Mark Fernandes

What skills will I contribute to the NCF Board?

I believe my background and experience with starting up and running an ISP along with giving back to the community will be of value to the board.

I am currently a board member of the Zibi Community Utility as well as the Technology committee of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. I am also I.C.D certified from the University of Toronto.

Besides my existing board experience, I bring Community building, Telecom Management, Go to Market, Business development, Cybersecurity, Risk Management and Digital Strategy development skills that I believe will be of value to the board. My extensive experience managing projects, people, P&L’s and influencing stakeholders at the board and managing team level across both government and private sector entities will help to shape go forward strategies for an organization whilst providing the necessary oversight.

What are the most important functions of NCF for its members?

NCF plays a very important role within our community in enabling the internet for many who cannot afford it. The increasing pressure on home budgets has had families have to make choices between rent, food and being able to be connected. This has shut a number of families out of educational, health, social and economic opportunities. I see NCF as being able to continue to fill this space with affordable internet which is not for profit.

Why do you want to be an NCF director?

At the outset I am excited about what NCF does as an organization. I believe democratization of the internet is key to economic development within our communities.

As an Ottawa resident, I am passionate about giving back to our community. I see this board opportunity as a way to give back to this fantastic community and city that we live in.

I hope you would consider my candidacy for this position.

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