Affiliation: Khadga Consulting
Candidate Assessment: Qualified
Candidate Questionnaire
1. Bearing in mind that you run and serve as an individual, rather than representing an organization, is there an organizational/employer affiliation you’d like to state for identification purposes?
I wear lots of hats, I am comfortable wearing the ARIN hat while conducting NRO NC business. For work, I am an independent executive advisor.
2. Are you available to serve the entirety of a three-year term?
Yes
3. Describe any limitations on your ability to travel to attend ARIN and ICANN meetings in person or participate in scheduled teleconference calls.
No known limitations.
4. The ASO AC holds monthly conference calls and participation is expected of all members. Would participation in these calls present any issue for you?
No known issues.
5. Why do you want to serve on the NRO NC, and what goals do you want to accomplish?
To ensure that technical and operational realities are reflected in policy.
6. What, if any, conflicts of interest might arise for you as an NRO NC member? Specifically, do you serve in what could be perceived as any Internet governance roles, provide any services directly or indirectly to ARIN, or represent any significant interest from the community?
None.
7. What is your record of serving the Internet community in the ARIN region?
I currently serve as Chair of OIX (formerly Open-IX) and have held previous volunteer positions with CO ISOC (which I founded), ISOC-NY (Vice President), ARIN (on the Advisory Council), NANOG (on multiple committees), CEA, UPnP, DLNA, RMv6TF, and several others.
8. What participation do you have within ICANN, in the past and currently? Are you a member of any other ICANN AC or SO?
As part of my role as the founding chair of the Colorado Chapter of the Internet Society (CO ISOC), I participated in NARALO, the North American Regional At-Large Organization, which is part of the ICANN At-Large Advisory Committee. I also attended ICANN meetings as a member of the ARIN AC and as an employee of the Internet Society.
9. What differentiates you as a candidate, or makes you uniquely suited to serve on the NRO NC?
What sets me apart as an NRO NC candidate is a rare combination of hands-on operational experience with Internet number resources coupled with extensive global Internet governance leadership and proven innovation in Internet infrastructure. This blend of technical depth, community engagement, and strategic vision is specifically aligned with the NRO NC’s mission.
>>Internet Exchange Operations Leadership
As Co-Founder and Director of IX-Denver for over 10 years, I have direct, ongoing experience with the practical challenges of Internet number resource allocation and management. Running an Internet Exchange means daily engagement with:
+ AS number management and routing policy decisions
+ IP address space allocation and planning
+ BGP community standards and best practices
+ Global interconnection strategy and peering agreements
+ This operational experience provides me with firsthand understanding of how ARIN’s policies affect real network operators and how global Internet number resource policies impact day-to-day Internet operations.
>>Innovation in Internet Number Resource Management
Through FullCtl, I’m actively building automation tools for BGP and interconnection management, directly addressing the operational challenges that stem from Internet number resource complexity. This work includes:
+ Simplifying BGP configuration and management
+ Automating interconnection processes at Internet Exchanges
+ Developing tools that make Internet number resources more accessible to smaller operators
+ This innovation experience gives me unique insight into how policy decisions translate into operational realities and where simplification efforts could have the greatest impact.
>>Proven Internet Standards Leadership
My leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors of OIX Association demonstrates direct experience with the type of global coordination and standards development that defines NRO NC work. At OIX, I:
+ Led the organization to become an ANSI-certified standards body
+ Developed uniform specifications for data transfer and physical connectivity
+ Built consensus among diverse stakeholders including data centers, network operators, CDNs, and content creators
+ Guided strategic evolution from Open-IX to OIX, expanding focus across digital infrastructure
This standards leadership experience directly parallels the NRO NC’s role in coordinating global Internet number resource policies.
>>Direct ARIN Experience
As an elected ARIN Advisory Council member (2011-2013), I have firsthand experience with ARIN’s policy development processes and community dynamics. This three-year term provided deep understanding of:
+ How Internet number resource policies are developed and implemented
+ Regional Internet Registry coordination challenges and opportunities
+ Community consensus-building processes within the ARIN framework
+ The relationship between regional policies and global Internet coordination
This direct ARIN experience is invaluable for representing the ARIN region effectively on the NRO NC.
>>Multi-Regional Network Operator Community Leadership
My program committee service across multiple regional network operator groups demonstrates understanding of diverse global perspectives:
+ NANOG (North America): Core Internet technologies and operations
+ AfPIF (Africa): Continental interconnection and infrastructure development
+ SANOG (South Asia): Regional cooperation and technology advancement
This multi-regional experience provides essential perspective for NRO NC service, where representatives must balance regional interests with global Internet stability.
