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Strengthening Collaboration: New Appointments in InCommon

In a significant move to enhance digital identity management and inter-institutional collaboration, Internet2 has announced the addition of 22 esteemed leaders to its InCommon Steering and Advisory Committees for the year 2026. This initiative will further solidify the community-driven governance structure that InCommon provides for research and education bodies globally.

The New Faces on the Steering Committee

Among the four new members appointed to the InCommon Steering Committee are:

• - Rick Haugerud: Interim Chief Information Officer, University of Nebraska
• - Ryan McDaniel: Associate Vice Chancellor and CIO, University of Alaska Anchorage
• - Carrie Rampp: Vice President and CIO, Franklin & Marshall College
• - David Seidl: Vice President for IT and CIO, Miami University

These appointments aim to leverage the unique experiences and insights these leaders bring from their respective institutions to ensure that InCommon stays aligned with the evolving needs of education and research communities.

Expanding the Advisory Committees

In addition to the Steering Committee appointments, 18 new members are joining InCommon's Advisory Committees, which focus on various technical operations and trust initiatives essential for modern academia's digital landscape. Each member will serve a three-year term, contributing their expertise to influence the critical operational frameworks of InCommon. Some notable members include:

• - Matthew Economou: Vice President of Engineering, RDCT
• - Zhaneille Green: E-access Librarian, Duke University
• - RuthAnne Bevier: Retired Chief Information Security Officer, California Institute of Technology

These diverse talents will help address the intricacies of Identity and Access Management (IAM), providing vital guidance in navigating the complexities that arise in maintaining security protocols across multiple institutions.

A Commitment to Community

Christopher Misra, Vice Chancellor and CIO at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping IAM solutions:

“InCommon's strength lies in its community — leaders across research and education who show up not just to advise, but to actively shape the future of identity and access management.”

This commitment underscores InCommon’s goal of fostering secure inter-institutional collaborations that respect the privacy and security needs of its participants.

Why This Matters

As IAM technologies and regulatory landscapes continue to flourish, organizations face an array of challenges to secure their data and maintain trust in digital systems. InCommon has positioned itself as a key enabler of this process. With more than 100 active committee and working group members, InCommon’s ongoing initiatives support over 1,000 participating institutions across various sectors.

Kevin Morooney, Vice President of Trust and Identity at Internet2, noted:

“Technologies, cyber threats, regulations, and standards are constantly changing. The commitment and engagement of community leaders to guide InCommon's role in enabling inter-institutional collaboration remains consistent.”

This consistency provides a backbone to the collaborative efforts across the education sector, reaffirming the importance of experienced leaders in this evolving landscape.

Acknowledgment of Service

Internet2 has also expressed gratitude to outgoing committee members whose contributions have shaped InCommon’s direction over the years. Members like Brad Christ and Bernie Gulachek, whose insights and leadership were instrumental in advancing IAM efforts, are recognized for their service to the community-driven initiatives that foster a robust digital framework for institutions.

In conclusion, these latest appointments signal a renewed commitment to enhancing collaboration and ensuring the security of digital identities within research and education realms. As InCommon continues to grow and evolve, the insights from newly appointed and existing leaders will play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities associated with IAM and inter-institutional cooperation.