Previous Speakers
Aaron West
Sales Engineer, SIOS Technology Corp
Aaron West
SIOS Technology Corp, Sales Engineer
Aaron serves as one of the Sales Engineers at SIOS Technology Corp. With more than 20 years in the IT industry and more than 10 years working specifically in the field of high availability and load balancing, he offers a substantial wealth of knowledge to enterprises aiming to establish unbreakable systems. His consultancy and implementation efforts have spanned diverse industry verticals including healthcare, finance, government, and others, allowing him to represent specialised vendors proficient in high availability, disaster recovery, and fault-tolerant computing methodologies.
Abhi Jayanty
Data Engineer, Quorum
Abhi Jayanty
Quorum, Data Engineer
I’m a Data Engineer and data analytics enthusiast experienced in working with the Azure data platform and Microsoft Fabric. With multiple Azure and Fabric certifications, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and love presenting on topics like Kusto, Fabric and how they work with the wider Azure ecosystem. I'm also a part of Redgate's Community Ambassadors programme, helping Redgate to support data community events around the world through speaking and content creation. Outside of data, I’m an avid fan of football and Formula 1, and I enjoy cooking, whisky, and making plans to travel the world.
Abhishek Shukla
Sr. Technical Account Manager, Amazon
Abhishek Shukla
Amazon, Sr. Technical Account Manager
Technology enthusiast and cloud operations specialist with deep expertise in data analytics and object storage solutions. Currently driving innovation at Amazon Web Services, where I leverage cutting-edge cloud technologies to solve complex data challenges and optimize storage architectures. Passionate about transforming raw data into actionable insights and helping organizations scale their cloud infrastructure efficiently. Committed to advancing the field of cloud computing through hands-on experience with enterprise-grade AWS services and data-driven solutions.
Adam Jorgensen
CEO & Founder, Everest Partners
Adam Jorgensen
Everest Partners, CEO & Founder
Adam knows what it means to lead through transformation—because he’s lived it. A nationally recognized data strategist, growth advisor, and executive coach, Adam has built and exited companies worth over $50 million, led high-performance teams at scale, and helped private equity–backed firms unlock massive growth. He has coached leaders at Microsoft, Amazon, Intuit, the NFL, and on Wall Street, authored over a dozen bestselling books on data and analytics, and served as a Microsoft MVP, Regional Director, and PASS community leader. But Adam’s impact goes far beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. After his own personal transformation, Adam has become a voice for what’s possible—professionally and personally—when you stop surviving and start leading with clarity, courage, and conviction. Adam brings unmatched energy, hard-won wisdom, and deep empathy to every stage he steps on. His talks blend tactical insight with human storytelling, earning standing ovations and sparking real, Monday-ready transformation. He’s here to equip you to lead differently in a faster world.
Adam Machanic
Head of Data, …
Adam Machanic
…, Head of Data
Adam Machanic is a technology leader with over 20 years of experience in data architecture, data systems design, and data-focused software engineering. An established database industry expert, Adam has a keen interest in scalable and high performance SQL implementations — both proprietary and open-source. He is the original author of sp_whoisactive, an award-winning monitoring stored procedure used by tens of thousands of SQL Server DBAs.
Akshata Revankar
Sr Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft
Akshata Revankar
Microsoft, Sr Data & Applied Scientist
20+ Years of experience in data engineering and data reporting space. Have worked with Oracle database, SQL Server, SSIS, Informatica Power Center, Hadoop systems, Qlik and Power BI. Enjoy being in the data space and learning new things.
Alain Hunkins
CEO & Founder, Hunkins Leadership Group
Alain Hunkins
Hunkins Leadership Group, CEO & Founder
Alain Hunkins is a globally recognized leadership strategist, bestselling author of Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders, and a regular Forbes columnist on leadership strategy. With over 25 years of experience, Alain empowers professionals and organizations to cultivate stronger leaders, sharper teams, and smarter workplaces. He has delivered impactful keynotes and leadership development workshops for a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies like Pfizer, Microsoft, GE, Lockheed Martin, and Walmart, impacting over 3,000 groups across 30 countries. Alain's approach is distinctly practical and research-backed, helping organizations tackle today’s most pressing people challenges. Whether it's navigating the complexities of leading hybrid teams, fostering a robust culture of accountability, or closing the critical gap between strategic vision and flawless execution, Alain provides tangible solutions. As both a dynamic keynote speaker and a hands-on facilitator, he brings energy, insight, and humor to every session. He consistently delivers actionable tools that enable leaders to drive greater alignment, boost engagement, and build thriving cultures where both people and performance excel.
