David A. Wheeler

Director of Open Source Supply Chain Security at The Linux Foundation

David A. Wheeler is an accomplished expert in secure software development and open source software (OSS). He currently serves as the Director of Open Source Supply Chain Security at The Linux Foundation, a position he has held since April 2020. In this role, he focuses on enhancing the security of open source software supply chains, which is critical for the integrity and safety of software used globally.

Education and Professional Background

Wheeler holds a PhD in Information Technology, a Master's degree in Computer Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, all from George Mason University (GMU). He also has certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) .1 2 3

Teaching and Research

In addition to his role at The Linux Foundation, Wheeler is an Adjunct Professor at GMU, where he teaches graduate courses on developing secure software. His academic involvement complements his extensive practical experience, which includes over 32 years at the Institute for Defense Analyses as a Research Staff Member and Project Leader before joining The Linux Foundation .1 2

Contributions to Open Source and Security

Wheeler has authored several influential works in the field, including "Secure Programming HOWTO" and has contributed to important initiatives like the Open Source Security Foundation's Secure Software Development Fundamentals Courses. His research also addresses countering malicious tools through techniques such as Diverse Double-Compiling .2 3

Recognition

Throughout his career, Wheeler has received various honors, including the Open Source Award from Open Source for America in 2011 and recognition as Outstanding Adjunct Faculty by GMU's Computer Science Department .1 2

In summary, David A. Wheeler's extensive background in secure software development and his leadership role at The Linux Foundation position him as a significant figure in enhancing the security of open source software.