PSF Board nomination AMA - Petr Andreev

PSF PSF Board Elections
1

Hi everyone — I’m Petr Andreev, and I’m running for the 2026 PSF Board.

I’m a Python educator, CPython-internals specialist, community organizer, and international Python speaker.

A problem I keep seeing is that Python is very good at attracting people, but the path from newcomer → contributor → long-term contributor → community leader is often unclear.

People may want to contribute, but they do not always know where to start, how to grow, what responsibility comes next, or why they should keep investing their time for years.

I have been experimenting with these pipelines in universities in my courses: moving people from advanced Python education into research, CPython issues and PRs, conference speaking, mentoring, and eventually leadership.

This is what I want to work on at the PSF level:

  • clearer paths into contribution and increasing responsibility;
  • better contributor retention and motivation;
  • stronger mentorship, recognition, funded opportunities, and institutional support;
  • more people who not only join the community, but stay, grow, and eventually help others grow.

My broader goal is to help build a stronger pipeline of future Python community leaders.

Ask me anything about this, my candidacy, CPython, education, governance, funding, or where you disagree with my approach.

6 Likes
2

Hello all,

My nomination statement is here.

Since 2025 I base in Asia, speak at many PyCons, PSF contributing members and bring my students to Python conferences (speakers) and like new contributors.

Welcome to ask me anything!

1 Like
3

Hi Petr,
I have a question:

Your nomination emphasizes moving people into CPython issues, PRs, and research. So in the past we have seen that the PSF board has historically skewed toward technical credibility, while community organizers, i.e the people who “figured out the money, the logistics, overcame the fear and doubt, even maybe the ones doing the grunt work of working with people” are underrepresented in governance.

If elected, how would you ensure that community-building (event organizing, local mentorship, cross-regional coordination) is treated as equally valid leadership experience when the PSF allocates resources, awards recognition, and sets strategic priorities, specifically in the region which you are currently based in?

2 Likes