How have you been involved in the Magento ecosystem?

I’m the founder of Adeo Web, an agency established in 2009, which has been exclusively working with Magento since its inception. We were the first Bronze Partners in the Baltics. Over the years, I’ve attended numerous events, including some of the earliest ones in Leipzig, London, and Magento Imagine in Las Vegas. I’ve always been an active advocate for the Magento community and ecosystem, continuously supporting its growth and development.

In what ways have you contributed to the Magento Association and/or other non-profit communities?

Throughout my career, I have been a consistent volunteer for over ten years, working with various non-profit organizations. This includes serving as a Junior Achievement mentor for schoolchildren, mentoring students at Kaunas University of Technology, and engaging in many spontaneous volunteer efforts. While I haven't yet contributed to the Magento Association, I believe it’s time to start.

What value would you add to the Board to help us advance our mission?

I bring resilience and innovation to the table

What are the top 3 initiatives you want to see the Board accomplish in the next 6 months?

Foster Stronger Global Connections

The Magento community thrives on collaboration. I would prioritize initiatives that strengthen global partnerships between developers, merchants, and agencies, especially in regions where Magento adoption is still growing. This includes organizing regional meetups and virtual events to bridge the gap between experienced members and newcomers.

Accelerate Innovation with Magento Open Source

Open-source contributions are at the heart of Magento's growth. I’d like the Board to introduce a streamlined program that encourages more developers to contribute to Magento Open Source. This could include better recognition for contributors and a platform to showcase their work, making it easier for businesses to adopt new, cutting-edge features.

Provide Resources for Newcomers

As Magento continues to evolve, it's crucial to support new developers and merchants who are entering the ecosystem. The Board should focus on creating easily accessible learning materials, tutorials, and mentorship opportunities that lower the entry barrier, ensuring the next generation of Magento users can succeed.

What initiatives do you want to see the Magento Association focus on in the coming years?

Strengthening the Magento Open Source Community

The open-source foundation of Magento has been its key strength. I’d like to see the Association focus on expanding and modernizing the Magento Open Source ecosystem. This can include establishing more organized community contribution programs, funding open-source projects, and fostering collaboration among developers worldwide to keep Magento at the forefront of innovation.

Advancing Education and Certification

With the ever-evolving nature of eCommerce, it's crucial to keep merchants, developers, and agencies updated with the latest Magento capabilities. I would like to see the Magento Association invest in more educational initiatives, including updated certifications, hands-on training sessions, and online courses that help developers and merchants stay competitive.

Increasing Global Representation and Inclusivity

Magento has a diverse, global community, and it’s important to ensure equal representation from different regions. I would prioritize initiatives that enhance inclusivity and give more support to underrepresented regions by hosting events, offering language-specific resources, and nurturing the next wave of Magento talent globally.

What are the biggest challenges that you think the Association has faced and how would you approach them?

Engagement and Community Involvement

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the community deeply engaged, especially with the growing competition in the eCommerce space. Many developers and agencies may be shifting their focus to other platforms, leading to less active participation. To address this, I would recommend more frequent and dynamic community initiatives, such as hackathons, innovation labs, and localized events, which allow members to share their work and ideas while maintaining strong ties to Magento.

Open Source Sustainability

As Magento continues to evolve, ensuring the sustainability of its open-source foundation has been a challenge. Many companies use Magento, but few actively contribute to its development. I’d encourage fostering a stronger culture of contribution by creating incentives, such as recognition programs for top contributors, and building partnerships with key players in the ecosystem to fund and support open-source projects.

Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements

The eCommerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and keeping Magento aligned with cutting-edge technologies like AI, headless commerce, and PWA can be challenging. To address this, I would push for strategic partnerships with leading tech companies and accelerate innovation programs within the community. I would also encourage Magento to maintain a robust roadmap that continuously integrates these technologies.

What else would you like to share to either the Election Committee or the membership of the Magento Association as they review your application? What makes you a great candidate to join the Board of Directors?

As a self-starter and bootstrapper, I have built two successful businesses: Adeo Web and LupaSearch. Adeo Web has demonstrated resilience, thriving as a Magento agency through evolving market conditions. LupaSearch, on the other hand, highlights the innovation and forward-thinking that is driving the future of eCommerce. Both businesses embody the values of adaptability and creativity, and I am eager to bring this mindset to the Magento Association Board of Directors.