Candidates who do not have key industry experience in the domain space (e.g. you have NOT worked directly for an organization in this space) what is your pitch that you can add value to the Board and the complex industry issues it faces?

[Gwen]

So – I think that’s me! I am a computer scientist with over 35 years experience in all sorts of information technology – including 15 years @ Bell Northern Research, building out capabilities for Canadian telcos, and Fed Gov’t looking at defending the cyber space. I’ve gone into board work as my 3rd act. I believe this is highly relevant to the decisions of where CIRA plays their unique role, and how to best position CIRA to make the greatest impact. Each board member has experience – and we need everyone at the table – registrars, registrants, technologists, entrepreneurs, legal, finance, governance – we make a team to bring all of the experiences to bare on the questions of the day.

[Shaheen]

To ensure the interests of all members are taken into consideration, the board should have representation from a diverse cross-section of industries. There is value in learning about successful strategies and best practices from other complex industries that may be relevant to the domain space. For example, although I don’t have direct domain space experience, I do have experience in the stewardship, security and reliability of critical infrastructure in the energy and telecommunications industry. In addition, I would be able to add my perspective as a small business owner with a .ca presence. Diversity drives innovation and improves decision-making.

[Alex]

Many board <font color=”rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)” face=”inherit”>neophytes, especially some who see themselves as competent computer scientists (which they are) don’t understand that the principal job of the board is to supervise the CEO, not to write code. That also means </font>knowing<font color=”rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)” face=”inherit”> how to hire and when to fire the CEO. </font>

That begs the question, to supervise the CEO do you need equivalent experience and expertise (or better)? The CIRA Board does not need more technical expertise; there are never such technical discussions at the Board as CIRA is a business. Nor should the Board be a book club replete with interesting discussions from a diverse community of thought. Diversity is important but not a diversity of competence.

The Board needs directors with P&L experience who understand “how to run a lemonade stand”, how the interplay of all management disciplines – far more than computer science – work together. The board must provide value if CIRA is to be better.

[Wade]

While I recognize the importance of direct domain industry experience, my diverse background offers a holistic and invaluable perspective to the CIRA. My extensive tenure in executive roles and on boards has refined my strategic foresight. Decisions made by CIRA share similarities with those in heavy industries in that they are strategic, involve numerous stakeholders, and their implications resonate long into the future. Drawing from my experience, I can offer a leadership perspective that has been tested in steering corporations through transformations, growth, and industry challenges.

In my role as President and CEO, I’ve consistently collaborated with a myriad of stakeholders ranging from governmental bodies and local communities to global industrial giants like Cargill and Dow, as well as regional organizations. The essence of this experience is the ability to harmonize diverse viewpoints and guide them toward a common vision, a skill that is essential regardless of whether we’re discussing logistics or domain registration.

Financial stewardship is another area where I can add immense value. Having been a member of several audit committees, I possess both the financial acumen and governance expertise necessary to ensure CIRA’s monetary strategies are both visionary and prudent, safeguarding its fiscal health.

Moreover, my steadfast commitment to safety and environmental excellence mirrors the considerations of user safety and data protection intrinsic to the domain industry. These concerns necessitate a delicate equilibrium of commercial interests, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance, areas I’ve been deeply involved in throughout my career.

One of the most significant advantages of a diverse industry background is the fresh perspective it brings. As I mentioned earlier, domain-specific knowledge is undoubtedly valuable; an external viewpoint can often lead to breakthrough solutions and innovative approaches. By borrowing best practices from other sectors and being unafraid to question established norms, I can bring about unique insights that will be beneficial for CIRA.

Last but not least, my academic accolades, including an MBA, CPA, CMA, and ICD.D certification, are testaments to my dedication to lifelong learning. Though I might be new to the intricacies of the domain space, I’m confident in my capacity to quickly comprehend and contribute meaningfully to the complex issues this industry presents.

In wrapping up, the domain space’s uniqueness notwithstanding, the challenges CIRA confronts in terms of strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, fiscal responsibility, and ethical considerations resonate across industries. With my varied experiences, unwavering commitment to governance, and innovative spirit, I am eager and well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to CIRA, ensuring it continues to be an industry leader.

[Adam]

As part of the 2023 Election process ( https://www.cira.ca/en/board-and-governance/board-election/letter-to-the-nomination-committee/ ), CIRA identified two key sets of skills and experience needed on its Board of Directors.

One of these skill sets is experience and knowledge in the Domain Name System, with such qualifications apparent among the relevant candidates.

The second key skill set identified by CIRA is financial literacy and advanced, practical experience in Finance, Audit, Investments and Risk oversight at the Board and Committee level. My experience in all of these areas – as in independent corporate director (ICD.D), as an audit partner (CPA, CA), and as a Chief Financial Officer ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-e-harvey-cpa-ca/ ) – can benefit CIRA on behalf of Canada’s Internet community and users.

I encourage CIRA members to consider these criteria when voting, including on the Nomination Committee side.

cira.ca

Election : Letter to the nomination committee – CIRA

Election : Letter to the nomination committee – CIRA

[Jacqui]

That certainly describes me! What I believe I can bring to CIRA as a Board member is the ability to communicate complex and technical information for a broad audience. I consider that to be my super-power.