What skills will I contribute to the NCF Board?
I worked for a number of large, top tier consulting companies including Accenture, Microsoft (the services side) and PwC. They provided me with significant in-house training in areas such as project management, organization change management, enterprise architecture and business transformation. I got the opportunity to work as a senior member of large teams to successfully deliver technology-enabled transformations to large organizations, including the RCMP, The Bank of Canada, and Public Services and Procurement Canada. I understand the complexities of implementing new technologies, but have the experience to work with both end users and technical providers to deploy these technologies successfully. My performance reviews consistently rated my communications and presentation skills highly, and noted my ability to work well in a team environment to identify and overcome issues associated with large projects.
As a senior manager in a number of large companies, I have experience with the operating issues associated with finance and human resources. I have an in-depth understanding of the capabilities which Internet, email, and WiFi can support, and as newer technologies such as AI become more pervasive, I should be able to help advise the Board on how these technologies might impact the services which NCF delivers.
I also served on the Board of Directors of a community-based ethnic family services NFP, and represented the Canadian Association of management Consultants on a task force to reform government IT procurement. I am currently looking for other volunteer opportunities to give back to the Ottawa community, and am in the very early stages of working with the Caldwell Center. It services one of the largest public housing communities in Ottawa, and this is giving me valuable insight into the challenges which these communities face and how to deal with them.
Hopefully, these skills and my experience will help me in being an effective member of the NCF Board.
What are the most important functions of NCF for its members?
As a local, not-for-profit social enterprise, NCF delivers low-cost, secure high-speed Internet access and related services to residents of the National Capital Region, referred to as members. Firstly, NCF sells low cost, high-speed internet access with unlimited usage through wholesale access to commercial ISPs. For example, through its Community Access Fund (CAF), NCF “partnered with Ottawa Community Housing to offer their tenants a $25/month CAF Internet plan with unlimited usage, free installation, and no contract.”
Secondly, through the CAF, NCF carries out “advocacy work for affordable internet, as well as public education projects like helping teach people how to apply online for government subsidies or save money using online tools, while still protecting their privacy”.
Thirdly, to maximize the value which internet access provides to members, NCF offers “free locally-hosted email, basic web hosting, and skills workshops, supported by member donations and grants”.
Fourthly, in support of its commitment to ensuring that members know how to use the internet comfortably and safely, NCF runs “periodic workshops on a variety of topics, including internet safety, online privacy, basic and intermediate computer skills, and helping people navigate online tools like money saving applications, social media and more”.
Lastly, all of these services are supported by the HelpDesk – “an award-winning team of staff and volunteers that works with members to help resolve issues with connectivity, technology, email and more. It's how we ensure that we are providing a high quality service while also ensuring our members understand how to use the internet to the fullest and feel safe online.”
Why do you want to be an NCF director?
I am now semi-retired and looking for ways to give back to a community which has given so much to me and to my family. If I can find volunteer positions which capitalize on the skills and experience I have gained during my career, that would be ideal. Digital literacy is key to people thriving in the digital age we live in, and NCF provides services to the neediest to help them acquire that literacy. I very much support the work that NCF does and I think that my skills and experience with both being a board member of an NFP and with technology will allow me to make a significant contribution to NCF and its operations.