Affiliation: Vice Chair of the Internet Society, Canada Chapter
Board Member, CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority)
Nominee Classification: Well Qualified
Nominee Questionnaire
1. Public Contact Information
a) Please provide one URL to an online location (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) where community members can dialogue with you. [Optional.]
b) Please identify your organizational affiliations. Note that Advisory Council (AC) members serve as individuals required to take ARIN’s best interests into account—not those of organizations with which they are affiliated.
Vice Chair of the Internet Society, Canada Chapter
Board Member, CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority)
2. Relevant Biography
a) Please refer to the ARIN Advisory Council Guidance to the 2023 Nomination Committee in answering this question:
i) Please describe your relevant professional experience and expertise and explain how this background will make you an effective AC member.
With over 25 years of professional experience in the internet industry and a consistent dedication to the principles of openness and accessibility, I believe I am uniquely positioned to provide significant contributions to the ARIN Advisory Council.
Over the course of my career, I have held multiple roles within the internet industry that have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape. I have extensive technical knowledge and practical experience in network design and administration, IP addressing and routing, DNS services, and cybersecurity, which align well with ARIN’s role as a regional internet registry. In addition, I have been directly involved in policies and strategies affecting internet governance and understand the complexities and implications of these decisions. This has allowed me to see firsthand how ARIN’s policies affect a wide variety of stakeholders, and it has given me a keen sense of the balance that must be struck to ensure the fair distribution of internet resources.
I have a proven track record in not-for-profit governance. This background has equipped me with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that non-profit organizations face. My experience with strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, ethical considerations, and stakeholder engagement are directly applicable to ARIN’s mission and operations.
Currently, I serve as the Vice Chair of the Internet Society, Canada Chapter, a not-for-profit organization advocating for a free and open internet for all. This role has further honed my skills in policy development, community engagement, and advocating for internet accessibility and digital rights. I have helped the organization navigate various challenges, always striving to find solutions that align with our commitment to a free and open internet.
In joining the ARIN Advisory Council, I intend to bring my multidimensional perspective to the table. I understand the critical need to ensure the internet’s efficient and stable operation while also recognizing the importance of equitable access and openness. I am accustomed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders and finding common ground, a skill that will be crucial in making policy recommendations that affect a broad community.
I am confident that my years of experience, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to not-for-profit governance will bring a fresh and valuable perspective to the ARIN Advisory Council. If elected, I look forward to the opportunity to further contribute to the stability and integrity of internet operations in our region.
ii) Attach a resume, curriculum vitae, or other biography highlighting your experience most relevant to the duties of the AC. Do not include your home address or personal contact information on the resume, as it will be made public as part of the election material.
https://arin-elections.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gamble_resume.pdf
iii) Optionally, you may also include additional web links to external websites (e.g., social media), though not as a substitute for your biography.
b) The role of the Advisory Council is to advise the Board of Trustees on Internet number resource policy and related matters. Describe a similar experience you have had in such an advisory role.
One specific instance that stands out is when our organization was faced with advocating for policy changes in response to proposed regulations that threatened the open nature of the internet in Canada. I led a committee that was responsible for thoroughly researching the issue, considering the potential impact on various stakeholders, and formulating a comprehensive policy recommendation.
Over several months, we engaged with a diverse set of stakeholders, ranging from individual internet users to ISPs, tech companies, and government officials. Our objective was to gather a wide range of perspectives to ensure our policy recommendations were wellinformed and balanced.
Once our research was completed, I was instrumental in presenting our findings and recommendations to our Board of Directors. This involved detailing the potential impacts of the proposed regulations, explaining the rationale behind our recommended policy response, and outlining a strategic approach for advocacy.
This experience has not only reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaborative problem solving and effective advising, but it has also underscored the impact that sound policy advice can have on the shaping of internet governance. As such, I am well-prepared to serve in an advisory capacity to the ARIN Board of Trustees, providing informed guidance on internet number resource policy and related matters.
