Election 2024-2025/Candidates

Candidates for ISOC-NY Election 2023-2024, approved by Elections Committee on November 29 2024.

Administrative Vice President

Polly Spain

• (Also running for Board)

• Qualifications: I have the background knowledge and experience to serve as an New York Chapter ISOC board member and as a New York Chapter ISOC officer due to my leadership roles and civic contributions within the following organizations: President of the Westside Democratic Club, Vice Chair of Community Board 7 Manhattan, Vice Chair of Manhattan District Council of Presidents NYCHA, President of Resident Association NYCHA, Community Advisory Board Mount Sinai West, UFT Delegate, Judicial Delegate, Treasurer PSA6 Community Council NYPD Housing Bureau.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: My vision for the NY Chapter is to build its capacity to influence and take the lead in guiding our corporate, education and political decision makers on how to best serve our region with respect to the Internet's access, service, security and growth.
• Vision for ISOC Global: My vision for the Global Internet Society is to build its capacity to influence and take the lead in guiding its corporate, education and political decision makers on how to best serve a global region with respect to the Internet's access, service, security and growth.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2020-2023
• https://www.uft.org/news/member-spotlight/what-i-do/polly-spain-pathways-graduation-teacher

Joly MacFie

• Qualifications: I have administrated the Chapter since 2001. I currently manage the website, mailing lists, Wiki, Slack, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and other back end operations.
  • I also admin the Accessibility SIG, https://a11ySIG.org, on behalf of the Chapter.
  • I do livestream production and archiving on behalf of the Chapter, and the wider ISOC Community https://isoc.live/
  • For the last 10 years or so, I have produce the ISOC-NY tv show, that goes out fortnightly on Manhattan Public Access Cable.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: Keep doing, but more of it. Work more closely with other local Community and Academic groups
• Vision for ISOC Global: Bring back the regions!
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: Real old school! 1997-1999
• https://isoc.live
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/punkcast/

Board

Joseph Shraibman

• (Also running for Treasurer)
• Qualifications: I've been holding down the office of Treasurer since 2008, so will provide continuity.
• Joined ISOC-NY: Real old school! 1997-1999
• https://www.facebook.com/shraibman/

Andrea Romaoli Garcia

• (Also running for Executive Vice President)

• Qualifications: I'm an international attorney and technology expert with 17 years of experience who holds a mandate for the EU AI OFFICE on development of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, in addition to another mandate in Canada SCC National Committé and another one as UN Special Rapporteur (Geneva) running alongside a mandate as director in ISOC-NY Board.
  • As a candidate for both Executive Vice-President and Director of ISOC-NY, I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of the Internet Society (ISOC) and to ensuring the continued evolution of the Internet as a force for good. My approach to Isoc -NY will meet Innovation as strategic management: working to expand partnership with international organizations in technology to increase Isoc-NY efficiency and capacity, internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards.
  • Regarding my academic background: I hold a Post-doc position granted by FLIA in Washington as Research Fellow. Having gathered a robust background through my extensive experience as licensed international lawyer, professor of Master's degree. With a B.Sc. in Science of Law (Br), an educational extended certificate in Business Administration (Br) and a M.A.Sc. in Tax Law (Br). In addition I hold a certificate as "Convenor and Project Manager" issued by IEC Academy & Capacity Building (Switzerland, 2021).
  • I strongly believe that it is a great way to empower Isoc community expansion and efficiency.
  • The Internet is a transformative resource that has the power to improve the lives of people across the globe. Yet, to fully realize its potential, we must be proactive in protecting its foundational principles. The ISOC mission, "to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people," resonates with my own professional journey, which has been dedicated to advocating for an internet that serves humanity equitably and securely.
  • Through my career in international law, technology governance, and cybersecurity, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of law, policy, and technology to shape the digital landscape. My background gathers a broad experience at international negotiation and diplomatic approach across different positions and countries also holding UN leadership and active approaches for high level working groups for decision-making processes. ** ** Also, I've been applied my skills for Governance of Communication, the Technologies and active on space-regulatory bodies such as NASA and ITU issuing legislation, policies, regulations and guidance.
  • I highlight my expertise in international law and cybersecurity as key representative of UNODC where I was an attorney writing the Comprehensive "International Convention on Countering the Use of ICT’s for Criminal Purposes".
  • At ISOC-NY, I have been a proud Board Director since 2016, collaborating with our global community to advance policies and initiatives that uphold the Internet’s open and inclusive nature. My experience in strategic leadership, diplomacy, and international negotiations will serve to strengthen ISOC-NY’s impact, expand partnerships, and drive innovation. I have led initiatives that connect the technical and policy aspects of the Internet, from chairing international standardization committees at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to advising on global digital governance frameworks. These efforts ensure that the Internet is not only open and accessible but also safe and secure for all.
  • As ISOC-NY’s Executive Vice-President, I will continue to advocate for policies that protect the integrity of the Internet while promoting its secure, reliable, and global nature. By working with ISOC’s global community, we can continue to build the technical, ethical, and policy frameworks that enable the Internet to evolve in ways that benefit humanity.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: The principles of openness and inclusivity are particularly important in my approach to ISOC-NY’s work. In a world where digital divides persist, I am committed to ensuring that underserved communities and marginalized groups are not left behind in the digital transformation. Through expanded outreach, collaboration with other international organizations, and support for the development of inclusive infrastructure, I will work to make the Internet a more equitable space for everyone through global opportunities.
  • In this regard, I will work to engage ISOC-NY with marginalized schools to open opportunities for educational exchange in which marginalized communities in New York will expand their knowledge on different ways other countries handle internet access and technologies. This will enhance ISOC-NY response for modern barriers in order to ensure an internet open, globally connected, secure, inclusive and trustworthy with a more comprehensive strategies on fundamental right and ethics of access to the internet and technology.
• Vision for ISOC Global: My vision for the Global Internet Society is grounded in a strong commitment to advancing the open, inclusive, and secure nature of the Internet, while addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. Building on my extensive experience in international law, technology governance, and cybersecurity, I aim to help shape the future of the Internet as a tool for good, ensuring that it remains a transformative force that benefits all people, globally.
  • I will apply efforts in my work through leadership in ISOC-NY coupled with my work on international platforms that I will harness to drive strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between technology, policy, and international diplomacy. From my vision, I highlight the fact that ISOC-NY is a key player in fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, all while expanding Global Internet Society capacity to shape global Internet infrastructure, standards, and governance.
  • My vision would focus on several key pillars:

