Internet2 Unveils New Leadership Following 2026 Board of Trustees Elections

On November 13, 2026, Internet2, the esteemed nonprofit organization that supports advanced technology for research and higher education across the United States, revealed the results of its Board of Trustees elections for 2026. This announcement not only highlights the newly appointed officers but also introduces three new trustees while recognizing three who are returning for a second term.

The Board is composed of a diverse group of members, including university presidents, chief information officers, researchers, and executives in the research and education sector. Their role is crucial as they provide the strategic insight and oversight essential for guiding Internet2’s mission and objectives. This year's election marks a significant moment in the organization's history, particularly as it coincides with the celebration of Internet2's 30th anniversary. Over the years, Internet2 has successfully developed a community of 520 member organizations, which include top universities, federal agencies, nonprofit groups, and regional education networks as well as industry partners.

In this latest election, Cynthia Larive, the chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz, was elected as the board chair, taking on the lead role following her previous position as vice chair. M. Brian Blake, president of Georgia State University, was appointed as vice chair, also marking the start of his new term. Both are expected to bring their wealth of experience to enhance Internet2’s functionality and outreach.

Newly Elected and Appointed Trustees

The board's annual election for 2026 saw the addition of one new trustee, Marc Parlange, president of the University of Rhode Island. His term will last for three years, extending from November 2026 to October 2029. Earlier in the year, two mid-term vacancies were filled by appointments, namely Louis Fox, president and CEO of CENIC, and Ellen Granberg, president of George Washington University; their terms are set to conclude in October 2027.

Welcome Back: Returning Trustees for a Second Term

This year also sees the return of three trustees who are commencing their second three-year terms. Ewa Deelman, a research professor of computer science at the University of Southern California, Aimee Heeter, senior vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Michele Norin, senior vice president and chief information officer at Rutgers University have all been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of Internet2.

Acknowledging the Contributions of Outgoing Trustees

As part of this year’s transition, Internet2 also took a moment to express its gratitude towards the outgoing trustees, Gregory Washington, president of George Mason University, and Jennifer Cowley, former president of the University of Texas at Arlington. Their dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to advancing Internet2's mission and have left a lasting impact on the organization.

The Future of Internet2

Looking forward, Internet2, under the leadership of Tripti Sinha, president and CEO, continues to focus on delivering high-performance national infrastructure, integrated cloud solutions, and connectivity that enables its members to advance academic and scientific endeavors. Today, Internet2 serves a wide spectrum of constituents, including 353 U.S. universities, 57 government agencies, and 46 regional networks, highlighting its pivotal role in the research and education landscape. As it embarks on its next phase, Internet2 remains committed to offering innovative technology solutions that enhance educational outcomes and research initiatives throughout communities across the nation.

For continued updates about Internet2 and its Board of Trustees, visit Internet2.