Independent Evaluator Seeks Public Input to Nominating Committee Review
19 July 2007
Interisle Consulting Group was selected by ICANN's Board of Directors to conduct an independent review of the Nominating Committee (NomCom) in accordance with Terms of Reference approved by the Board. Interisle's review team is gathering information from many different sources, including interviews with people who have participated in or closely observed the NomCom process, and seeks public input from anyone who has information or observations to contribute concerning any aspect of the role, structure, or operation of the NomCom. To be considered by the review team, comments should be submitted no later than 17 September 2007 to nomcom-review@interisle.net.
Interisle Group Selected As Independent Evaluator of ICANN's Nominating Committee
An expert team of consultants from Interisle Consulting Group, LLC has been appointed by ICANN as the independent reviewers of the Nominating Committee (NomCom). The Review is an integral part of ICANN’s normal operational reviews and is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure maximum organizational transparency and efficiency.
The principal objectives of the Review are to determine (i) whether the NomCom has a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure, and (ii) if so, whether any change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness. The purpose of the Review is to help determine the best way forward, but such analysis depends in the first instance upon a solid assessment of how the NomCom has performed to date. An assessment of whether changes in the NomCom’s structure or operations are needed depends upon how well it has performed its function during its four selection periods to date (2003-2006), and whether there are general or specific ways to enhance its effectiveness in the future.
About the Nominating Committee
The NomCom is responsible for the selection of 8 members of ICANN’s Board of Directors; 3 members of the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO); 3 members of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO); and 5 members of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC).
The central rationale for using a nominating committee to select a portion of the ICANN leadership bodies is to balance those who can represent particular areas of knowledge and interests with those who place the broad public interest of the global Internet community ahead of any particular interests. NomCom’s role is to select individuals of the highest integrity and capability who place the broad public interest of the global Internet community ahead of any particular interests, and who are nevertheless knowledgeable about ICANN’s mission and environment.
To achieve this broad public-interest orientation, the members of NomCom are drawn from across the ICANN and global Internet communities. They are expected to act only on behalf of the interests of the global Internet community within the scope of the ICANN mission and the responsibilities assigned to NomCom by ICANN Bylaws. They are expected to act as individuals and are not beholden to their appointing constituencies as they work by consensus to derive the NomCom slates of Selected Nominees for these leadership bodies. More information is provided here.