1. Global Cooperation and Partnerships: Strengthening ISOC’s role as a leader in Internet governance by expanding collaborations with international bodies, governments, and technology organizations, ensuring that global policy frameworks and standards reflect the values of openness, inclusivity, and security.
2. Ethical and Secure Evolution: Ensuring the Internet evolves responsibly, with a focus on safeguarding privacy, combating cybercrime, and addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI and emerging technologies. Also I would continue advocating for policies that protect the Internet's integrity and ensure its safe and secure development for all users.
3. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Promoting the Internet’s open development and ensuring that its benefits are accessible to everyone, especially underrepresented and marginalized communities, in line with ISOC’s mission. My perspective is aligned with the Internet as an actor that is not just a technological resource but a fundamental tool for social equity, education, and economic development.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Building on my background in education and international law, I would focus on empowering the ISOC community through initiatives that foster knowledge sharing, technical skills development, and policy expertise. This would also involve developing new educational programs to meet the growing need for digital literacy and governance in the global community.
5. Advocacy for Digital Rights and Policy Leadership: Drawing on my experience as a UN Special Rapporteur and in international negotiations, I will advocate for policies that protect digital rights, enhance digital trust, and promote international cooperation on Internet governance, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of technology.

• • As a brief, my vision for the Global Internet Society combines with one of proactive leadership -advancing the Internet as a platform for innovation, security, and human progress, while ensuring that its foundational principles of openness, equity, and freedom are safeguarded in the face of emerging global challenges that appears as barrier to free speech and child protection. Through collaboration, ethical leadership, and strategic innovation, I will contribute for the ISOC to continue to shape the future of the Internet to benefit all people worldwide.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://icannwiki.org/Andrea_Romaoli_Garcia
• https://c2e2.unepccc.org/people/andrea-romaoli/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-r-61664180

Dave Burstein

• Qualifications: 20 years experience
• Vision for ISOC-NY: To take a strong role in improving the internet
• Vision for ISOC Global: To become an open, transparent organization with shared decisionmaking. (Possibly called "multi-stakeholder")
  • Strong chapters that allocate a substantial portion of the funds received.
  • To drop programs that have little practical effect.
  • --------------
  • To stop lying as general policy. In particular, stop pretending we are global when most of the board and senior executives are from the U.S. and allies while excluding large parts of the Internet.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• @aibews_wire and many more

