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Photo of William Sylvester

Sylvester, William

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This nominee has

18

statements of support.

Affiliation: Addrex

Nominee Classification: Well Qualified

Candidate Speech

Nominee Questionnaire

1. ARIN Board of Trustees Qualifications and Responsibilities

Please review the ARIN Board of Trustees Expected Qualifications and Responsibilities thoroughly. Please describe, providing specific details, any barriers you foresee to your fully meeting those qualifications and undertaking those responsibilities. A Trustee’s responsibilities have usually required about 5-10 hours per week.

I do not have any barriers that would keep me from performing the duties of the ARIN Board of Trustees.

2. Conflicts of Interest

a) Please disclose any conflicts of interest you may have, real or perceived, that would impact your ability to perform your duty as a member of the ARIN Board of Trustees. (If no conflicts, please enter “N/A”)

While I do not believe that I have any real or perceived that would impact my ability to perform any duties as a member of the ARIN Board of Trustees. In the event of a conflict, I would recuse myself. The only potential for conflict might be if there was a situation where ARIN policy or other business before the board might come in conflict with my employer. In and case of a potential or perceived conflict I would recuse myself.

b) How do you propose to resolve any conflicts identified in (a)? (If no conflicts identified, please enter “N/A”)

In the event of a perceived or potential conflict, I would recuse myself. It is essential to provide openness and transparency for any conflicts potential or perceived.

c) Are you currently eligible to serve on the Board of Trustees according to the Conflict of Interest Requirements and the eligibility requirements?

Yes

d) If not currently eligible, describe how you will become eligible to serve, if elected (i.e., “If elected, I will resign from the position of ____________ before 31 Dec 2023”). If currently eligible, please enter “N/A”.

N/A

3. Education

a) Please list any educational degree(s) you received, the institution and the date issued.

Executive Masters of Business Administration, Quantic School of Business and Technology, November 2018.

b) Please list any professional designations, certifications, or development education (non-degree) and the dates completed.

STEPS Management Training, VeriSign Inc. 2005.

Pragmatic Marketing, 2006.

4. Employment and Experience

a) Please provide the name of any company or organization you currently are employed by, or from which you receive directly or indirectly a material portion of your compensation. Please describe the business of each such entity, your current title, and the office address of the organization.

Addrex, Inc. IPv4 Marketplace. Executive Vice President. 505 Huntmar Park Dr Ste 220, Herndon, VA 20170.

b) Please refer to the ARIN Board of Trustees Guidance to the 2022 Nomination Committee in answering this question: Please describe your relevant professional experience and expertise and explain how this background will make you an effective trustee.

I have spent the past 27 years working in Internet infrastructure supporting DNS and IP Numbers. My career started working for the Internet Network Information Center (InterNIC) supporting both domain name registration and IP number resourcing. The Network Registration group (netreg) which I worked in was spun out in 1997 to become ARIN. I have worked with Internet companies large and small for the duration of my career both in technical, product, and business roles. Since 2009, I have helped to pioneer the legitimately buying and selling of IPv4 numbers globally. This experience has prepared me to understand all aspects of the ARIN organization from the executive issues down to the operational and technical details.

Attach a resume, curriculum vitae, or other biography highlighting your experience most relevant to the duties of the ARIN Board of Trustees. (PDF, DOC, DOCX files only) Remove any personal contact information (postal address, email, and/or phone number) from your resume/CV, as it will be posted publicly as part of the candidate information.

https://arin-elections.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sylvester_resume.pdf

You may also optionally include additional web links to external websites (e.g., social media), though not as a substitute for your biography. One URL per line.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsylvester/

5. Governance Experience

a) Please identify any boards on which you currently serve that carry fiduciary duties, whether at a for-profit or nonprofit organization. Please note how long you have served and what offices, if any, you have held.

Addrex, Inc. for-profit board. I have served since 2021.

DNS Group for-profit board. Chairman of the board since 1998.

b) Please identify any other boards on which you have served in the past 10 years that are not included in answer to (a), listing your dates of service.

N/a

c) How does your past governance experience prepare you to help fulfill that role by serving as an ARIN Trustee?

I have an understanding of the needs of the governance of the organization and the primary fiduciary duties including care, loyalty, obedience, confidentiality, prudence, and disclosure. Through this experience I understand what it means to lead the governance of an organization while supporting all members.

6. Describe any past experience or involvement with ARIN or other Internet governance bodies.

I have been the chair of the database working group in RIPE NCC since 2016. I have been an active participant in the global IP address policy community dating back to the late 1990s, my participation has included the IETF, Nanog, RIPE NCC, APNIC, LACNIC, and ARIN.

7. Aside from any governance experience, describe your specific skills, background, and/or areas of expertise you believe will assist the Board in carrying out its duties.