3. Eligibility
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 ARIN’s Advisory Council. How do you propose to resolve any such conflicts?
I am not aware of any conflict of interest that would impact my ability to perform any duties as a member of ARIN’s Advisory Council
b) Are you currently eligible to serve on the Advisory Council according to the Conflicts of Interest Policy?
Yes
c) If not currently eligible, how will you become eligible to serve if elected (i.e. “If elected, I will resign from the position of ________ before 31 Dec 2023”). If not applicable, simply enter “N/A”.
N/A
d) Describe any limitations on your ability to: attend AC and Public Policy Meetings in person; or serve all of the elected term.
I have no limitations that would impact my ability to serve.
4. Nominee Information
a) Have you attended ARIN meetings or otherwise participated in ARIN activities in the past? What did you find the most rewarding from those meetings or activities? What suggestions for improvement do you have?
I have not yet had the pleasure of attending an in person ARIN meeting but look forward to the opportunity.
b) What areas of Internet number resource policy, if any, need more attention by ARIN; why?
In my view, one area that could benefit from further attention by ARIN is the continued support for IPv6 adoption. As we’re all aware, the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses poses significant challenges for the future of the internet. While ARIN has made commendable efforts to encourage the transition to IPv6, there remains a considerable amount of work to be done.
Although the technical community has been aware of the need for IPv6 for decades, the transition has been slow due to various factors such as cost, perceived lack of immediate need, and technical complexities involved in the transition. However, with IPv4 address exhaustion becoming increasingly tangible, the push for IPv6 adoption has never been more critical.
I believe ARIN should intensify its efforts in education and advocacy to highlight the long-term benefits of IPv6 adoption. It should also work more closely with ISPs, organizations, and governments to ease the transition process. This could involve initiatives like technical assistance programs, incentives for early adopters, and more rigorous outreach and education programs to dispel misconceptions about IPv6 and promote its benefits.
Furthermore, ARIN could play a vital role in promoting policies that prioritize fair and equitable access to internet number resources in the region, particularly for new entrants who are disadvantaged by the scarcity of IPv4 addresses. The allocation and transfer policies should continue to evolve to ensure a level playing field and to prevent the monopolization of resources. In conclusion, I believe that by focusing more on these areas, ARIN can continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability, fairness, and stability of the internet in our region.
c) Aside from the professional experience and expertise detailed above, describe any other specific skills, background, and/or areas of expertise you believe will assist the Advisory Council in carrying out its duties.
In addition to my professional experience and expertise in the internet industry, I bring several other key skills and areas of knowledge that I believe would enhance the ARIN Advisory Council’s effectiveness.
Firstly, I have developed strong communication and consensus-building skills over the years. In my role with the Internet Society, Canada Chapter, I frequently work with a diverse range of stakeholders, each with their own perspectives and priorities. I have learned to effectively navigate these complex dynamics, foster open dialogue, and build agreement on critical issues. This ability to facilitate collaboration and drive consensus will be invaluable to the Advisory Council, which must often balance diverse viewpoints when advising on policy matters.
Secondly, I have a deep understanding of international internet governance frameworks and the roles of various organizations and stakeholders in this ecosystem, from ICANN to ISPs, governments, and civil society. This broader perspective would allow me to bring a global viewpoint to the Council’s discussions, enabling us to consider how ARIN’s decisions fit into the wider internet governance landscape.
Additionally, my background in nonprofit governance has given me a keen understanding of organizational strategy, compliance, and ethics. These are fundamental to the Advisory Council’s role in ensuring that ARIN operates in a manner consistent with its mission and values, while also effectively serving the needs of its community.
Finally, as a lifelong advocate for digital rights and internet accessibility, I am deeply committed to ensuring that ARIN’s policies and practices align with these principles. I believe this perspective would enrich the Council’s discussions and decisions, helping ensure that we remain focused on the broader societal implications of our work.
In sum, I believe these additional skills and areas of expertise will further bolster my contributions to the ARIN Advisory Council, helping us effectively guide ARIN’s policy development and related activities.