Stuart Reid

• (Also running for President)
• Qualifications: I am highly organized and detail-oriented with over 30 years of experience managing community-based technology operations, coordinating workflows, and supporting teams in achieving organizational goals. As a graduate of Columbia University, I am adept at streamlining administrative processes and managing project implementations. I am also known for excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • As a member of ISOC-NY for over seven (7) years and the corporate Secretary for six (6) of those years, I have become thoroughly immersed in the administrative and operational activities of the Chapter. By virtue of my Secretarial responsibilities, I have also become keenly aware of the many great ideas that have been proposed over the years, only not to be implemented or followed through on for one reason or another.
  • This will change under my leadership as I bring decades of dedicated, administrative experience to bear in a proactive manner that will help to bring the Chapter’s work to life in a robust and tangible way.
  • My life’s work and demonstrated accomplishments have been devoted to the management and administration of community-based technology initiatives focused on under-served communities in NYC public housing. This includes the provision of free Internet-based services and applications developed and operated in collaborative partnerships with resident leaders and public housing groups designed to improve the quality-of-life and public safety in our NYC communities.
  • As a co-founder and co-chair of The Smart Community Initiative, Inc. (https://thesmartci.org), a NY not-for-profit, and of Digital Divide Partners (https://ddpny.org), I have worked for decades with public housing leaders in developing and implementing community-based technology initiatives focused on serving this under-served population of nearly 600,000.
  • I believe that the constituent groups that I have collaboratively worked with for decades need a voice at the ISOC-NY table, and that as Chapter President I will be able to facilitate further dialogue and stimulate more inclusion in the important discussions and initiatives of the Internet Society, both locally and globally. It is for these reasons that I seek election as President and Board Member of ISOC-NY.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: First and foremost, it should go without saying, but it must be said: the Chapter must begin to conduct its Board meetings on a consistent and regular basis!
  • That mundane yet critical point aside, my key priority for the Chapter is the reinvigoration of the various Chapter Committees which have languished over the last several years. This includes a particular emphasis on the Events & Programming and Membership, Outreach & Engagement Committees, which are the ways in which the Chapter directly touches our folks in the community. I see these two (2) Committees as pivotal in creating a meaningful presence in our great City, with a special focus on our under-served public housing developments.
  • This population of over half-a-million people is very much in need of equity…digital, economic, social and political… and our Chapter should take the lead in creating events, programming and outreach activities that work to stimulate, educate and activate community members to utilize innovative Internet-based services and applications to take control of their own quality of life and to address these critical needs.
  • This includes working to help secure funding to support existing community-based programs already underway, as well as funding for the expansion and creation of new community-based technology initiatives. While under my leadership the Chapter was able to secure Beyond-the-Net funding from the Internet Society Foundation for its streaming radio project implemented during the Pandemic (see https://www.isocfoundation.org/story/in-coronavirus-hit-harlem-community-streaming-gives-residents-a-virtual-lifeline/), this funding source is just a drop in the bucket compared to the immense size of the largest under-served population in North America that we serve. MUCH, MUCH MORE is required, and working in collaboration with local not-for-profit organizations, housing groups and resident leaders I see the Chapter creating a robust and vibrant connection with our under-served NYC communities that can explore and secure additional funding sources to make this happen.
  • In short, my vision is to bring the Chapter to the community…. to create and implement programs and activities that work to empower the invisible, the ignored and the forgotten in our great City of New York.
• Vision for ISOC Global: I would like to see the Global Internet Society work to facilitate the growth and development of individual Chapters in at least two ways. The first would be to share a portion of its annual $100+ million dollars of revenue directly with individual Chapters. Most, if not all, Chapters are struggling to survive with all-volunteer staffing and meager programming resources. While all appropriately organized (i.e. not-for-profit) Chapters are able to apply to the Internet Society Foundation, as well as other sources, for funding for specific projects and programs, there needs to be some under-girding subsidy from the Global Internet Society for ALL Chapters. Such funding would provide tremendous base-line support to help sustain the ongoing “boots-on-the-ground” operations that work in the trenches trying to make “The Internet is for Everyone” a reality.
  • The second suggestion for improvement would be for the Global Internet Society to encourage, with funding attached, the networking and intercommunication of Chapters across the globe. I would particularly like to see support for the development of working coalitions and programs that connect folks from the many diasporas represented here in New York City with their constituent nations, communities, brethren and sistren across the planet (African, Asian, Caribbean, Latino, etc.). Collaborations could include exchange student and interest group streaming events, podcasts, discussions and lectures, and other activities and programs designed to foster connection and strengthen communities across the planet.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://thesmartci.org

Polly Spain

• (Also running for Admin VP)
• Qualifications: I have the background knowledge and experience to serve as an New York Chapter ISOC board member and as a New York Chapter ISOC officer due to my leadership roles and civic contributions within the following organizations: President of the Westside Democratic Club, Vice Chair of Community Board 7 Manhattan, Vice Chair of Manhattan District Council of Presidents NYCHA, President of Resident Association NYCHA, Community Advisory Board Mount Sinai West, UFT Delegate, Judicial Delegate, Treasurer PSA6 Community Council NYPD Housing Bureau.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: My vision for the NY Chapter is to build its capacity to influence and take the lead in guiding our corporate, education and political decision makers on how to best serve our region with respect to the Internet's access, service, security and growth.
• Vision for ISOC Global: My vision for the Global Internet Society is to build its capacity to influence and take the lead in guiding its corporate, education and political decision makers on how to best serve a global region with respect to the Internet's access, service, security and growth.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2020-2023
• https://www.uft.org/news/member-spotlight/what-i-do/polly-spain-pathways-graduation-teacher

