Minutes | Board Finance Committee (BFC) Meeting 2 March 2017

BFC Attendees: Becky Burr, Ron da Silva, Cherine Chalaby, Asha Hemrajani (Chair), Markus Kummer, George Sadowsky, and Lousewies van der Laan

ICANN Executives and Staff Attendees: Susanna Bennett (SVP & Chief Operating Officer), Michelle Bright (Board Operations Content Manager), Xavier Calvez (Chief Financial Officer), Aaron Jiminez (Board Operations Sr. Coordinator), Goran Marby (President & Chief Executive Officer), Becky Nash (VP, Finance), Taryn Presley (Sr. Manager, FP&A), Lisa Saulino (Board Operations Sr. Coordinator), and Amy Stathos (Deputy General Counsel)

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The following is a summary of discussions, actions taken and actions identified:

1. Draft FY18 Operating Plan & Budget (OP&B) – The BFC reviewed the planning process for the draft FY18 OP&B. The BFC reviewed the draft FY18 OP&B for approval for posting for public comment. The BFC noted an increase in the overall ICANN Organization Operations funding budget from FY17 forecast (which excludes IANA Stewardship Transition travel and meetings, professional services, admin, and capital costs) of US$135.9 million to FY18 budget of US$142.8 million, which is a 5.1% increase. The total ICANN Organization Operations cash expenses (which represents the baseline cash expenses less contingency plus project expenses envelope) increased from FY17 forecast of US$130.4 to FY18 budget of US$140.8, which represents an 8% increase. The BFC also noted an increase in personnel growth overall as well as a decrease in allocations to the new gTLD program as the program nears its end. As part of its commitment to transparency, the BFC noted that it would be useful to show the community the items that were considered but not included in the budget. The BFC also reviewed the FY18 revenue assumptions and expense assumptions. The BFC noted that the expense assumptions are budgeting for slightly lower expenses than funding. The BFC also reviewed FY18 potential risks and probability of occurrence. The BFC also discussed the concept of reserving funds in the FY18 OP&B for future years of multi-year projects. The BFC noted that revisions in this regard were needed before the BFC would be in position to approve the Draft FY18 OP&B for posting for public comment. The BFC agreed to resume the discussion in a week, so as to give ICANN Organization time to revise and update the Draft FY18 OP&B.

• Actions:

  • ICANN Organization to update the Draft FY18 OP&B and circulate to the BFC for consideration at the next BFC meeting, which is scheduled to take place in a week.

Published on 19 May 2017