Alex Chianuri
CEO, Plexifact
Alex Chianuri
Plexifact, CEO
Alex is a technology and data professional with 25+ years of experience in financial services and fintech. He became one of the youngest VPs at JPMorgan and served as lead data warehouse architect at Bridgewater Associates and Head of Data Management at The Rohatyn Group. As Founder and CEO of Plexifact since 2012, Alex has built data platforms for dozens of clients including hedge funds, private equity firms, and fintech companies managing assets from startups to $130+ billion. His work spans operational and analytical data warehouses serving risk management, data science, and portfolio management teams. Alex and his team are PLEXI, a low-code data engineering platform that automates creation and management of data infrastructure including physical models, metadata layers, and quality monitoring pipelines. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Queens College, CUNY.
Alexander Arvidsson
Chief Technical Officer, Analytics Masterminds
Alexander Arvidsson
Analytics Masterminds, Chief Technical Officer
Alexander is the chief technology officer at Analytics Masterminds where he spends his days helping clients of all shapes and sizes to take better care of – and make more sense of – their data. He has spent the last 25 years poking around with data, databases and related infrastructure services such as storage, networking and virtualization, occasionally emerging from the technical darkness to attend a Star Wars convention somewhere in the world. He is a long time Data Platform MVP, frequent international speaker, podcaster, Pluralsight author, blogger and a Microsoft Certified Trainer, focusing on the Microsoft data platform stack.
Allison Harris
Data Engineer, NFP
Allison Harris
NFP, Data Engineer
I am a new Data Engineer at NFP
Alpa Buddhabhatti
Consultant, Freelance / Independent Consultant
Alpa Buddhabhatti
Freelance / Independent Consultant, Consultant
Alpa Buddhabhatti is a Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and a Lead Data Engineer and Data Architect, passionate about building modern data platforms using Azure technologies. She leverages services like Data Factory, Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, Logic Apps, and serverless tools to deliver scalable, automated solutions. Alpa uses Generative AI and Azure OpenAI to unlock insights and drive innovation. Alpa is a frequent international speaker at events like SQLBits, Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, and more—known for translating complex data and AI concepts into practical value and empowering others to grow their skills.
Alvaro Costa-Neto
Sr. Database Specialist Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services
Alvaro Costa-Neto
Amazon Web Services, Sr. Database Specialist Solutions Architect
Alvaro Costa-Neto is a Senior Database Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS who specializes in helping customers implement cloud-based database solutions. With over 20 years of experience in database technologies, he has extensive expertise in both Microsoft SQL Server and various open-source database engines. His role focuses on designing and architecting database solutions for AWS customers.
Amanda Denning
Dba, Jasper Engines and Transmissions
Amanda Denning
Jasper Engines and Transmissions, Dba
Amar Digamber Patil
Microsoft
Amar Digamber Patil
Microsoft
I'm a builder at heart, an entrepreneurial engineer turned product leader with a proven track record of turning complex business challenges into scalable, high-impact technical solutions. I thrive at the intersection of engineering, product strategy, and AI, always focused on delivering real value through innovation. Throughout my career, I’ve led and contributed to high-stakes initiatives across software, AI, manufacturing systems, and cloud platforms, navigating ambiguity, driving cross-functional collaboration, and launching products that matter. I believe in empowering teams with a shared vision while creating space for experimentation, learning, and ownership.
