Florence Devouard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Devouard
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Devouard in 2023
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| Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation | |
| In office 21 October 2006 – 17 July 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Jimmy Wales |
| Succeeded by | Michael Snow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 September 1968 Versailles, France |
| Spouse | Bertrand Devouard |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Consultant in Internet Communication Strategy, Chair Emeritus of the Wikimedia Foundation |
Florence Jacqueline Sylvie Devouard, born on September 10, 1968, is a French expert in agriculture. She is best known for leading the Wikimedia Foundation as its chair from October 2006 to July 2008. The Wikimedia Foundation is the non-profit organization that runs Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia.
Her Studies
Florence Devouard studied a lot about plants and farming. She earned an engineering degree in agronomy from ENSAIA. Agronomy is the science of soil management and crop production. She also got another degree in genetics and biotechnologies from INPL. This means she learned about how living things inherit traits and how to use living systems for technology.
Her Work
Florence Devouard joined the board of the Wikimedia Foundation in June 2004. The board is like a group of leaders who help guide the organization. She became the chair of the board in October 2006, taking over from Jimmy Wales, who helped start Wikipedia. She served in this important role until July 2008.
After her time as chair, she continued to help the Foundation. She joined its Advisory Board in July 2008. This board gives advice and ideas to the main leaders.
Florence also helped start Wikimedia France in October 2004. This is a local group that supports Wikimedia projects in France. She was the vice-chair of its board from 2011 until December 2012.
In March 2008, Florence Devouard was also chosen to be a member of the local council in Malintrat, a town in France.
Special Recognition
On May 16, 2008, Florence Devouard received a special honor from France. She was made a knight in the French National Order of Merit. This award is given to people who have done great things for France. She was recognized for her work as "chair of an international foundation."