Marc Shifflett

• Qualifications: I fear I may have just enough legacy knowledge to provide ISOC-NY with useful guidance on the internet issues most pressing to the community at-large. As a bonus I’m also actively involved in community outreach, with experience promoting and teaching data literacy within the scope of ‘open data’ as well as continuously engaging with relevant NGO’s and city agencies like BetaNYC and NYC-OTI.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: Simply put, to keep EVERYONE. well informed and engaged!
• Vision for ISOC Global: To listen and learn from EVERYONE!
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2020-2023
• https://marcshifflett.com/

Jennie Bourne

Jennie has withdrawn her nominations for VP and/or secretary

• (also nominated by Dave Burstein)
• Qualifications: I have experience working with no-fo-profit organizations and technology companies and experience as a board member of Producers Guild of America.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: A gathering of individuals passionate in their support of internet access for all Americans and US residents. Providing Advocacy and information about internet security and promoting digital literacy.
• Vision for ISOC Global: A forum for protecting access to the internet for the global community against corporate and political interests.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2020-2023
• https://bournedigital.com
• Instagram.com/Bourne jennie | Facebook Jennie Bourne | LinkedIn Jennie Bourne

Douglas Frazier

• Qualifications: Life long community technologists born and raise in Harlem .nyc while serving on the board gleamed much knowledge from what community needs and what it looks like so would like to further look to move the needle towards people being smarter and the internet is a tool for same
• Vision for ISOC-NY: I think a more community centric approach along with a way to demo ways to help others to use the internet to be smarter and become a more effective citizenry .
• Vision for ISOC Global: There is a clear need to be more chapter supportive the paltry way it views its chapters should be redressed instead of treating chapters like a 7th rate franchise operators it should look for ways to support in a more robust manner
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2020-2023

Greg Shatan

• (Also running for Secretary)
• Qualifications: I am currently the President of ISOC-NY and a member of the ISOC-NY Board. I have served on the Board since 2018 and as President since 2019. My deep experience and long-standing involvement with Chapter leadership make me an excellent candidate for the Board and for the position of Secretary. I have a great deal of institutional knowledge and I'm involved in several ongoing activities with the Chapter. In addition, I represent ISOC-NY on the Internet Society Chapters Advisory Council (ChAC). I am completing a term as the Secretary and as a member of the ChAC Steering Committee (ChAC-SC). This gives me a great deal of insight into the work of the Internet Society and of other ISOC Chapters.
  • I have participated in Internet governance and policy for over 20 years. I am heavily involved with ICANN's At Large Community, which represents the Interest of ordinary Internet end-users. Within At Large, I represent ISOC-NY and currently serve as the Chair of NARALO (the North American Regional At Large Organization), which consists of all the North American ISOC chapters and other structures that participate in ALAC/At Large. Previously, I was a member of the ALAC (At Large Advisory Committee) for two years: ALAC is the leadership team for the At-Large community at ICANN. I started at ICANN in the Intellectual Property Constituency, where I was the President for 3 years and Participation Coordinator before that. After a few years, I realized that my heart and focus are with the interests of end-users, rather than brandowners and copyright holders, so I moved over to At-Large.
  • I first became involved with ICANN in 2003, joined my first ICANN policy development working group in 2007, and went to my first ICANN public meeting in 2013. Since then, I've been to well over 30 ICANN public meetings and served on close to 20 ICANN working groups. I have organized numerous post-ICANN meeting "read-outs" for ISOC- NY, either live, remote or hybrid. i In addition to ICANN policy issues, I have worked on digital accessibility for disabled persons and on digital divide issues (getting Internet access to people who don’t have access at all, or who lack meaningful access).
