Blacknight CEO and domain name industry stalwart Michele Neylon has been appointed Chair Elect of the i2Coalition Board of Directors. Neylon’s position as Chair Elect became effective on 1 January and he will assume his role as Chair in January 2018. Until that time, Neylon will work with the current Board Chair David Snead.The i2Coalition, or Internet Infrastructure Coalition, was founded in 2012 by a diverse group of internet infrastructure companies. The organisation supports and represents those who build the nuts and bolts of the internet from around the world.The organisation’s membership comprises diverse and innovative key players and includes hosting providers, domain registries, domain registrars, cloud services providers, data centres, payment processors, software developers and more. The i2Coalition is funded by member dues and our agenda and projects are set by members.Neylon is an accomplished and outspoken advocate of the internet infrastructure industry and with a list of roles it is likely he never sleeps! He participates in the ICANN GNSO Council, Content Advisory Board of WorldHostingDays, the usTLD Stakeholder Council of Neustar, Inc., the Policy Advisory Committee of .ie Domain Registry, and the Advisory Board Member of HostingCon. He is an award winning social media evangelist and blogger, speaker of four languages, and a passionate philanthropist. Founded in 2002 by Michele Neylon, Blacknight quickly became Ireland’s largest hosting and domain provider, as well as an ICANN accredited registrar. Blacknight joined the i2Coalition in 2013.”I’m pleased for the opportunity to work with Michele in 2017 to ensure that i2Coalition’s important voice continues to flourish.” said Snead. “Michele has been a strong leader, speaking up for this industry to protect it and help it grow. Through i2Coalition, I’m confident that he can help inspire others and grow the impressive voice that we have all built.””Now more than ever it’s vital that the internet industry has a strong voice in protecting both our interests and those of our clients.” said Neylon. “I am honoured to have been selected to lead the industry association that speaks for companies of all sizes on both sides of the Atlantic.”