The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board of Directors has appointed Krista Papac Interim Ombuds, while the ICANN Board searches for a full-time Ombuds. Herb Waye resigned as ICANN Ombuds effective 30 September 2023. Krista assumes the Interim role on 1 October 2023.
Papac has extensive experience in ICANN, both as a community member and as a member of the ICANN Organization staff, where she serves as the ICANN Complaints Officer.
The ICANN Board oversees the Ombuds Office, including the Interim Ombuds. "Krista will report directly to the ICANN Board on ombuds issues and has the full faith and confidence of the Board to maintain confidentiality and independence while serving in this role," said ICANN Board Chair, Tripti Sinha. "Appointing an Interim Ombuds to serve until the Board appoints a full-time Ombuds serves the public interest and is consistent with ICANN's mission and Bylaws, which call for a neutral ombuds to be available to evaluate and resolve complaints by members of the ICANN community."
Krista's breadth of industry experience and her current role as ICANN's Complaints Officer are well suited for the Interim Ombuds role. She has agreed to take on the interim role while continuing to serve in her capacity as ICANN Complaints Officer. Krista will maintain these dual roles throughout the Board's search process.
"I am honored that the Board has placed its trust in me and look forward to supporting ICANN and the community during this interim period," said Krista Papac.
Papac and Linda Mainville, ICANN Adjunct Ombuds, will attend ICANN78 in Hamburg, Germany to provide Ombuds' services and support during the meeting.
The incoming Interim Ombuds would like to remind all participants in ICANN's multistakeholder process, including online and in-person meeting attendees, to review and follow the ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior and the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy and Terms of Participation and Complaint Procedure.