  • I have been a lawyer for over 35 years, and I have a good deal of experience with legal issues for non-profits. This has been and will continue to be a benefit for the Chapter. For example, we have served as a Fiscal Sponsor for several organizations, which requires knowledge and skills relating to the federal and state laws around fiscal sponsorship.
  • I am running for Secretary rather than President as it's high time for someone else to carry the weight of the Presidency. I would like to take more of a supporting role and continue to put my experience to work as a member of the leadership team.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: I would like ISOC-NY to continue to be a passionate voice for Internet users, Internet freedom and an open and interoperable Internet for all. Over the past year, we have revived the Chapter's committees as the working spaces for Chapter projects and activities, but there is still a lot of work to do to get them fully functioning. It's important for the Chapter to get things done, and to do so a bit better than we have done so lately.
  • I would like the Chapter to extend its work sponsoring and co-sponsoring a variety of live and online panels and other activities. Specifically:
    • I would like us to put together events around the United Nations' Global Digital Compact and the upcoming WSIS+20, much of which will be happening in New York (rather than Geneva). We may be able to partner with ISOC Global and with local institutions for greater impact.
    • I would like us to continue and broaden our support for Community Broadband Networks and other types of access and skillbuilding for Internet involvement, including working on "digital divide" issues.
    • I would like us to re-engage our membership, using social events, panels, etc.
    • I would like us to start an Internet Policy Roundtable to bring together Internet Policy wonks in New York, from academia, non-profits, private sector and other areas. Washington, DC has a cohesive community in this area, but New York really does not.
    • I would like the Chapter to become a consistent voice for the rights and interests of end- users, which can otherwise get buried by other more powerful interests.
    • I want to improve the Chapter's rules and procedures to streamline and better support our work.
  • The Chapter needs to expand and focus on its local presence in and around New York City. Our purpose is to serve the Greater NYC Metro Area, and that needs to be emphasized. I want the Chapter to have more live meetings than in the recent past, and to connect members to the Chapter and each other live and in person. The Chapter needs to refocus on its purpose as a local organization for the Greater NYC Metro Area. We need to be more of a presence, and to insert ourself into more Internet spaces and conversations in New York. The Chapter can and does have a global reach, but the ability to do that comes from local strengths.
• Vision for ISOC Global: The Internet Society is undergoing a significant transformation with a new CEO, Sally Wentworth, a number of new staff members, and a stated desire to improve its relationship with and support of chapters. I have talked with Sally and with Chris Locke (new Exec VP for strategic leadership and funding) and I think this is a sincere desire -- and a recognition that one of ISOC's greatest strengths is its Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to deliver on this desire.
  • ISOC needs to work more constructively with Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to avoid condescending to Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to put more money and staff support into Chapter activities.
  • ISOC needs to double down on being a keeper of the Internet ethos -- the Internet is for everybody, it is open and permissionless, it is accessible, it is not controlled by nations but rather is a resource by, of and for the people.
  • ISOC needs to develop more donor relationships to fund its activities and the activities of Chapters.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://www.facebook.com/greg.shatan
• https://x.com/GSS1958
• https://www.instagram.com/gsshatan/
• https://bsky.app/profile/gregshatan.bsky.social