>>IPv6 Expertise and Leadership
My four-year directorship of the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force and role organizing the North American IPv6 Summit demonstrates deep expertise in Internet Protocol evolution – directly relevant to Internet number resource management. This experience includes:
+ Leading IPv6 adoption initiatives and community education
+ Understanding practical challenges of Internet protocol transitions
+ Coordinating between technical operators and policy makers
+ Promoting best practices for Internet number resource utilization
+ Research and Analysis Expertise
My GigaOm research leadership (overseeing 200+ reports) and patent portfolio (8 patents in network technology) demonstrate ability to:
+ Synthesize complex technical information into actionable insights
+ Identify long-term technology trends before they become mainstream
+ Communicate effectively with both technical and business audiences
+ Research and analyze industry developments systematically
These skills directly support the NRO NC’s need to evaluate global policy proposals and their potential impacts.
>>Bridge-Building Philosophy
My career reflects a core philosophy of “cutting through the noise” and finding practical solutions. As noted in testimonials, I have an “ability to cut through the noise and see the relevant elements and data in any situation” and can “synthesize data quickly, finds the leverage points, focuses on what matters, and delivers results.”
This approach is particularly valuable for NRO NC service, where representatives must:
+ Navigate complex technical and policy discussions
+ Balance competing regional interests
+ Focus on practical outcomes rather than theoretical debates
+ Build consensus among diverse stakeholders
+ Community-First Approach
Throughout my career – from founding the Network Automation Forum to creating The Imposter Syndrome Network Podcast – I’ve consistently prioritized community building and knowledge sharing. This includes:
+ Creating educational content and events for network operators
+ Mentoring the next generation of infrastructure professionals
+ Building inclusive communities around technical innovation
+ Fostering collaboration between traditionally separate groups
This community-centric approach aligns perfectly with the NRO’s mission of serving the global Internet community.
>>Operational Excellence and Execution
Every major initiative I’ve led – from IX-Denver’s founding to GigaOm’s research practice expansion – demonstrates ability to turn vision into operational reality. Testimonials consistently highlight my “execution skills are first class” and ability to “build a plan and get the project done.”
The NRO NC requires members who can not only participate in policy discussions but also drive initiatives to completion and ensure effective implementation of decisions.
>>Strategic Vision Combined with Technical Depth
My current role as Executive Advisor on Network Infrastructure Strategy represents the synthesis of 20+ years of hands-on technical experience with strategic business insight. This combination enables me to:
+ Understand both immediate operational impacts and long-term strategic implications of policy decisions
+ Communicate effectively with technical operators, business leaders, and policy makers
+ Anticipate how current decisions will affect future Internet development
+ Balance innovation with stability requirements
+ Commitment to Internet Governance Principles
From my early work on Internet governance philosophy (including writings on Jefferson’s principles applied to cyberspace) to current Internet Exchange leadership, I’ve consistently advocated for:
+ Bottom-up, consensus-driven decision making
+ Open, neutral, and community-oriented approaches
+ Global cooperation while respecting regional autonomy
+ Technical excellence in service of the broader Internet community
This philosophical grounding, combined with practical experience implementing these principles, uniquely positions me to represent the ARIN region’s interests while advancing global Internet coordination.
**In summary: I offer a unique combination of deep operational experience with Internet number resources, proven global community leadership, innovation expertise, and a track record of building consensus and delivering results – exactly what the NRO NC needs to effectively serve the global Internet community.
10. Provide a brief biography of recent experience, associations, and affiliations relevant to serving on the NRO NC, including names of organizations, positions held, specific duties, and dates of service.
Recent Experience, Associations, and Affiliations Relevant to NRO NC Service
>>Executive Leadership & Network Infrastructure Strategy
Executive Advisor, Network Infrastructure Strategy | Khadga Consulting | May 2025 – Present
Provide comprehensive advisory services focused on strategic transformation of modern network operations, including network architecture design and business strategy development for network infrastructure organizations.
Managing Director | Grundemann Technology Solutions (Self-employed) | January 2021 – Present
Lead technology consulting practice specializing in network automation, strategic planning, and emerging technologies for enterprise and service provider clients.
Internet Exchange and Interconnection Leadership
Co-Founder & Director | IX-Denver | March 2019 – Present
Direct operations of Denver’s community-oriented Internet Exchange, providing open, neutral, membership-based interconnection opportunities. Previously served as Co-Founder & President (January 2015 – March 2019), establishing the cooperative IX from inception through operational maturity.
Co-Founder & Director | FullCtl | November 2021 – Present
Lead development of automation solutions for interconnection, BGP, and data center networking, focusing on simplifying complex network operations and BGP management.
>>Internet Standards and Community Engagement
Director, Deployment and Operationalization | Internet Society | September 2013 – May 2015
Led Deploy360 program promoting deployment of Internet standards and best practices. Managed Best Current Operational Practices (BCOP) initiative and “Operators and the IETF” project, bridging operational community needs with standards development processes.
