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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dear Heather,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On behalf of the GNSO and the GNSO Council, I would like to formally acknowledge your excellent 2017/2018 Annual Report of the Chair and thank you for your very thoughtful and constructive observations and recommendations. As the incoming
Chair, I welcome each and every point you highlighted in the report, and you have my assurance the new leadership team will take them on board and benefit greatly from your advice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of Donna Austin and Rafik Dammak to the 2017/2018 leadership team. I agree fully with your assessment and recommendation that the next GNSO Council
Chair should rely on a team approach and I’m confident that Rafik, Pam and I will work very effectively and collaboratively together in this regard. You, Donna and Rafik have set a high bar, and I’m glad that Rafik will be able to provide important continuity
for the 2018/2019 leadership team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I also support your observation concerning the “tyranny of distance,” and not only for Chairs. I recognize the challenge and believe that, as a Council and within PDP Working Groups, we must ensure equal opportunity and distribution of
pain in managing time-zone scheduling challenges. As you noted in your report, this is important not only for existing participants, but also to ensure an equitable opportunity for potential future contributors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Further, as the incoming Council Chair, I am fully committed to continuing your excellent leadership on the PDP 3.0 effort. This will be a significant focus of the Council’s 2018/2019 Strategic Planning Session in January and throughout
the year. The GNSO and ICANN will be well-served by your vision and the work we accomplished in 2018, and I assure you it will continue with the energy and spirit you instilled from the outset.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Finally, on behalf of the entire Council, past and present, I would like to extend our gratitude for your service, respect for your incredible commitment to excellence, and well-wishes in your future endeavors.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t be a stranger…you are already missed!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Keith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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