Stephen L. Burke

• Also nominated by Stuart Reid
• Qualifications: I have worked in technology and internet communications for many years and have a wealth of experience to bring to the chapter.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2024

President

Stuart Reid

• (Also running for Board)
• Qualifications: I am highly organized and detail-oriented with over 30 years of experience managing community-based technology operations, coordinating workflows, and supporting teams in achieving organizational goals. As a graduate of Columbia University, I am adept at streamlining administrative processes and managing project implementations. I am also known for excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • As a member of ISOC-NY for over seven (7) years and the corporate Secretary for six (6) of those years, I have become thoroughly immersed in the administrative and operational activities of the Chapter. By virtue of my Secretarial responsibilities, I have also become keenly aware of the many great ideas that have been proposed over the years, only not to be implemented or followed through on for one reason or another.
  • This will change under my leadership as I bring decades of dedicated, administrative experience to bear in a proactive manner that will help to bring the Chapter’s work to life in a robust and tangible way.
  • My life’s work and demonstrated accomplishments have been devoted to the management and administration of community-based technology initiatives focused on under-served communities in NYC public housing. This includes the provision of free Internet-based services and applications developed and operated in collaborative partnerships with resident leaders and public housing groups designed to improve the quality-of-life and public safety in our NYC communities.
  • As a co-founder and co-chair of The Smart Community Initiative, Inc. (https://thesmartci.org), a NY not-for-profit, and of Digital Divide Partners (https://ddpny.org), I have worked for decades with public housing leaders in developing and implementing community-based technology initiatives focused on serving this under-served population of nearly 600,000.
  • I believe that the constituent groups that I have collaboratively worked with for decades need a voice at the ISOC-NY table, and that as Chapter President I will be able to facilitate further dialogue and stimulate more inclusion in the important discussions and initiatives of the Internet Society, both locally and globally. It is for these reasons that I seek election as President and Board Member of ISOC-NY.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: First and foremost, it should go without saying, but it must be said: the Chapter must begin to conduct its Board meetings on a consistent and regular basis!
  • That mundane yet critical point aside, my key priority for the Chapter is the reinvigoration of the various Chapter Committees which have languished over the last several years. This includes a particular emphasis on the Events & Programming and Membership, Outreach & Engagement Committees, which are the ways in which the Chapter directly touches our folks in the community. I see these two (2) Committees as pivotal in creating a meaningful presence in our great City, with a special focus on our under-served public housing developments.
  • This population of over half-a-million people is very much in need of equity…digital, economic, social and political… and our Chapter should take the lead in creating events, programming and outreach activities that work to stimulate, educate and activate community members to utilize innovative Internet-based services and applications to take control of their own quality of life and to address these critical needs.
  • This includes working to help secure funding to support existing community-based programs already underway, as well as funding for the expansion and creation of new community-based technology initiatives. While under my leadership the Chapter was able to secure Beyond-the-Net funding from the Internet Society Foundation for its streaming radio project implemented during the Pandemic (see https://www.isocfoundation.org/story/in-coronavirus-hit-harlem-community-streaming-gives-residents-a-virtual-lifeline/), this funding source is just a drop in the bucket compared to the immense size of the largest under-served population in North America that we serve. MUCH, MUCH MORE is required, and working in collaboration with local not-for-profit organizations, housing groups and resident leaders I see the Chapter creating a robust and vibrant connection with our under-served NYC communities that can explore and secure additional funding sources to make this happen.
  • In short, my vision is to bring the Chapter to the community…. to create and implement programs and activities that work to empower the invisible, the ignored and the forgotten in our great City of New York.
• Vision for ISOC Global: I would like to see the Global Internet Society work to facilitate the growth and development of individual Chapters in at least two ways. The first would be to share a portion of its annual $100+ million dollars of revenue directly with individual Chapters. Most, if not all, Chapters are struggling to survive with all-volunteer staffing and meager programming resources. While all appropriately organized (i.e. not-for-profit) Chapters are able to apply to the Internet Society Foundation, as well as other sources, for funding for specific projects and programs, there needs to be some under-girding subsidy from the Global Internet Society for ALL Chapters. Such funding would provide tremendous base-line support to help sustain the ongoing “boots-on-the-ground” operations that work in the trenches trying to make “The Internet is for Everyone” a reality.
  • The second suggestion for improvement would be for the Global Internet Society to encourage, with funding attached, the networking and intercommunication of Chapters across the globe. I would particularly like to see support for the development of working coalitions and programs that connect folks from the many diasporas represented here in New York City with their constituent nations, communities, brethren and sistren across the planet (African, Asian, Caribbean, Latino, etc.). Collaborations could include exchange student and interest group streaming events, podcasts, discussions and lectures, and other activities and programs designed to foster connection and strengthen communities across the planet.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://thesmartci.org

Executive Vice President

Andrea Romaoli Garcia

• (Also running for Board)