Founding Chair | Internet Society – Colorado Chapter | October 2007 – December 2014
Established and led regional Internet Society chapter, organizing educational events and promoting open Internet evolution. Conducted community outreach on critical Internet technologies including IPv6 deployment.
>>Network Automation and Industry Leadership
Co-Founder & Automation Evangelist | Network Automation Forum | June 2023 – Present
Founded industry organization focused on advancing network automation, orchestration, and observability. Organize AutoCon conferences, create educational content, and build community around software-enhanced autonomous networking.
Advisor | VyOS Networks | December 2023 – Present
Provide strategic guidance on network infrastructure technology trends, product vision, and market positioning for open-source routing platform.
>>Research and Thought Leadership
Research Category Lead (Network & Security) | GigaOm | March 2021 – April 2023
Led IT analysis for all networking and cybersecurity research. Built Network & Edge and Security & Risk practices from inception, overseeing creation of over 200 research reports. Also served as VP, Research Operations (January 2022 – October 2022).
Research Analyst, Networking | GigaOm | October 2019 – March 2021
Conducted technology trend analysis and market research focused on network infrastructure and emerging networking technologies.
>>Technical Infrastructure Experience
Chief Technology Officer | United Integrity Infrastructure | August 2021 – July 2023
Led technology strategy for digital infrastructure investment firm focused on open access telecommunications infrastructure and next-generation connectivity services.
Lead Architect, Advanced Network Technologies | CableLabs | March 2011 – September 2013
Drove innovation in cable industry network technologies, focusing on advanced networking protocols and infrastructure development.
Technology Architect | tw telecom, inc. | July 2007 – March 2011
Designed network architecture solutions for enterprise and service provider customers, specializing in automation and emerging technologies.
>>Published Expertise
Day One Author | Juniper Networks | 2009 – 2011
Authored comprehensive IPv6 deployment guides: “Day One: Exploring IPv6” and “Day One: Advanced IPv6 Configuration,” covering LAN configuration, routing protocols, and BGP implementation.
>>Media and Community Outreach
Creator and Co-Host | The Imposter Syndrome Network Podcast | May 2022 – July 2024
Created technology career-focused podcast fostering community dialogue about professional development in technology fields.
>>Internet Standards and Global Infrastructure Leadership
Chair of the Board of Directors | OIX Association | January 2024 – Present
Lead global data center and interconnection standards organization, promoting uniform specifications for data transfer and physical connectivity. Previously served as Vice Chair (January 2023 – December 2023) and Committee Chair (January 2017 – December 2022), where I led the organization to become an ANSI-certified standards body and guided rebranding from Open-IX to OIX to reflect broader digital infrastructure focus.
Advisory Council Member | ARIN | January 2011 – December 2013
Served three-year elected term on ARIN’s Advisory Council, participating in Internet number resource policy development and community coordination for the ARIN region.
Vice President | Internet Society New York Chapter | January 2017 – December 2018
Led regional Internet Society initiatives to promote open Internet evolution and advance professional development for New York area Internet community.
Director | Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force | August 2011 – July 2015
Promoted IPv6 adoption and education throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The RMv6TF hosts the annual North American IPv6 Summit, the largest IPv6 event in North America.
>>Global Network Operator Community Engagement
Program Committee Member | North American Network Operators Group (NANOG) | October 2012 – September 2014
Contributed to program development for premier North American network operations conferences, focusing on core Internet technologies including routing, DNS, peering, and interconnection.
Program Committee Member | African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) | April 2016 – March 2019
Supported program development for continental African interconnection forum, addressing peering and traffic exchange opportunities to grow Internet infrastructure across Africa.
Program Committee Member | South Asian Network Operators Group (SANOG) | May 2021 – July 2021
Contributed to educational programming for South Asian network operators, promoting regional cooperation and technology advancement.
>>Organizational Affiliations
Current leadership includes Chair of OIX Association Board of Directors, IX-Denver (Internet Exchange), Network Automation Forum, FullCtl (BGP automation), and advisory positions with VyOS Networks and Khadga Consulting. Previous leadership spans Internet Society (global and multiple chapters), ARIN Advisory Council, multiple regional network operator groups, IPv6 task forces, and various technology research organizations.
This experience encompasses over 20 years in network infrastructure, Internet standards, policy development, and community leadership, with particular expertise in BGP, IPv6, Internet exchanges, network automation, global Internet governance, and international standards development through ANSI-certified processes.
11. (Optional) Provide one URL to a social media website of your choice, to foster dialogue with community members.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgrundemann
12. (Optional) Provide one URL to a web page with biographical information.