Mr. Joe Catapano of ICANN

The Internet’s governance ecosystem brings together diverse stakeholders, each contributing to the stability, security, and interoperability of the global network. This session explores the groups involved, the areas of the Internet they influence, and the pathways for participation in this complex network of organizations. More specifically, attendees will gain knowledge of how the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) coordinates a critical part of the Internet’s logical layer, most notably domain names and IP addresses as well as how ICANN facilitates the policy development processes that support its technical mission. Attendees will learn about and be able to ask questions regarding ICANN’s Newcomer opportunities and avenues for participation.

Biography:

Joe Catapano, Stakeholder Engagement Director – North America & Global Academia, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

Joe Catapano is the Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the North America region at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN); he also oversees ICANN’s academic engagement at the global level. In this capacity, Joe connects members of the private sector, civil society, government, academia, the technical community, and end users with ICANN’s work in the global Internet governance space, as well as its policy development processes. Prior to ICANN, Joe was a Communications Officer at the United Nations Foundation where he worked on US-UN relations, peacekeeping, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has extensive experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, previously holding strategic communications roles at Pfizer, Inc. and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. Joe obtained his MA in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC, and his BA in Communications from Quinnipiac University. He is based in the Washington, DC Metro Area.

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