within the mainframe community,” says Rahat Khan, producer of the Mainframe Connect podcast series. “This episode celebrates the TAC’s role in driving open-source innovation and empowering the future of mainframe technology.”

Watch the Full Episode

Don’t miss these compelling insights on TAC leadership and its impact on the open-source mainframe ecosystem:

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The Mainframe Connect podcast, including the I am a Mainframer and Riveting Mainframe Voices series, under the Open Mainframe Project, an initiative dedicated to building community and adoption of open source on the mainframe.

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