2024 Steering Committee Candidates

D’Wayne Saunders

Telstra Limited

Candidate Statement

I want to express my keen interest in joining the MANRS Steering Committee. I believe that being a part of this committee will allow me to contribute significantly to the advancement and implementation of secure and reliable routing practices.

My background in Network & Security engineering has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise necessary to understand the complexities and challenges associated with network security. I am passionate about promoting best practices and collaborating with other professionals to establish a more secure and resilient internet infrastructure. Over the years, I have worked on various projects that have honed my skills in identifying vulnerabilities, developing robust security strategies, and implementing effective solutions to mitigate risks.

Furthermore, being on the MANRS Steering Committee will provide me with the opportunity to work closely with like-minded individuals who share a common goal of enhancing the security and stability of the global internet ecosystem. I am eager to bring my experience, insights, and dedication to this role and contribute to the committee’s mission. I am confident that my commitment to continuous learning and my proactive approach to problem-solving will be valuable assets to the committee.

Biography

D’Wayne Saunders is currently spearheading security engineering efforts as a Senior Lead at Telstra Limited in Melbourne. From starting as a Network Engineer in 2004, D’Wayne has ascended through roles including Technology Specialist and Senior Technology Specialist, gaining diverse experience in Operations, Network Engineering, System Administration, and customer interactions. By 2019, D’Wayne was a Senior Security Engineer, focusing on projects such as RPKI (ROA and ROV), security reviews, and audits of core networks. Since 2023, D’Wayne has been at the helm of the security engineering team for Telstra Core networks, covering Routed Data Network, CMN, and Telstra Internet Direct/Global Internet Direct. D’Wayne’s notable contributions include pioneering network security innovations at Telstra, especially in Denial of Service Protection, which have shielded the company from substantial damages and reputation loss, as well as BGP Security, including RPKI rollout and MANRS integration for AS1221 and AS4637.

Dean Pillay

Agile Solutions Provider

Candidate Statement

As the Director of a wholesale Internet Service Provider that operates in South Africa, I’m really passionate about making the internet safer and more reliable. But it’s more than just a passion for me – I’m deeply involved in the technical side of things too. I even mentor others on Cisco technologies! Here’s why I’d love to join the MANRS Steering Committee:

• I bring a unique blend of skills. My background in Agile methods, combined with my hands-on engineering experience and Cisco mentorship, gives me a well-rounded perspective. I can help MANRS become even more efficient and adaptable by applying Agile principles to strengthen our security measures against evolving online threats.
• I understand both the tech and the business side. In my work, I see how important routing security is from all angles – keeping things running smoothly, protecting businesses, and ensuring the technical integrity of our systems. This means I can help make sure MANRS actions are rock-solid technically and something companies can actually put into practice.
• I’m a big believer in teamwork. Agile is all about working together and always finding ways to improve. That fits perfectly with how MANRS already works, and I’m excited to contribute to the community and learn from everyone.
• I know how to move quickly. In the cybersecurity world, things change fast! My experience leading Agile teams, coupled with my technical knowledge, means I can help MANRS develop actions and standards that can keep pace.
• I’m truly passionate about internet security. I believe that securing our internet infrastructure is essential for the future, and I want to be a part of shaping those global standards with MANRS.
• I want to spread the word about MANRS. I have a lot of connections in the tech world, and I’d love to use those to help more businesses, especially smaller ones, understand how important MANRS is and how to get involved.

Joining the MANRS Steering Committee would be an amazing opportunity to use my diverse skillset and experience to make a real difference in global routing security. I’m confident that my passion for internet security, my technical expertise, and my understanding of both technology and business would make me a valuable asset to the team.

Biography

I’m the CEO and Founder of Agile Solutions Provider, a company I started in 2019 with a simple mission: to make the internet more accessible and secure for everyone. My passion lies in developing the internet ecosystem, particularly in Africa, where we work as a Tier 1 IP Transit aggregator to help local and regional service providers connect and grow.

My journey in networking started about a decade ago, providing technical support across multiple continents. This early experience showed me how the internet connects people and businesses across borders, but also highlighted the challenges many providers face in delivering reliable service. Over the years, I’ve worked my way through various technical roles – from network support to design engineering, and finally to building my own company.