Amit Khandelwal
Principal Product Manager, Microsoft
Amit Khandelwal
Microsoft, Principal Product Manager
I am a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft with over 15 years of experience. I have played a key role in the development of SQL Server on Linux, contributing significantly to Microsoft's cross-platform solutions. My career at Microsoft began as an intern, and I have since held various roles including Support Engineer, Technical Lead, Support Escalation Engineer, and Premier Field Engineer. In these roles, I provided critical support and resolved complex technical issues for enterprise customers using SQL Server. Currently, I oversee SQL Server on Linux and Containers. With over a decade of database experience, I have designed SQL Server-based data platforms for Tier 1 customers across diverse business segments. I am also the author of "Ultimate SQL Server and Azure SQL for Data Management and Modernization." As a frequent speaker at industry conferences, I share insights on technology trends and gather customer feedback. Notable presentations include sessions at DevDays Asia (Taipei), SQL BITS (London), PASS Data Community Summit (Seattle), Red Hat Summit, SUSECON, Internal Microsoft Events, Bangalore UG group, Data Exposed, and DataMinds.
Amit Parikh
Field CTO – Data Solutions, Quest Software
Amit Parikh
Quest Software, Field CTO – Data Solutions
With nearly four decades in IT, I've evolved from hands-on systems administration and software development to leading strategic engagements as Field CTO at Quest Software. I bring a unique blend of technical depth, business acumen, and market vision, enabling organizations to modernize their data platforms, embrace AI and observability, and drive sustainable innovation. My career spans roles in pre/post-sales consulting, product and project management, and IT delivery—equipping me to advise both technical and business leaders with credibility and clarity. Today, I work closely with customers, industry peers, and internal stakeholders to align data strategy with AI-readiness, improve governance and performance, and help companies navigate complex hybrid/cloud ecosystems. I regularly speak at global conferences, podcasts, and user groups, with a focus on: Data Observability & Governance AI/ML Workload Readiness Cloud-Native Architectures & RDBMS Strategy Metadata Intelligence & Data Lineage Outside of tech, I live and breathe cricket—an ICC Certified Coach and Umpire who finds as much joy in the middle of the pitch as in the middle of a data architecture debate. “Cricket is Life. Life is Cricket!” Let’s connect—I'd love to talk data, AI, or cricket!
Amol Shanbhag
Product Manager/ Customer Success Architect, Tableau Salesforce
Amol Shanbhag
Tableau Salesforce, Product Manager/ Customer Success Architect
I have worked in the tech industry for the better part of the last two decades at organizations such as Microsoft, Expedia , Tableau and Salesforce. I also have experience at startups that got acquired (Assurestart -> Homesite -> AmFam) Most recently, with over four years of experience at Salesforce, I lead the strategic customer success management for Tableau and its integration with AI features like Einstein Copilot and Agents. My role involves incorporating the voice of the field into product backlogs for both on-premise and cloud solutions, ensuring alignment with customer needs. I also focus on security compliance for integrations and enhancing workflows to optimize user adoption. Alongside my leadership role, I guide onboarding and learning programs for team members and clients, enhancing their Tableau experience. Previously, I collaborated with Apple as an embedded consultant to enable Tableau adoption and performance improvements across teams, working closely with cross-functional teams and Professional Services to ensure successful implementations.
Andreas Wolter
CEO, Data Architect, Sarpedon Quality Lab LLC
Andreas Wolter
Sarpedon Quality Lab LLC, CEO, Data Architect
Andreas Wolter is a former Program Manager for Access Control in Azure SQL and SQL Server at Microsoft. In this role, he spearheaded the revamp of SQL Server's permission system and the design of the external authorization system used by Purview policies and Azure database and data warehouse in Fabric. He has over 20 years of experience with SQL Server, is one of only 7 Microsoft Certified Solutions Master for Data Platform (MCSM) and has been a regular speaker at conferences worldwide for over a decade. Andreas is the founder of Sarpedon Quality Lab LLC, a consulting company specializing in SQL Server performance, high availability, and security, which he manages in cooperation with Sarpedon Quality Lab Germany.
