Now More Than Ever, We Can’t Stand Alone

I originally intended to share my thoughts at the one year mark. The Presidential inauguration shared that anniversary this year. That day didn’t seem like the right day to reflect on the past and look to the future. A month later, the proper perspective has set in.

The i2Coalition has a unique, operational perspective on how the Internet works. This makes us an impactful voice for Internet freedom issues. When we work on issues like online privacy, for example, we relate it directly to online growth. When we work on cybersecurity, we show how regulations affect the Internet’s real-world performance. The Internet was predominantly built by small companies in a competitive environment. We work to preserve that climate innovation. We strive to solve problems in ways that scale down, with a low regulatory burden. This allows entrepreneurs to continue building cloud companies in basements, dorm rooms, or the middle of nowhere. Right now, we need that perspective more than ever.

The Presidential administration in the United States, as well as legislatures all over the world, are listening to the needs of small, innovative, tech businesses. These businesses drive innovations and prevent stagnant, incumbent industries; those companies make up the i2Coalition. Impressive talent also fills the ranks of i2Coalition leadership; we have a fantastic staff. Our Board of Directors are working executives and as such, have the pulse of the industry.

You may have seen the news that Michele Neylon became our Chair Elect in January. For those of you unfamiliar with boards in organizations like ours, this means he will be preparing to take over the Board of Directors leadership. David Snead will step down from that role at the end of 2017, and Michele will lead beginning January 2018. You will see no change in day-to-day leadership of the i2Coalition. I’ll be staying on as Executive Director; David Snead will stay on in his other role of Policy Chair. Michele will be heading our oversight Board, as I used to before I came on as the full-time Executive Director.

In short, all the names you know and love at the i2Coalition are in it for the long haul. We’re ready to make 2017 our biggest and best year yet. For those of you who are existing members, thanks for your ongoing support. That support is needed now more than ever. For those of you who are not members, there has never been a more important time to join. Help us protect the open, competitive Internet, with the power of one collective voice. I’m excited to see what that chorus can achieve.

Christian Dawson
Executive Director
i2Coalition