Adam Harvey
Slate: Nomination committee
Province: Ontario
Linkedin
Candidate Statement
Passionate about the development of Canada’s internet, I am pleased to be considered as a candidate for CIRA’s Board of Directors.
Recognizing the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead, I am eager to contribute to the strategic direction and oversight of CIRA as it fulfills an essential role in the public interest – stewarding a key public resource and enabling a trusted internet for all Canadians.
As an independent corporate director (ICD.D), as an audit partner (CPA, CA) and business advisor, and as a Chief Financial Officer, I have advised Boards, Committees and management of national, member-based, multi-stakeholder organizations for over 25 years.
I am eager to contribute this Finance and Corporate Governance experience – including in Audit, Investment and Risk Management – to benefit CIRA on behalf of Canada’s Internet community and users, and I invite you to cast your vote in support of my candidacy.
Credentials
- 2023 Institute of Corporate Directors, Director (ICD.D), Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
- 2009 Institute of Corporate Directors, SME Board Effectiveness, University of Ottawa
- 2003 Licensed Public Accountant
- 1998 Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA
- 1996 Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Accounting and Finance, Carleton University
Current Board/Committee Experience
- The Salvation Army in Canada in Canada and Bermuda – Independent Advisor to the Governing Council, Audit Committee Member
- The Ottawa Mission – Board Member (Treasurer), Audit & Risk Committee Member
- Ottawa Community Foundation – Independent Review Committee Member
Executive/Professional Experience
- 2020 – 2022 Vice-President, Finance (CFO) / Independent Advisor – Ottawa Community Foundation
- 1996 – 2019 Partner, Not-for-Profit Services – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”; formerly, Coopers & Lybrand)
- 1994 – 1996 Auditor – Office of the Auditor General (Canada)
Selected roles
Associate
– Not-for-Profit Organizations Advisory Committee, Accounting Standards Board, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
Lecturer
– “On Being an Effective Director – Hot Topics for Audit Committees”, Institute of Corporate Directors
– “Audit Committee Effectiveness”
– “Reviewing Financial Statements – Questions for Audit Committees to Consider”
– etc.
Advisor
– The Entrepreneurship Centre, OCRI (Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation) / Invest Ottawa
Mandatory Questions
1. Explain from your perspective what CIRA does and why it matters.
On behalf of Canada’s Internet community and users, CIRA promotes, manages and protects the integrity and security of .CA domains; expands cybersecurity, Domain Name System (DNS) and registry products; and integrates community investment, policy and advocacy activities.
CIRA fulfills an essential role in the public interest – engaging and supporting the internet community in Canada and abroad, stewarding a key public resource and enabling a trusted internet for all Canadians.
2. Why do you want to be on CIRA’s Board of Directors? In responding, please indicate how you would contribute as a CIRA Board Member and what specific skills and experience you bring that makes you a qualified candidate.
Passionate about the development of Canada’s internet, and recognizing the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead, I am eager to contribute to the strategic direction and oversight of CIRA – ensuring that the organization is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future, and furthering public trust in CIRA and its activities.
As an independent corporate director, I provide financial and strategic leadership to national, member-based organizations in multi-stakeholder environments, based on over 25 years of experience in Finance and Corporate Governance – including in Audit, Investment and Risk Management – as an independent Board and Committee member (ICD.D), as an audit partner (CPA, CA) and business advisor, and as a Chief Financial Officer.
In this role, I provide oversight at the Board level and in Committee work, applying an evidence-based approach to risks, challenges and opportunities. Well-equipped to serve on CIRA’s Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Management; Governance; and/or Community Investment committees, I am keen to apply my Finance and Corporate Governance experience for the benefit of Canada’s Internet community and users, contributing to a trusted internet for all.
3. What do you think are the top 3 challenges and opportunities facing CIRA in the next 3 to 5 years? What approach would you take to address these issues?
Challenges and Opportunities
CIRA operates in an increasingly competitive, complex, uncertain and rapidly changing environment.
Cybersecurity threats are increasing in quantity and sophistication, requiring stepped up cybersecurity efforts and investments.
CIRA faces slowing domain growth and other challenges in its maturing registry business.
Approach
These and other factors are acknowledged in CIRA’s current Strategic Plan. CIRA has made the strategic decision to act on the opportunities arising, including leveraging its infrastructure and cybersecurity investments, and its unique combination of technical and operational knowledge.
I support CIRA’s related strategic pillars – .CA Stewardship; Product Expansion; Community Investment, Policy & Advocacy; and Organizational Enablement. My approach to these strategic risks, challenges and opportunities includes:
– applying evidence-based reasoning in a spirit of openness and continuous improvement
– considering diverse perspectives, experiences and solutions
– building consensus through collaboration
– enabling creativity and innovation in problem-solving