What I love most about my work is seeing how the right infrastructure can transform a service provider’s ability to serve their community. At Agile, we focus on building relationships and understanding each provider’s unique needs, whether they’re a small WISP serving a local community or a cloud provider reaching across regions.

The internet’s incredible growth comes with increasing security challenges, especially in routing infrastructure. Having spent years working hands-on with BGP, IPv4/IPv6, and MPLS technologies, I understand the critical importance of routing security in maintaining a stable and reliable internet. I believe that by working together and sharing knowledge, we can build a more resilient internet ecosystem that serves everyone.

Douglas Fischer

Peering Latam

Candidate Statement

I want to help all ASN operators understand that they are directly responsible for the routing security of the Internet. And most importantly, that in this scope their own security actions have more direct effect on the security of other ASNs than their own, which indirectly leads to the conclusion that the routing security of their own ASN depends more on the awareness and actions of other ASNs than on their own. Even if for it I would need to be the bearer of the message that some do not like to hear.

Biography

I am a Control and Automation Engineer. I have worked in the telecommunications networks area since 1999. I worked as a pre-sales and implementation engineer in technology integrators. I am a consultant in the area of networks and servers in the corporate segment and Internet providers. I am a solutions architect for Internet Service Providers, Transit Providers and Operators. I am a productive troublemaker in my spare time.

“The secret to being boring is to say everything.” Voltaire

Erika Vega

LACNOG

Candidate Statement

Extensive experience in network security: With over 11 years directing and executing projects related to the implementation of routing protocols, as well as IPv6, RPKI, and MANRS implementation projects, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the technical community, as I work constantly with network operators in the LAC region and have had the opportunity to raise awareness of these challenges within the MANRS community.

Biography

Erika Vega is currently a Senior Consultant at SOCIUM and the Engineering Manager at MC&H Networks. She is the coordinator of the infrastructure group of the Internet Society Colombia chapter and a mentor for the global Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) program. Additionally, she is part of the leadership team of the Latin American and Caribbean Network Operators Group (LACNOG) and serves as the chair of its routing group.

She is a Telecommunications Engineer and a consultant specializing in IP network design and engineering, primarily supporting the deployment of new technologies such as IPv6 and RPKI. In this role, she collaborates with network operators from various countries in the region and some of the IXPs currently under development. For over 10 years, she has coordinated and supported the implementation of the IPv6 protocol and infrastructure security in government entities and higher education institutions. She is a founding member of the Center for Women in Technology and the co-chair of the Training Working Group at LACNOG. She is also a tutor and content developer for the “BGP Security with RPKI and IRR” course on the LACNIC Campus.

Geovanny Avendaño Castro

CEDIA

Candidate Statement

As an active member of the MANRS community, I am committed to promoting and advancing best practices in network security and resilience. Over the past few years, I have dedicated significant efforts to encouraging other service providers to join the community, helping to expand the reach and impact of MANRS. My experience in network operations, combined with a deep understanding of routing security challenges, equips me to contribute meaningfully to the MANRS Steering Committee. I believe that by working closely with the global community, we can enhance the impact of MANRS initiatives, foster collaboration, and ensure the continued success of the program in safeguarding the internet’s routing infrastructure. I am eager to help shape the future direction of MANRS and further its mission of a secure and reliable internet.

Biography

With over a decade of experience in internet and ISP environments, my professional journey has been dedicated to managing IP telecommunications networks with a focus on security, scalability, and innovation. My career includes professional certifications from industry leaders such as CISCO (CCNP), NOKIA (SRA), FORTINET (NSE), and Google for internet routing, which have empowered me to implement best-in-class practices and solutions. As the former network administrator for CEDIA, the Ecuadorian Academic National Network and the national service provider enterprise in Ecuador, I oversaw critical national and academic network infrastructures, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for academic and research institutions across the latin american region.

Currently serving as the Chief Technology Operations Officer in CEDIA, I leverage my extensive background to oversee and enhance secure, scalable networks that connect our communities globally. My experience with high-stakes services, including cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, anti-DDoS solutions, and next-generation firewalls, has refined my vision of network administration and resilience. This expertise has been instrumental in building and fortifying systems that support critical services, delivering robust and adaptive solutions aligned with the evolving landscape of internet connectivity.

