Énoncé de candidature
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and hold an MBA from St. Mary’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
It has been my honour to serve CIRA’s members as their elected member on the Board of Directors since 2019. Serving on CIRA’s Board has provided me with the opportunity to contribute to the governance and future of Canada’s internet.
I have held two leadership positions on the Board: Chair of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Management Committee (FAIR), and Chair of the Compensation Review Committee (CRC).
FAIR provides oversight of CIRA’s finance, audit, investment and risk management functions. A key function of CRC is the oversight of the CEO’s performance and compensation. I have also served on CIRA’s Governance Committee and Community Investment, Policy and Advocacy Committee.
I believe that my 25 years’ of experience at the executive level in for-profit, not-for-profit, charitable and provincial government organizations, 6 years’ experience in the domain name industry and knowledge gained on the CIRA Board position me as a good candidate to represent members.
CIRA is the not-for-profit organization and national operator of Canada’s top-level domain country code (ccTLD), “.CA” .
Its mission is to connect, protect and engage the internet community in Canada and beyond. It maintains stewardship of the .CA domain by providing a high-quality registry, domain name and cybersecurity services.
It has supported Canada’s internet community via its “Net Good” program by investing $12.95 million in community-led initiatives since CIRA’s inception in 1998. Such programs have supported Canada’s internet infrastructure, online safety, policy and engagement.
CIRA’s work matters because it is Canada’s champion and advocate for a trusted internet. CIRA is a global leader in internet governance. Its expertise and infrastructure are a respected and sought-after voice on domestic and international internet policy and governance issues.
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and hold an MBA. I have 6 years of experience, serving at the board level, in the domain name industry.
I would like to serve on CIRA’s board in order that I might contribute my skills and experience to an organization whose mission I believe in.
I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to CIRA’s strategic decision making, advances in cybersecurity, internet stewardship and governance.
I believe that my knowledge and experience in financial and investment management, domain name registries, internet governance and transition management can support CIRA in achieving its strategic priorities as noted in its FY26-28 Strategic Plan.
1. Cybersecurity and resilience
Challenge —
Bad actor use of phishing, malware, ransomware and botnet devices add sophisticated threats to CIRA’s digital infrastructure. Addressing these threats in a proactive manner is critical to meeting CIRA’s mission as “a trusted internet for Canadians”.
Opportunity —
CIRA attracts Canada’s brightest and best. Its talented staff continue to meet emerging demands on Canada’s digital ecosystem by building and evolving CIRA’s cybersecurity services. These include its DNS Firewall, Cybersecurity Training, Canadian Shield, and the new eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) products.
2. Domain Name competition
Challenge –
North American domain registries are facing a mature market and softening sales. New ways to bring the .CA brand to the forefront and circumvent market challenges must be obtained in order to ensure the on-going visibility and viability of the brand.
Opportunity –
New and threats of additional US tariffs have increased nationalism and built momentum for the “Buy Canadian” movement. The increase in demand for Canadian-made goods provides CIRA with an opportunity to promote consumer pride in its national brand while highlighting its innovative, Canadian-made technology products.
3. Regulatory policy shifts
Threat
Changes within the domestic and international internet governance landscape may require CIRA to evolve its business in this area.
Opportunity
CIRA has addressed this by developing an internet governance strategy that focuses on meeting its stakeholders’ requirements.
I believe that my experience as an executive level financial advisor, and service in the regulatory, not-for-profit and domain industry can positively support CIRA in achieving its FY26-28 strategic mandate.