Andres Bolanos
Escalation Engineer, Microsoft
Andres Bolanos
Microsoft, Escalation Engineer
I’ve spent the past 18 years working with data technologies—starting with development and SQL Server, then moving into Azure Synapse, and now focusing on Microsoft Fabric Real-Time Intelligence. I currently work at Microsoft as an Escalation Engineer, focusing on Fabric Real-Time Intelligence, Fabric Data Warehouse, Azure Synapse, and Data Explorer (Kusto). I’m a graduate of MIT’s Product Management program, and I enjoy identifying recurring customer challenges to drive meaningful product improvements. My focus is on making data platforms both powerful and practical for real-world use.
Andrew Guard
Solutions Architect, Redgate
Andrew Guard
Redgate, Solutions Architect
I've been at Redgate for five years now, focusing primarily on our DevOps tooling and enabling clients with digital transformations. Previous background as a software developer for 8 years, so I'm very comfortable talking about leveraging CI/CD tooling in the database space, informed by that experience.
Andy Leonard
Chief Data Engineer, Enterprise Data & Analytics
Andy Leonard
Enterprise Data & Analytics, Chief Data Engineer
Andy Leonard is a husband, dad, and grandfather; founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data & Analytics; an Azure Data Factory and Fabric Data Factory trainer, consultant, and developer; a SQL Server database and data warehouse developer; an author, engineer, and farmer.
Andy Levy
Senior Data Platform Engineer, SS&C Advent
Andy Levy
SS&C Advent, Senior Data Platform Engineer
Andy is a database administrator, PowerShell fan, former developer, Open Source contributor, RVer, and connoisseur of dad jokes (not in that order). He’s worn a number of IT hats since 1999 before landing in database administration, including web server administration and development, systems integration, and database development. When he isn’t picking queries apart and wrangling unruly herds of databases, he can be found planning next summer's family camping trips or mentoring the TAN[X] FIRST Robotics Competition team.
Andy Yun
Consulting Field Solutions Architect, Pure Storage
Andy Yun
Pure Storage, Consulting Field Solutions Architect
Andy Yun is a Consulting Field Solutions Architect at Pure Storage, who has been with SQL Server for over 20 years as both a Database Developer and Administrator. He focuses on performance tuning, with expertise in T-SQL, storage engine internals, and monitoring. Andy strongly believes in passing knowledge onto others, regularly speaking at conferences and user groups, and mentoring industry colleagues. Andy is a former Microsoft MVP, co-founder of the Chicago SQL Association, former co-leader of the Chicago Suburban User Group and Chicago SQL Saturday Organizing Committee.
Anthony Nocentino
Senior Principal Field Solutions Architect, Pure Storage
Anthony Nocentino
Pure Storage, Senior Principal Field Solutions Architect
Anthony is a Senior Principal Field Solutions Architect at Pure Storage as well as a Pluralsight Author, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Anthony designs solutions, deploys the technology, and provides expertise on business system performance, architecture, and security. Anthony has a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science with research publications in high performance/low latency data access algorithms and spatial database systems.
Anupama Natarajan
Data and AI Consultant, Pearl Innovations Limited
Anupama Natarajan
Pearl Innovations Limited, Data and AI Consultant
I am a Cloud, Data and AI Consultant with 25+ years of experience working in design and development of Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, AI enabled applications and SaaS integrated solutions. I am a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Data Platform and Artificial Intelligence, MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) and really passionate in sharing knowledge. I enjoy solving complex business problems with innovative solutions using Microsoft technologies and use that experience in my trainings. I do speak at conferences (PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, Data Platform Summit, Difinity) and organise local user group meetups and SQLSaturday Organiser in Wellington, New Zealand.