Mbong Hudson Ekwoge

Woolworths Financial Services

Candidate Statement

With over 18 years of deep technical expertise and leadership experience, I’m dedicated to ensuring a secure and resilient Internet. I’ve designed and implemented critical network infrastructure for organizations like AIRTEL/WARID Uganda, the Ministry of Defence and Finance (Uganda), and AFRINIC, where I led data center security initiatives. My current role managing AWS infrastructure for Woolworths Financial Services demonstrates my commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and applications. I’m passionate about contributing my skills and knowledge to MANRS’ mission of fostering a safer Internet.

Biography

My extensive experience in network engineering and security, coupled with a proven track record of delivering critical infrastructure projects, makes me a strong candidate for MANRS membership. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring the security and resilience of the Internet.

My work with organizations like AIRTEL/WARID Uganda, the Ministry of Defence and Finance (Uganda), and AFRINIC has exposed me to a wide range of network challenges and security threats. I have successfully addressed these challenges by designing and implementing robust network infrastructure and security measures.

My current role at Woolworths Financial Services further highlights my dedication to safeguarding sensitive data and applications. I am skilled in managing complex cloud environments and implementing best practices for data security.

I am passionate about contributing my expertise to MANRS’ mission of fostering a safer Internet. I believe that my skills and experience can help to advance MANRS’ goals of promoting global Internet stability and security. I am eager to collaborate with other MANRS members to develop and implement innovative solutions to address emerging threats and challenges.

Phil Mawson

Vocus

Candidate Statement

I am very passionate about routing security and believe we all have a part to play.  Having lead Vocus’, one of Australia’s largest internet providers, RPKI implementation and MANRS compliance I am confidence I am able to bring my skills and knowledge from implementation and the issues service providers face.

Whilst at Vocus I have spearheaded cleaning up of Vocus’ whois objects in third party IRR platforms (such as RadDB, AltDB) and have worked with others to stop creating proxy objects.  I believe proxy objects should not be created and asset owners should be strongly encouraged to create their own in the authoritative IRR and valid ROAs.

Biography

Phil is part of an amazing team managing the international network for Vocus Communications based in Australia.   Phil has been in the telecommunications industry for 18 years.

Whilst working at Vocus, he was the lead engineer on rolling out RPKI validation in the Vocus AS4826 and AS9443 networks as well as signing all Vocus owned routes and cleaning up IRR proxy records that had been created by third parties for Vocus owned routes.  Vocus was one of the first major networks within Australia to drop ROA invalid routes.  Phil also spearheaded Vocus’ MANRS compliance.

Phil is an active member of the network operators community within in Australia and APAC region, has served on the AusNOG programming committee for 2 years as well as presented on the Vocus RPKI roll out at AusNOG and APRICOT conferences.

He is passionate about ensuring the security of the internet.

Steven Wallace

Internet2

Candidate Statement

As the Director of Routing Integrity at Internet2, my focus is on enhancing the routing security posture of networks operated by Research and Education (R&E) organizations. MANRS, both in its current form and future developments, serves as a standard-bearer for recommended routing security practices. I am interested in joining the MANRS Steering Committee to:

• Amplify the MANRS message and recommendations within the R&E community.
• Encourage greater participation of R&E organizations in MANRS initiatives.
• Ensure that the concerns and needs of the R&E sector are reflected in the evolution of MANRS policies and practices.
• Contribute to the overall value of MANRS for the global Internet community.

By leveraging my experience and position, I aim to advance MANRS’ mission of promoting a more secure and resilient Internet for all.

Biography

Over the past twenty-five years, I have dedicated my career to enhancing the U.S. higher education community’s ability to leverage the Internet in support of its educational and research missions. My roles have ranged from providing network engineering support for backbones like Internet2—built and operated to meet the specific needs of higher education—to developing data transfer protocols capable of efficiently moving large amounts of data over long distances and through impaired (high packet loss) networks.

More recently, as Internet2’s Director of Routing Integrity, I have focused on strengthening the routing security posture of the global research and education network infrastructure, which spans 108 countries and includes 2,600 autonomous systems. My activities include promoting the adoption of routing security technologies such as policy-based route filtering and RPKI, integrating DDoS protection, and developing tools to better visualize routing policy implementation.

I have consistently advocated for MANRS participation within the research and education community and served as a MANRS Ambassador in 2021. Recognizing that this community has unique network requirements, my mission is to assist in integrating MANRS principles into this environment.