Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2008-01-28/2007 in review

See also Part I and Part II.

Last month marked the end of 2007, and the end of the biggest year (and perhaps the most controversial year) that Wikipedia has seen. This week, the Wikipedia Signpost continues to take a look back at the year that was 2007 in Wikipedia.

In 2007, the Signpost interviewed three key figures in the Wikimedia Foundation: Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, Wikimedia Foundation Chairperson Florence Devouard, and Executive Director Sue Gardner.

In Wales' September interview, we asked him about a trip to China, the fall fundraiser, and anonymous proxies:

In Devouard's November interview, we asked her about the Foundation's audit, the strengths and weaknesses of the Foundation, and misconceptions of the public:

Sue Gardner's December interview focused on her duties at the Foundation, the fundraiser, and quality concerns:

In 2007, the Foundation went through numerous changes:

• January: The announcement of an Advisory Board, consisting primarily of leaders and experts from the free culture movement.
• January: The hiring of Carolyn Doran as Chief Operating Officer, and Sandra Ordonez as Communications Manager.
• February: Brad Patrick departs as interim Executive Director (staying on as General Counsel); Delphine Ménard hired as Chapters Coordinator, Foundation organizational structure clarified.
• March: In unrelated announcements, both Brad Patrick and Danny Wool resigned their positions as General Counsel and Grants Coordinator, respectively, citing disagreements with the Board of Trustees.
• June: Sue Gardner is hired as a "consultant and special advisor" to the Foundation.
• July: Mike Godwin hired as Foundation General Counsel and Legal Coordinator, replacing Brad Patrick, who resigned in March.
• September: Michael Davis' intent to leave the Board of Trustees announced; he departs in December. His position as Treasurer has not yet been filled.
• September: Foundation announces intent to move its offices to San Francisco. The relocation, meant to move the Foundation closer to potential employees and donors in Silicon Valley, was completed in January.
• December: Sue Gardner promoted to Executive Director.
• December: Erik Möller abruptly resigns from the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees; a day later, Möller was named the Deputy Director of the Foundation.
• December: Foundation approves a plan to fill the two empty seats on the Board of Trustees, and add up to four additional seats.

Next week, the last installment of the Signpost's exceedingly long series, "2007 in review".