Announcing the 2026 Lonnie Borck Memorial Award Nominees

Each year, the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award honors an individual whose generosity, integrity, and commitment to community embody the spirit of the late Lonnie Borck. The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to fostering connection, understanding, and goodwill within the domain name industry. You’ll learn more about the award and its past recipients here.

We’re proud to share this year’s nominees and their nomination statements, some of which have been combined or edited for clarity.

Barbara Neu

Barbara Neu is one of the people most responsible for creating a sense of community within the domain name industry. Barbara was the person who welcomed us to the TRAFFIC conferences, and then later The Domain Conference and the MERGE conferences. There was no domain industry community as we know it now before Rick Schwartz, and Howard and Barbara Neu created the TRAFFIC conferences and with it the opportunity to develop in-person relationships. While Rick and Howard focused on the business topics, Barbara focused on creating a sense of community, and even that of a family, at the conferences. For those who aren’t familiar with Barbara, this profile by Ron Jackson tells her story and her role in creating the domain industry community that we enjoy today – http://www.dnjournal.com/cover/2016/july-august.htm

Bob Hawkes

Bob has spent the last 8+ years tirelessly and selflessly creating and sharing educational content on social media and domain forums, emphasizing helping new investors succeed. His thoughtful and positive approach has guided hundreds, if not thousands, of newcomers. He creates exceptional analysis for NamePros and embodies Lonnie’s spirit of kindness and generosity.

Braden Pollock

Braden Pollock is a consistent and generous presence in the domain community. He attends conferences, moderates panels, shares his knowledge on DomainSherpa, and is always willing to give his time and advice to whoever wants to receive it. Braden uses his experience and platform to help the community improve their domain investing businesses. His steady contribution to community-building reflects a spirit of openness and service.

Chad Folkening

Chad has been in the industry since it was called an industry. He has seen the ups and downs and everything else. His insight as a Domain Investor is very valuable to everyone and he enjoys sharing his knowledge. He has led innovation in the industry and continues to evolve as times change. He is always willing to speak with or work with anyone which is a sign of his generosity and his desire to just do good for the industry and mankind of course.

Drew Rosener

Drew Rosener has played a significant role in educating the domain community through his open discussions on DomainSherpa, where he has shared insight into valuation, negotiation, strategy, and market dynamics. His willingness to speak candidly and break down complex decisions has helped both new and experienced investors learn. Drew consistently uses his time and expertise to elevate understanding in the industry. His work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the way many investors develop their approach and confidence.

Elliot Silver

Elliot’s blog has been a leading source of information and perspectives on domain investing for many years, and his annual fundraising effort has united diverse segments of the domain community in the fight against cancer, echoing Lonnie’s commitment to supporting emergency medical services and using his success as a platform to help others in need. Elliot’s work strengthens the community both through shared knowledge and through shared compassion.

Gerald Levine

Gerry has accomplished something marvelous that many would have thought impossible. He hosts a weekly gathering that includes complainant representatives, respondent representatives, UDRP panelists, and a couple of domain investors, for a collegial and respectful discussion. Over time this group has grown friendly and has become a community. Gerry has done more than encourage a sense of community within the domain name industry, he has nurtured a community among members of groups that often see each other as antagonists, those who primarily represent domain investors and those who primarily represent brands. Gerry is a charming host, making all feel welcome and treating all with courtesy and respect.

Gerry’s group has helped its members gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives, including enabling UDRP panelists to better understand the legitimacy of domain name investment. Fruitful collaborations have resulted from participation in Gerry’s group, leading to initiatives that help educate the wider community about the domain industry’s concerns and perspectives. None of this would likely have happened without Gerry.

Beyond this, Gerry is a remarkable scholar who has devoted countless hours to helping others make sense of the UDRP. His tireless efforts have produced large tomes which others rely upon to navigate the nuances of the UDRP. He has generously donated his books to members of the ICA.

For all that he has done, and for his selfless generosity, he is a worthy nominee for the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award.

Jeff Neuman

Few individuals have contributed more to the advancement of the domain name industry and the development of fair, balanced policies for the global Internet community. Jeff has spent over two decades at the forefront of domain name law, policy, and governance. He has served in leadership roles within ICANN, including as Vice President of Neustar’s Registry Services, Co-Chair of ICANN’s New gTLD Subsequent Procedures Policy Development Process Working Group, and in numerous advisory and policy-making capacities. His thoughtful, principled approach has shaped consensus in some of the most complex areas of Internet governance.

Jeff also helps domain investors avoid holding domains that could violate ICANN’s UDRP policy, clearly explaining why cybersquatting and trademark infringement are harmful to both investors and the industry. His longevity in the UDRP space, ability to interpret ICANN actions, and skill as a master communicator make him a valued resource. Through public speaking, publishing, and co-hosting educational programs such as the Domain Name Law Show, Jeff has consistently worked to elevate understanding and guide both newcomers and established professionals.

He embodies the spirit of this award through integrity, mentorship, fairness, and dedication to community.

Todd Ryan

Over the past few years, Todd has produced two shows a week, one on domain name law and one on domain name investing, to help educate and inform his audience so that they can become more successful investors and so that they can avoid the legal pitfalls that may result from registering problem domain names. Over hundreds of episodes, he, his co-hosts, and invited guests have shared their expertise to help the larger domain investor community. He combines a seriousness of purpose with a quick wit that both entertains and informs his audience. Many of his audience are new to domain name investing and his shows provide them the necessary information to help them get off the ground and able to launch successful businesses as investors in the domain name space. For his tireless and generous contributions to the domain name community, he is a worthy recipient of the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award.

ICA members will receive a separate email with voting details.
We invite everyone to read through the nominations and take part in recognizing those who continue to uplift our community in Lonnie’s spirit.