VIDEO: Elizabeth Krumbach on the SDForum Panel Discussion on Women and Open Source

CJ Fearnley was an early leader in the adoption and implementation of Linux and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Philadelphia. In 1993, he recognized the emerging value of the Linux operating system. Through his leadership position in the Philadelphia Area Computer Society (PACS), he began introducing Linux to organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. At PACS, he organized monthly presentations on Linux and FOSS and wrote 29 columns in the organization's print periodical, The Databus. He then founded and helped build Philadelphia's premiere Linux user group, the Philadelphia area Linux User Group (PLUG), where he continues to facilitate its first Wednesday meetings. After helping to establish a community and culture for Linux and FOSS in Philadelphia, CJ started building his first company, LinuxForce, to be the ``go-to'' firm for organizations wanting to realize the promise and power of Linux. LinuxForce is a leading technology services provider specializing in the development, implementation, management and support of Linux-based systems, with a particular expertise in Debian GNU/Linux. LinuxForce provides remote Linux systems management services to clients including The Franklin Institute Science Museum, and the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. CJ is a member of the Buckminster Fuller Institute, the Synergetics Collaborative (SNEC), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and the IEEE Technology Management Council. He received his BA in Mathematical Sciences and Philosophy from Binghamton University in 1989 where he was a Regents Scholar and has done graduate work at Drexel University. CJ was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal's 2006 ``40 Under 40'' list as one of the region's most accomplished young professionals.