Technology, Information, and Communications Commission
The Technology, Information, and Communications Commission consists of five members, from among the qualified electors of the City, appointed by the City Council to four-year, overlapping terms. None of the members shall be officials or employees of the City, nor cohabit with, as defined by law, nor be related by blood or marriage to any member of the Commission, the City Manager or the staff person(s) assigned to this Commission.
The committee advises the City Council and City Manager on all matters related to technology, information, and communications within Cupertino. It serves as a liaison between the City, the public, and service providers to enhance education and engagement, including gathering resident input and sharing noncommercial educational materials. Additionally, the committee supports community access television, particularly public and educational access, and provides guidance on the development and implementation of access channels and programming. It also recommends strategies to optimize the City’s technology and communications infrastructure for the benefit of the community. Furthermore, the committee plays a key role in educating residents on the responsible and safe use of technology, including cybersecurity best practices (also see Municipal Code 2.74.060 Duties, Powers and Responsibilities).
Regular meetings are held at least once every three months and, at the discretion of the Commission, other meetings may be held as necessary or expedient. Meetings fall on the first Wednesday of every odd month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Quinlan conference Room, located at 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA. 95014.
Commissioners
Prabir Mohanty, Chair
Second term ending 1/30/2027
Email: pmohanty@cupertino.gov
Bio: Prabir Mohanty is a Silicon Valley C-Suite semiconductor executive. He is currently at Quest Global. He has previously worked at Samsung Electronics, Imagination technologies, Intel, NXPand a few start-up companies. He was an Executive Director in the worldwide CEO’s office at Samsung Electronics. Several start-up companies, where he was part of the Executive Team, were acquired by Fortune 500 companies such as Qualcomm and Juniper Networks. Prabir received a B. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur, a MS degree in Computer Science from State University of New York at Stony Brook, and an MBA from UCLA.
Emma Shearin
Second term ending 1/30/2027
Email: eshearin@cupertino.gov
Bio: A native of Cupertino, Emma has a degree in Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley and has worked in tech for her whole career, currently at Apple. She is passionate about several causes including responsible technology usage, clean water access, and transportation infrastructure.
Balaram Donthi
First term ending 1/30/2029
Email: BDonthi@cupertino.gov
Bio: Balaram Donthi has been a resident of Cupertino since 2000. He holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University. He has served in Product Management Leadership positions in Telecommunication and Cybersecurity product companies. He brings this experience to bear in his role on the Telecommunication, Information and Communication Commission.
He is also actively involved in the outdoor activities like pickle ball and golf.