I am an expert in Internet operations, networking, engineering, I also have experience with large scale Internet infrastructure. As a pioneer of core Internet infrastructure I understand the inter-workings of the elements of the Internet directly connected to the operations of ARIN. My business and governance experience supports the needs of helping the organization to maintain efficient operations supporting its’ members needs.

18 responses

  1. Alexander McMillen

    I’ve known William (Billy) for many years. He possesses a deep understanding of the Internet, including the navigation of complex technical and regulatory nuances. Bringing his experience to bear on the ARIN Board of Trustees will provide great benefit to the ARIN membership. I strongly support his candidacy.

  2. Jason Weil

    I feel William (Billy) is immensely qualified and would be an excellent addition to the ARIN Board. His experience managing and administering Internet number resources goes back to the first non-military organization to do so in North America, the InterNIC, once the Department of Defense decided to hand over control to the public sector, before ARIN existed.

    I met Billy while working at Time Warner Cable and was a customer of his at Addrex. As a vendor and partner, he brought a very strong technical acumen and experience, very well thought out business processes, as well as strong leadership principles in his executive role. These skills would be beneficial as ARIN charts its future path in our community.

  3. Dave Goldman

    I worked with Billy on Network Solutions/SAIC/InterNIC/ARIN not only did he have strong technical chops, but the innate understanding of the policies and procedures with dealing with ARIN related processes, but with a factual understanding to be able to make decisions related to ARIN IP space registration but also the various template processing required to make changes. I also can vouch for the technical proficiency being excellent! I highly endorse him!

  4. Courtney Hooglander

    William “Billy” Sylvester stands out as an ideal nominee for the ARIN Board of Trustees. His extensive history in the Internet realm is marked by unwavering dedication, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to bettering the digital landscape. Throughout his impressive career, Billy has consistently demonstrated sound judgment, ensuring that the needs of ARIN members are always at the forefront.

    Billy’s advocacy, particularly in areas like fairness, RPKI, and member-centric resolutions, speaks to his deep-seated passion for creating a robust and equitable Internet ecosystem. His commitment isn’t just surface-level; he has tirelessly worked to address and resolve the challenges faced by members, highlighting his proactive approach and deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies.

    Furthermore, Billy’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility, while ensuring the highest quality of services, is a testament to his balanced leadership style. Such an approach ensures that ARIN remains both sustainable and member-focused. In supporting William Sylvester, we are championing a vision of a more inclusive, secure, and progressive Internet. His vast experience, paired with his values and vision, make him an exemplary choice for the board. I support Billy for the ARIN Board and encourage you to support him too.

  5. Bill Sandiford

    Today I am excited to write this statement of support for William (Billy) Sylvester.

    Billy is a long time member of the ARIN and Internet Communities. He is extremely smart, knowledgeable, and possesses a unique blend of skills that would make him an excellent member of the Board of Trustees. More specifically, his knowledge of the transfer and broker market would bring a unique skillset to the board that we are currently missing. As the leader of an ARIN Qualified Facilitator organization, his insights and diverse viewpoints would fill a skills and knowledge gap on the board that has existed for a long time.

    I will be casting a vote for Billy to be elected to the Board of Trustees. I strongly urge other members of the community to do the same.

  6. Svetlana Visinscaia

    I would like to enthusiastically endorse William’s candidacy for the ARIN Board of Trustees. Having had the privilege of working closely with Billy for over 10 years, I can attest to his outstanding qualifications. His solution-oriented mindset is an asset to any team.

    Billy’s sheer number of years in the industry and deep subject knowledge make him an exceptional candidate; he will work to ensure ARIN’s mission is carried out effectively and inclusively. I encourage you to cast your vote Billy.

  7. Kaitlyn Pellak

    I had the pleasure of working with William (Billy) for two years while employed at Addrex. In that time I experienced first hand his passion for the internet community, and his deep knowledge of internet numbers in particular. Billy is an excellent mentor, willing to take chances on employees who may not demonstrate technical skill but whom he recognizes have other valuable talents. He has been in the community for many years, working across the RIRs to bring people together for common goals. Finally, Billy sees the “bigger picture,” putting the community first and profit second. He is an excellent candidate for the Board and he has my full support.

  8. Tina Morris

    William (Billy) would be an excellent, well qualified addition to the ARIN Board of Trustees. He has a solid record of strong leadership, building collaboration, and working with RIR policy and governance in multiple regions.

    There is an instinct from some to automatically eliminate a “broker” as a BoT candidate, however, because the IPv4 transfer market is here to stay and it incredibly opaque, the BoT really needs trusted members with this experience. Billy is on a very short list of people that have experience, expertise, and ethics.

    I know this because I have worked with Billy in various ways over the last 9 years, he has proven time and time again to have an ethical approach to this business; and a strong desire to make the community better and do the right thing for all involved.

    The ARIN Board of Trustees has a diverse set of problems and needs a diverse membership to ensure our community is well represented. Billy would be a solid addition to the ARIN Board of Trustees, please give him your vote!!

