This month, Planet Mainframe celebrates influential mainframers nominated by the community.
Today, we recognize a skilled developer and generous mentor whose work is powering progress for the platform and the people behind it.
Richelle Anne Craw
Mainframe Software Engineer, Beta Systems Software
Austria
Connect with Richelle on:
View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.
With 15 years of experience across nearly every corner of the mainframe, Richelle Anne Craw blends technical depth with a desire to keep growing and learning. Her background spans application development using COBOL, CICS, and Db2; systems operations and support; business analysis and consulting; and, most recently, modern tooling through z/OSMF and Zowe Explorer.
She brings a global perspective, having worked in the Philippines, Singapore, the Czech Republic, and Austria. However, her impact is perhaps most deeply felt in the next generation of mainframers she mentors and teaches.
Richelle has made a huge impact on the mainframe community through her mentorship and advocacy,” wrote one nominator. “She’s helped newcomers build their skills and confidence through her courses at the European Mainframe Academy. By contributing to projects like Zowe Explorer, she’s showing what modern mainframe development can look like.
Richelle is an Open Mainframe Project Ambassador and an active voice at industry events, having spoken at the GSE Virtual Conference and Open Source Summit. She consistently advocates for modernization and accessibility in the mainframe space— pushing for tools and solutions that make the platform more usable.
But her quiet leadership and consistent support behind the scenes leave the most substantial mark. “Richelle’s dedication and passion for mentoring and teaching have inspired me to do the same,” her nominator added. “She leads by example, guiding newcomers, sharing knowledge, and lifting others up. Her passion inspires me every day.”
Whether she’s writing code, teaching a class, or answering questions on a panel, Richelle demonstrates how technical excellence and human connection go hand in hand. Her work continues to open doors and infuse energy into tomorrow’s mainframers.
Influential Mainframer
Mainframe technology continues to evolve because of the dedicated professionals, educators, mentors, and innovators who drive it forward. We’re shining a spotlight on the individuals who are making waves—whether they’re advancing technology, mentoring new talent, sharing knowledge, championing modernization, or quietly keeping mission-critical systems running every day. These are the people shaping the future of mainframe. They come from all backgrounds and experience levels, but they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.
Check back daily as we reveal a new honoree. Read their stories, celebrate their impact, and be inspired.
Follow @Planet Mainframe and follow #pmfinfluentialmainframers to congratulate this year’s honorees, share your favorite stories, and spread the word.