Énoncé de candidature
As a CIRA member and Principal Software Engineer with 25+ years of experience, I, Jarrod Connolly, am dedicated to advancing Canada’s trusted internet. My expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurial ventures, including a SaaS startup in the EdTech space, equips me to drive CIRA’s innovation and domain security. I’ve led scalable tech projects in Gaming, Real Estate, Network Security, and Web Performance industries, co-inventing two U.S. patents for web optimization.
As Chairperson of a City Advisory Body focused on childcare, I shaped policy over six years, leading grant reviews and operator selection for city facilities, honing strategic governance and stakeholder collaboration. As Chairperson of a Parent Advisory Council for a school of over 500 students, I facilitate meetings, coordinate budgets, and lead large-scale community events, fostering inclusivity. These roles mirror CIRA’s need for not-for-profit governance and diverse perspectives.
My passion for a secure, accessible internet drives me to join CIRA’s board. I’ll leverage AI and cybersecurity expertise to enhance digital trust and expand CIRA’s offerings, while applying governance skills to ensure inclusive, strategic oversight. I seek your endorsement to build a resilient digital future for Canadians.
CIRA, as Canada’s not-for-profit steward of the .CA domain, ensures a secure, trusted online presence for Canadians by managing a critical piece of national digital infrastructure. It provides high-quality registry services, strengthens cybersecurity through tools like Canadian Shield, and champions internet governance, advocating for openness and sovereignty in domestic and global policy discussions.
From my perspective as a technology and community leader, CIRA’s work is vital to building a resilient, inclusive internet. Its Net Good program, investing millions in community-led initiatives, bridges the digital divide by supporting connectivity, online safety, and digital literacy for underserved populations, including Indigenous communities, schools, and non-profits. CIRA’s cybersecurity services protect businesses, households, and public institutions against growing digital threats, fostering trust in Canada’s digital economy.
CIRA matters because the internet is central to how Canadians live, work, and connect. By maintaining Canadian control over the .CA domain, CIRA safeguards national digital identity and resilience against cyber threats and foreign interference. Its commitment to equitable access ensures all Canadians can thrive online, while its leadership in internet governance sets a global standard for trust and innovation. In an era of evolving digital challenges, CIRA’s role as a steward of Canada’s internet is indispensable for a secure, accessible, and inclusive digital future.
I am driven to join CIRA’s Board to elevate Canada’s leadership in the global digital landscape, ensuring our internet remains a trusted, innovative resource. My passion for advancing technology and community equity inspires me to contribute to CIRA’s mission of connecting and protecting Canadians online.
As a board member, I would provide strategic risk oversight to strengthen CIRA’s cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring robust protection for Canada’s digital infrastructure. I would foster innovation ecosystems, drawing on my experience scaling technology solutions, to enhance CIRA’s registry services and non-.CA offerings. My commitment to inclusive governance would promote stakeholder engagement, aligning with CIRA’s public-interest mandate to bridge digital divides.
With over 25 years as a Principal Software Engineer, I bring expertise in technology innovation and digital security, having developed solutions that enhance online performance and safety. My leadership in a SaaS startup demonstrates my ability to drive impactful tech ventures. As a community governance leader, I’ve guided strategic planning and policy development, equipping me to navigate complex boardroom dynamics and deliver informed decisions.
My blend of technical innovation, digital security expertise, and community-focused governance makes me a qualified candidate to support CIRA’s strategic goals. I seek to contribute sound judgment and a forward-thinking perspective to build a resilient, inclusive internet for all Canadians.
Evolving Cybersecurity Threats:
Sophisticated cyber threats, including AI-driven attacks, challenge CIRA to strengthen tools like Canadian Shield. The opportunity lies in pioneering AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to safeguard Canada’s digital infrastructure. My 25+ years developing innovative technology solutions equip me to guide CIRA’s cybersecurity advancements, ensuring robust protection.
Strengthening .CA Relevance:
Global TLD competition threatens .CA’s market share. CIRA can seize the opportunity to position .CA as a trusted Canadian brand through strategic partnerships and marketing. My experience scaling a SaaS startup enables me to drive strategies that enhance .CA’s visibility and value, fostering national pride and trust.
Expanding Digital Inclusion:
Digital divides in rural and underserved communities hinder equitable access. CIRA’s Net Good program can expand connectivity and literacy initiatives to bridge these gaps. My community governance experience, leading strategic initiatives for public benefit, prepares me to champion inclusive policies that ensure all Canadians thrive online.
As a CIRA Board member, my expertise in technology innovation and digital security, combined with a proven track record in community-focused governance, will help address these challenges. I’ll provide strategic oversight to bolster cybersecurity, strengthen .CA’s market position, and promote digital equity, aligning with CIRA’s mission for a trusted, inclusive internet.