2025 DNS-OARC Board Election Results

The 2025 Board elections were held online following the close of the AGM.

Of 46 eligible voters, 45 cast ballots (with 45 valid and 1 empty). Seven candidates stood for three open Board seats.

We’re delighted to welcome **Alex Band of ***NLnet Labs* and **Dave Knight of **DigiCert to the **DNS-OARC Board of Directors, and to congratulate[ Jake Zack](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-zack-b962632/) of *CIRA*** on his reappointment for another two-year term.

At its reconstitution meeting on October 14, the new Board confirmed:

• **Joe Abley (Cloudflare)** — Chair
• Ray Bellis (**ISC**)— Treasurer
• **Jake Zack (CIRA)** — Programme Committee Liaison

Our sincere thanks go to **Benno Overeinder and [Joao Damas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdamas/) for their longstanding service on the Board, and to [Pallavi Aras](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-aras-mathai/), Babak Farrokhi, Swapneel Sheth, and [Ralf Weber](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fl1ger/)** for their candidacies and contributions to this election.

Meet the 2025–2027 Board Members

**Alex Band* — Director of Product Development, NLnet Labs*

Alex Band, NLnet Labs

Alex brings nearly 30 years of experience in the Internet industry, spanning technical training, product management, and open-source leadership. His work at NLnet Labs has helped broaden the organization’s mission to include routing solutions and advance its transition to Rust, strengthening the future of Internet infrastructure.

Dave Knight — Senior Director of DNS Operations, DigiCert

Dave Knight, Digicert

A long-time DNS-OARC contributor, Dave has participated since its inception — helping build early infrastructure, leading webcasts, and serving on both the Program Committee and the Board. His extensive DNS operations experience includes roles at Dyn, ICANN, Afilias, ISC, and RIPE NCC.

**Jake Zack* — DNS Architect, CIRA (.CA)*

Jake Zack, CIRA

Re-elected to a second term, Jake continues to bring valuable insight and continuity to OARC’s governance, following two previous terms on the Program Committee. He remains dedicated to OARC’s mission of fostering collaboration across DNS operations, research, and development.

We look forward to their leadership and continued contributions to the **DNS-OARC** community.

Interested in getting involved? We are seeking new volunteers for the 2026 Programme Committee (OARC 46 & 47). Please email pc2026@dns-oarc.net by November 7 if you’d like to be considered.