• Qualifications: I'm an international attorney and technology expert with 17 years of experience who holds a mandate for the EU AI OFFICE on development of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, in addition to another mandate in Canada SCC National Committé and another one as UN Special Rapporteur (Geneva) running alongside a mandate as director in ISOC-NY Board.
  • As a candidate for both Executive Vice-President and Director of ISOC-NY, I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of the Internet Society (ISOC) and to ensuring the continued evolution of the Internet as a force for good. My approach to Isoc -NY will meet Innovation as strategic management: working to expand partnership with international organizations in technology to increase Isoc-NY efficiency and capacity, internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards.
  • Regarding my academic background: I hold a Post-doc position granted by FLIA in Washington as Research Fellow. Having gathered a robust background through my extensive experience as licensed international lawyer, professor of Master's degree. With a B.Sc. in Science of Law (Br), an educational extended certificate in Business Administration (Br) and a M.A.Sc. in Tax Law (Br). In addition I hold a certificate as "Convenor and Project Manager" issued by IEC Academy & Capacity Building (Switzerland, 2021).
  • I strongly believe that it is a great way to empower Isoc community expansion and efficiency.
  • The Internet is a transformative resource that has the power to improve the lives of people across the globe. Yet, to fully realize its potential, we must be proactive in protecting its foundational principles. The ISOC mission, "to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people," resonates with my own professional journey, which has been dedicated to advocating for an internet that serves humanity equitably and securely.
  • Through my career in international law, technology governance, and cybersecurity, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of law, policy, and technology to shape the digital landscape. My background gathers a broad experience at international negotiation and diplomatic approach across different positions and countries also holding UN leadership and active approaches for high level working groups for decision-making processes. ** ** Also, I've been applied my skills for Governance of Communication, the Technologies and active on space-regulatory bodies such as NASA and ITU issuing legislation, policies, regulations and guidance.
  • I highlight my expertise in international law and cybersecurity as key representative of UNODC where I was an attorney writing the Comprehensive "International Convention on Countering the Use of ICT’s for Criminal Purposes".
  • At ISOC-NY, I have been a proud Board Director since 2016, collaborating with our global community to advance policies and initiatives that uphold the Internet’s open and inclusive nature. My experience in strategic leadership, diplomacy, and international negotiations will serve to strengthen ISOC-NY’s impact, expand partnerships, and drive innovation. I have led initiatives that connect the technical and policy aspects of the Internet, from chairing international standardization committees at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to advising on global digital governance frameworks. These efforts ensure that the Internet is not only open and accessible but also safe and secure for all.
  • As ISOC-NY’s Executive Vice-President, I will continue to advocate for policies that protect the integrity of the Internet while promoting its secure, reliable, and global nature. By working with ISOC’s global community, we can continue to build the technical, ethical, and policy frameworks that enable the Internet to evolve in ways that benefit humanity.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: The principles of openness and inclusivity are particularly important in my approach to ISOC-NY’s work. In a world where digital divides persist, I am committed to ensuring that underserved communities and marginalized groups are not left behind in the digital transformation. Through expanded outreach, collaboration with other international organizations, and support for the development of inclusive infrastructure, I will work to make the Internet a more equitable space for everyone through global opportunities.
  • In this regard, I will work to engage ISOC-NY with marginalized schools to open opportunities for educational exchange in which marginalized communities in New York will expand their knowledge on different ways other countries handle internet access and technologies. This will enhance ISOC-NY response for modern barriers in order to ensure an internet open, globally connected, secure, inclusive and trustworthy with a more comprehensive strategies on fundamental right and ethics of access to the internet and technology.
• Vision for ISOC Global: My vision for the Global Internet Society is grounded in a strong commitment to advancing the open, inclusive, and secure nature of the Internet, while addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. Building on my extensive experience in international law, technology governance, and cybersecurity, I aim to help shape the future of the Internet as a tool for good, ensuring that it remains a transformative force that benefits all people, globally.
  • I will apply efforts in my work through leadership in ISOC-NY coupled with my work on international platforms that I will harness to drive strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between technology, policy, and international diplomacy. From my vision, I highlight the fact that ISOC-NY is a key player in fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, all while expanding Global Internet Society capacity to shape global Internet infrastructure, standards, and governance.
  • My vision would focus on several key pillars:

1. Global Cooperation and Partnerships: Strengthening ISOC’s role as a leader in Internet governance by expanding collaborations with international bodies, governments, and technology organizations, ensuring that global policy frameworks and standards reflect the values of openness, inclusivity, and security.
2. Ethical and Secure Evolution: Ensuring the Internet evolves responsibly, with a focus on safeguarding privacy, combating cybercrime, and addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI and emerging technologies. Also I would continue advocating for policies that protect the Internet's integrity and ensure its safe and secure development for all users.
3. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Promoting the Internet’s open development and ensuring that its benefits are accessible to everyone, especially underrepresented and marginalized communities, in line with ISOC’s mission. My perspective is aligned with the Internet as an actor that is not just a technological resource but a fundamental tool for social equity, education, and economic development.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Building on my background in education and international law, I would focus on empowering the ISOC community through initiatives that foster knowledge sharing, technical skills development, and policy expertise. This would also involve developing new educational programs to meet the growing need for digital literacy and governance in the global community.
5. Advocacy for Digital Rights and Policy Leadership: Drawing on my experience as a UN Special Rapporteur and in international negotiations, I will advocate for policies that protect digital rights, enhance digital trust, and promote international cooperation on Internet governance, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of technology.

• • As a brief, my vision for the Global Internet Society combines with one of proactive leadership -advancing the Internet as a platform for innovation, security, and human progress, while ensuring that its foundational principles of openness, equity, and freedom are safeguarded in the face of emerging global challenges that appears as barrier to free speech and child protection. Through collaboration, ethical leadership, and strategic innovation, I will contribute for the ISOC to continue to shape the future of the Internet to benefit all people worldwide.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://icannwiki.org/Andrea_Romaoli_Garcia
• https://c2e2.unepccc.org/people/andrea-romaoli/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-r-61664180

