Kantara Initiative Names New Executive Director

Kay Chopard has been named Executive Director of the Kantara Initiative. She takes over the position from long-time Kantara Executive Director, Colin Wallis, who is semi-retiring. Kantara is the international ethics-based, mission-led non-profit industry ‘commons’ whose mission is to grow and fulfil the market for trustworthy use of identity and personal data.

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“I will focus on enhancing awareness of Kantara’s impressive work and expanding its footprint by leveraging its invaluable content and technical programs.”

“Our sincere thanks go out to Colin for his leadership, management and contributions. He has been responsible for and central to much of Kantara’s technical progress, market awareness and membership growth over the last decade,” said Matt Thompson, president, Kantara Board of Directors. “At the same time, we welcome Kay as Executive Director and look forward to working with her to advance the organization’s vision of equitable and transparent exchange of identity and personal data for mutual value, which is more important now than ever.”

Chopard is an attorney and sought-after industry speaker who has served as Executive Director for the Identity Ecosystem Steering Group and the National District Attorneys Association. Her Washington, DC-based consulting company, Chopard Consulting, provides expertise for technology and government agencies in strategic planning, improving business operations and meaningful engagement with stakeholders and partners. Her clients include: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Institute for Standards and Technology and Trusted Identities Group, among others.

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Founder of the Women’s Leadership Institute, she is a graduate of Simpson College and earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree at the University of Iowa College of Law

“Kantara has a strong foundation. There is solid leadership from the Board of Directors, a very engaged membership base with active working groups, and a one-of-a-kind assurance program,” said Kay Chopard, executive director, Kantara Initiative. “I will focus on enhancing awareness of Kantara’s impressive work and expanding its footprint by leveraging its invaluable content and technical programs.”