The Role of the Executive Committee

The EC serves as the decision-making body for the JCP, guiding the development of Java standards and ensuring the community's voice is reflected in its evolution. "The EC is responsible for voting on ballots for Java Specification Requests (JSRs)," VanCura explained. "They also provide guidance to the PMO and participate in working groups that evolve the JCP's governance and address new areas such as Java and AI, Java in Education, and Java Ecosystem."

VanCura described her role as threefold: leading the PMO, maintaining the JCP's infrastructure (including its website and membership), and chairing the EC. Beyond administration, she emphasized the importance of outreach: "We make sure the community is aware of our activities -- whether that's through social media, speaking at events, or bringing people together for community gatherings."

How EC Meetings Work

"We hold six EC meetings per year. These are mandatory for EC members to attend. Two of the six meetings are in-person, while four are online," VanCura explained.

The online meetings, each lasting two hours, include general updates and presentations. Two of them are open to the public during the second hour, offering transparency and broader engagement. In-person meetings, on the other hand, typically last an entire day, and these meetings are often hosted in various regions around the world. "We try to rotate geographies. Most of the time we meet in North America or Europe, but sometimes in Japan or occasionally in Latin America," she added.

Agendas are initially prepared by VanCura but are shaped through a collaborative process. "I make the agenda, but I also ask for suggestions during the meeting," she noted. In-person meetings often include visits to universities or user groups, further strengthening ties between the EC and the wider Java community.

Decision-Making and Collaboration

Consensus lies at the heart of the EC's decision-making. Most voting takes place online through a nomination or ballot system, covering JSR approvals, elections, and annual awards. "Each member is responsible for casting their own ballot," VanCura said. "In our meetings we have different points of view, but we make decisions based on the consensus of the group."

This process has not always been without friction. VanCura recalled an instance in 2017 when the EC declined to approve the initial ballot for Java 9. "There is a process for it in the JCP handbook. It was resubmitted and then got approved," she explained.

Community Engagement and Transparency

Transparency and communication are key to the EC's operations. Meeting agendas, minutes, and materials are shared publicly on jcp.org, ensuring that the broader community is informed. Input is also gathered through events, user group visits, and summits, giving members of the Java ecosystem a direct channel to share feedback.

Current Areas of Focus

The EC is currently prioritizing several working groups that reflect emerging trends in technology and education. Among them are Java and AI, Java in Education, and initiatives around third-party library adoption that we refer to as Java Ecosystem. "For Java and AI, we're working on updates being made to the platform for using AI workloads," VanCura noted. On the education side, the EC has developed presentations to help advocate Java in academic contexts.

Looking ahead, the EC is preparing for the release of Java 25 this September, with Java 26 expected in March 2026. "Readers can download early access to those builds and provide feedback -- though not too many people share feedback," VanCura said with a smile.

Election Process

EC members are elected annually through an open online process. With around 1,000 JCP members eligible to vote, turnout typically reaches about 25%. Membership categories include Full Members, Partner Members, and Associate Members, though only the first two can run for EC seats. Terms last two years, with staggered elections ensuring continuity.

The Bigger Picture

Through its structure, the EC ensures that Java's future remains in the hands of a diverse and engaged community. By balancing technical oversight with community input, and by maintaining a global, collaborative spirit, the JCP EC continues to guide Java forward. VanCura summed it up: "It's about evolving the platform while bringing people together to shape its direction."