Secretary

Greg Shatan

• (Also running for Board)
• Qualifications: I am currently the President of ISOC-NY and a member of the ISOC-NY Board. I have served on the Board since 2018 and as President since 2019. My deep experience and long-standing involvement with Chapter leadership make me an excellent candidate for the Board and for the position of Secretary. I have a great deal of institutional knowledge and I'm involved in several ongoing activities with the Chapter. In addition, I represent ISOC-NY on the Internet Society Chapters Advisory Council (ChAC). I am completing a term as the Secretary and as a member of the ChAC Steering Committee (ChAC-SC). This gives me a great deal of insight into the work of the Internet Society and of other ISOC Chapters.
  • I have participated in Internet governance and policy for over 20 years. I am heavily involved with ICANN's At Large Community, which represents the Interest of ordinary Internet end-users. Within At Large, I represent ISOC-NY and currently serve as the Chair of NARALO (the North American Regional At Large Organization), which consists of all the North American ISOC chapters and other structures that participate in ALAC/At Large. Previously, I was a member of the ALAC (At Large Advisory Committee) for two years: ALAC is the leadership team for the At-Large community at ICANN. I started at ICANN in the Intellectual Property Constituency, where I was the President for 3 years and Participation Coordinator before that. After a few years, I realized that my heart and focus are with the interests of end-users, rather than brandowners and copyright holders, so I moved over to At-Large.
  • I first became involved with ICANN in 2003, joined my first ICANN policy development working group in 2007, and went to my first ICANN public meeting in 2013. Since then, I've been to well over 30 ICANN public meetings and served on close to 20 ICANN working groups. I have organized numerous post-ICANN meeting "read-outs" for ISOC- NY, either live, remote or hybrid. i In addition to ICANN policy issues, I have worked on digital accessibility for disabled persons and on digital divide issues (getting Internet access to people who don’t have access at all, or who lack meaningful access).
  • I have been a lawyer for over 35 years, and I have a good deal of experience with legal issues for non-profits. This has been and will continue to be a benefit for the Chapter. For example, we have served as a Fiscal Sponsor for several organizations, which requires knowledge and skills relating to the federal and state laws around fiscal sponsorship.
  • I am running for Secretary rather than President as it's high time for someone else to carry the weight of the Presidency. I would like to take more of a supporting role and continue to put my experience to work as a member of the leadership team.
• Vision for ISOC-NY: I would like ISOC-NY to continue to be a passionate voice for Internet users, Internet freedom and an open and interoperable Internet for all. Over the past year, we have revived the Chapter's committees as the working spaces for Chapter projects and activities, but there is still a lot of work to do to get them fully functioning. It's important for the Chapter to get things done, and to do so a bit better than we have done so lately.
  • I would like the Chapter to extend its work sponsoring and co-sponsoring a variety of live and online panels and other activities. Specifically:
    • I would like us to put together events around the United Nations' Global Digital Compact and the upcoming WSIS+20, much of which will be happening in New York (rather than Geneva). We may be able to partner with ISOC Global and with local institutions for greater impact.
    • I would like us to continue and broaden our support for Community Broadband Networks and other types of access and skillbuilding for Internet involvement, including working on "digital divide" issues.
    • I would like us to re-engage our membership, using social events, panels, etc.
    • I would like us to start an Internet Policy Roundtable to bring together Internet Policy wonks in New York, from academia, non-profits, private sector and other areas. Washington, DC has a cohesive community in this area, but New York really does not.
    • I would like the Chapter to become a consistent voice for the rights and interests of end- users, which can otherwise get buried by other more powerful interests.
    • I want to improve the Chapter's rules and procedures to streamline and better support our work.
  • The Chapter needs to expand and focus on its local presence in and around New York City. Our purpose is to serve the Greater NYC Metro Area, and that needs to be emphasized. I want the Chapter to have more live meetings than in the recent past, and to connect members to the Chapter and each other live and in person. The Chapter needs to refocus on its purpose as a local organization for the Greater NYC Metro Area. We need to be more of a presence, and to insert ourself into more Internet spaces and conversations in New York. The Chapter can and does have a global reach, but the ability to do that comes from local strengths.
• Vision for ISOC Global: The Internet Society is undergoing a significant transformation with a new CEO, Sally Wentworth, a number of new staff members, and a stated desire to improve its relationship with and support of chapters. I have talked with Sally and with Chris Locke (new Exec VP for strategic leadership and funding) and I think this is a sincere desire -- and a recognition that one of ISOC's greatest strengths is its Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to deliver on this desire.
  • ISOC needs to work more constructively with Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to avoid condescending to Chapters.
  • ISOC needs to put more money and staff support into Chapter activities.
  • ISOC needs to double down on being a keeper of the Internet ethos -- the Internet is for everybody, it is open and permissionless, it is accessible, it is not controlled by nations but rather is a resource by, of and for the people.
  • ISOC needs to develop more donor relationships to fund its activities and the activities of Chapters.
• Location: NYC
• Joined ISOC-NY: 2010-2019
• https://www.facebook.com/greg.shatan
• https://x.com/GSS1958
• https://www.instagram.com/gsshatan/
• https://bsky.app/profile/gregshatan.bsky.social

Treasurer

Joseph Shraibman

• (Also running for Board)

• Qualifications: I've been holding down the office of Treasurer since 2008, so will provide continuity.
• Joined ISOC-NY: Real old school! 1997-1999
• https://www.facebook.com/shraibman/