We’re thrilled to introduce Sachiko Muto, one of the newest members elected to the Drupal Association Board in October. Sachiko is the Chair of OpenForum Europe and a senior researcher at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. She originally joined OFE in 2007, serving for several years as Director, responsible for government relations, and later as CEO. Sachiko holds degrees in Political Science from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics and received her doctorate in standardisation policy from TU Delft.
We’re excited to have Sachiko on the Board, and she recently shared her insights on this new chapter in her journey:
What are you most excited about when it comes to joining the Drupal Association Board?
I’m thrilled to join the Drupal Association Board at a time when open source is gaining significant momentum as a foundation for digital public infrastructure in Europe and beyond. I’m particularly excited about the potential to further position Drupal as a critical tool for digital sovereignty and public value, especially as it powers platforms like europa.eu.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the board?
During my time on the board, I hope to strengthen the connections between Drupal and broader digital public policy initiatives, ensuring that we’re at the forefront of supporting transparent, secure, and user-centric digital infrastructure. I’m particularly committed to promoting Drupal’s adoption as a foundational tool for digital public infrastructure in the public sector. Additionally, I aim to explore ways to enhance Drupal’s long-term sustainability by encouraging public sector users not only to adopt but also to actively contribute to Drupal’s ecosystem, reinforcing its growth and resilience.
What specific skill or perspective do you contribute to the board?
With a background in public policy, open technologies, and as a senior researcher at RISE, I bring a perspective focused on the societal impact of open standards and open source. My work has consistently emphasized the strategic role of open source in public digital infrastructure, so I’m here to champion that within Drupal’s mission. I also hope to contribute insights from my experience in European funding and public sector collaboration to bolster Drupal’s impact in these areas.
Share a favorite quote or piece of advice that has inspired you.
With so many directions we could go, try to pursue only those that involve working with people you want to be around. I also learned early on in my career that communicating a policy message becomes much easier—and more powerful—when you’re confident it’s the right thing to do.
We’re excited to see the amazing contributions Sachiko will make during her time on the Drupal Association Board. Thank you, Sachiko, for dedicating your time and expertise to serving the Drupal community! Connect with Sachiko on LinkedIn.
The Drupal Association Board of Directors comprises 13 members with nine are nominated for staggered three-year terms, two are elected by Drupal Association members, and one seat is reserved for the Drupal Project Founder, Dries Buytaert, while another is reserved for the immediate past chair. The Board meets twice in person and four times virtually each year. It oversees policy development, executive director management, budget approvals, financial reporting, and fundraising efforts.