  9. Alison Wood

    I have recently been able to spend time with Billy and I believe he will make an excellent board member. Billy has had a lengthy career in IT and continues to improve IP address space for all of us. William will make a great addition to the board!

  10. Bryan Fields

    I’ve known “Billy” for many years. He has demonstrated his expertise in internet number and governance issues time and again assisting myself and colleagues. ARIN needs someone with his abilities and willingness to volunteer supporting the community. His co-chairing the RIPE DB working group will bring invaluable working knowledge to the board.

    I fully endorse his candidacy and ask you to please give him your vote.

  11. Evghenii Kosatii

    I fully support William’s candidacy for the ARIN Board of Trustees. I have known William for many years and worked with him on numerous projects. William knows ARIN community very well, has a deep understanding of ARIN policies and procedures, and has outstanding leadership skills.

    With rich technical background in the Internet core infrastructure, William will be a great asset to the ARIN community by making sure all aspects of ARIN’s mission are technically sound and make sense.

  12. Ron da silva

    I’ve worked with William and have been industry friends for many years. He would bring a unique perspective and expertise not currently represented on the Board and would help gain further diversity of thought.

  13. Patrick W. Gilmore

    I would be hard pressed to think of a more qualified, better suited candidate to fill a seat on the ARIN board than William “Billy” Sylvester.

    I have known Billy for many years, and worked with him for a couple. He has always had integrity, demonstrated a keen mind, and shown an ability to tackle complex issues in a way that leaves everyone better off. He does not shy away from hard problems, but never takes the easy way out at the expense of others.

    His very long and distinguished career on the Internet started with Network Solutions in the 90s, continued with Neustar and Verisign in the early 2000s, through to Addrex today. He has co-chaired the RIPE database working group for the last seven years, proving his commitment to working to make Internet run better and more efficiently. This combination is unique and, IMHO, valuable.

    ARIN needs people with his experience and abilities. Most are not willing to donate their time to a volunteer position, but Billy is the type of person who steps up when he can help even if it does not benefit him personally. I cannot thank Billy enough for his efforts.

    I heartily endorse his candidacy, and urge everyone to vote for him.

  14. Michael Palage

    I have known Billy for over twenty-five years. During this time we were not always on the same side of the issues because of our respective employers. Notwithstanding these differences, there was always respect for his knowledge and professionalism. I think it is an understanding that ARIN and the rest of the RIRs find themselves at a critical inflection point in their continued self-governance. This is a time when institutional knowledge is at a premium, and I think Billy is uniquely positioned to provide thought leadership within the ARIN board as well as the broader community.

  15. Rob Barbour

    I have known William (Billy) for almost 15 years and his experience within the internet community is staggering. I fully support and endorse him for his candidacy with ARIN.

  16. Stefan Penner

    I support William in his candidacy for the board. He has a long history in the industry and has the values necessary to help guide the organization”

  17. Marlin Martes

    I am pleased to express my wholehearted support for the candidacy of William Sylvester to the ARIN Board of Trustees. William’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the field of Internet governance make him an exceptional candidate for this important role.William’s career has been marked by a dedication to the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and fair representation within the Internet community. His deep understanding of the technical, policy, and regulatory aspects of the Internet ecosystem equips him with the knowledge and insight necessary to address the complex challenges facing ARIN and its stakeholders.

    Furthermore, William’s collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse groups are invaluable qualities for a position that demands effective communication and cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders. He has a proven track record of working with various organizations, both within and outside the ARIN community, to find common ground and develop effective solutions. In addition to his professional qualifications, William’s passion for Internet governance and his commitment to fostering a secure and resilient Internet are evident to anyone who has had the privilege of working with him. He genuinely cares about the future of the Internet and is dedicated to ensuring that ARIN continues to fulfill its mission of managing Internet number resources effectively and responsibly.

    I have every confidence that William Sylvester will bring fresh perspectives, strong leadership, and a deep sense of purpose to the ARIN Board of Trustees. His election would be a positive step forward for the organization and the broader Internet community as a whole. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy and encourage others to do the same.

  18. Martin Hannigan

    I’ve had the pleasure of knowing William for nearly as long as my involvement in Internet infrastructure. Affectionately known as “Billy,” he boasts a rich and diverse background in Internet technology, coupled with extensive experience in the our industry. His expertise in managing Internet number resources is remarkable. Moreover, his wide-reaching influence within the community is undeniable, evident through his dedicated service in various community roles across multiple regions. I endorse William as a Trustee for ARIN, and I support his candidacy. Vote for Billy!

All statements of support are held for moderation and subject to the Statement of Support Acceptable Use Policy. Comments without a full, complete name and email may not be approved for publication.
Moderation will be completed within one business day. If you have any questions, please let us know at elections@arin.net.

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