OASIS Staff Honors Gershon Janssen with the Distinguished Contributor Award
Recognizing 18 years of exceptional leadership, global advocacy, and dedication to OASIS open standards
It is our privilege to announce that Gershon Janssen has been awarded the OASIS Distinguished Contributor Award — an honor he has richly deserved for many years.
With his recent announcement of transitioning off the OASIS Board of Directors, it’s a fitting time to reflect on Gershon’s extraordinary contributions. Since joining OASIS in 2007, he has given more than his time — he has offered steady leadership, sharp insight, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Over the past 18 years, he has served in numerous roles, including:
- OASIS Member since 2007, elevated to Sponsor Member status in 2022
- Board Member since 2012, serving as Secretary (2012–2016) and as President and Chairman (2016–2025)
- Secretary and Contributor for the PMRM and WS Calendar Technical Committees
- Contributor to the IDtrust and WS-I Member Sections, as well as the PKCS #11, KMIP, MQTT, VIRTIO, BPEL4People, OData, and many other Technical Committees
- Member of the OECD Internet Technology Advisory Council and Chair of its Security and Privacy Working Group
- Board of Managers member for the OASIS Open Development Foundation
- Treasurer for the OASIS Open Europe Foundation
- Active member of the Process, Finance, Staffing, Governance, and Technology Committees
Much of Gershon’s work has been in roles that rarely receive deserved recognition — yet are vital. His steady hand has been a stabilizing force during turbulent times, including leadership transitions in which he shouldered the responsibilities of both Chair and Interim Executive Director on multiple occasions, some lasting from several months to nearly a year.
Gershon’s dedication has gone far beyond formal responsibilities. On his own time — and at his own expense — he has served as an ambassador for OASIS around the globe, personally sponsoring activities when resources were stretched, representing our work as a TC member at key events, and acting as a liaison to numerous industry and government bodies.
Through it all, Gershon led with quiet strength, patience, and a deep respect for the collaborative process, OASIS staff, and the members. His influence has helped guide OASIS through challenges and successes alike, ensuring our community remained strong and forward-looking.
Words cannot truly capture our appreciation for Gershon’s years of service, nor can they measure the impact he has made. We thank him not only for his leadership, but for his enduring dedication to OASIS and the global open standards community.
Please join us in congratulating Gershon on this well-deserved recognition.
— OASIS Staff