Arthi Ramasubramanian Iyer
Microsoft Corporation
Arthi Ramasubramanian Iyer
Microsoft Corporation
Arun Vijayraghavan
Principal Product Manager, Microsoft Azure Data & AI, Microsoft
Arun Vijayraghavan
Microsoft, Principal Product Manager, Microsoft Azure Data & AI
Arun Vijayraghavan is a Product Manager in the Microsoft Azure SQL Database product group, focusing on the Cloud, Data, and AI space. With over 25 years of experience, Arun started his career as a developer and architect before transitioning into product management. Still a developer at heart, Arun is passionate about solving developer problems, which has led him to specialize in developer platforms and new product launches within the Data and AI domain. Arun has an established track record providing strategic guidance for companies and is recognized for innovative work in the AI and Data space, holding a pending patent in the field. An avid blogger, Arun is also a passionate teacher and mentor, having guided numerous students. He volunteers his time teaching youth how to use AI and serves as an AI usage Policy advisor for non-profit organizations. You can follow him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/avijayraghavan/
Arvind Shyamsundar
Principal Product Manager, Microsoft
Arvind Shyamsundar
Microsoft, Principal Product Manager
Arvind Shyamsundar is a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, working on innovations in Azure SQL Database, such as Hyperscale. Arvind taps into his rich experience, previously working with Microsoft’s customers as part of the Customer Advisory Team (CAT) and Microsoft Services. Arvind is well known in the SQL community and has presented at conferences like PASS, SQL Saturday, DPS, Ignite and various user groups.
Aswin Manmadhan
Technical Solutions Lead, KingswaySoft
Aswin Manmadhan
KingswaySoft, Technical Solutions Lead
Aswin Manmadhan is a Technical Solutions Lead at KingswaySoft, specializing in data integration and automation solutions across the Microsoft and Salesforce ecosystems. With years of experience helping organizations streamline complex data flows, Aswin has deep expertise in designing and optimizing ETL processes that drive efficiency and reliability. He works closely with clients to implement scalable integration architectures using KingswaySoft’s powerful SSIS-based toolkits.
Atte Sukari
Senior Data Engineer, Norrin
Atte Sukari
Norrin, Senior Data Engineer
Data enthusiast working with Azure and a broad range of other technologies. Passionate about turning complex data into real business value.
Bachar Rifai
Solution Architect, AWS
Bachar Rifai
AWS, Solution Architect
Bachar Rifai is a Partner Solution Architect at AWS with over 20 years of experience in database technologies and data management. During his 4+ years at AWS, he has developed specialized expertise in helping automotive and manufacturing organizations implement and scale generative AI solutions that drive operational transformation. With deep technical knowledge spanning traditional database systems and modern AI architectures, Bachar excels at translating complex GenAI concepts into practical, actionable strategies for automotive and manufacturing executives. He has successfully guided numerous manufacturers through their AWS cloud journey, enabling them to deploy cutting-edge AI-driven solutions that deliver measurable business impact. Bachar's unique approach combines technical depth with real-world application, making him a trusted advisor for both engineering teams and business leaders. His work focuses on helping automotive and manufacturing companies leverage generative AI to gain competitive advantage in an increasingly data-driven industry landscape. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between technical complexity and business value, Bachar continues to help organizations unlock the transformative potential of AI while building scalable, enterprise-ready solutions on AWS.
Bala Narasimhan
Group Product Manager, Google
Bala Narasimhan
Google, Group Product Manager
Bala Narasimhan is Group Product Manager for Cloud SQL. Bala has spent his entire career in enterprise software both as a developer and a product manager. He started dabbling in databases at Oracle and then became a founding engineer and product manager at ParAccel building a massively parallel data warehouse with a PostgreSQL interface. Bala has also spent time at Salesforce.com and Nutanix.
Barney Lawrence
Senior Consultant, Simpson Associates
Barney Lawrence
Simpson Associates, Senior Consultant
Barney Lawrence has over a decade's experience helping people make the most of their data on the Microsoft data platform. Having moved from the guy who knows Excel, to Data Analyst, to Accidental BI Developer and finally to Actual BI Developer, he currently works as a Senior Consultant for Simpson Associates focusing on local government and health data.
Bart Vernaillen
MSSQL Process Automation Expert, D-Bart
Bart Vernaillen
D-Bart, MSSQL Process Automation Expert
BV is a SQL Server performance specialist with a focus on automation. He created the D-BART method: Detect, Blueprint, Automate, Report, Thrive; a practical approach that helps DBA-teams standardize and scale operations without scaling effort. He’s the author of PlanInspector, a tool for smarter query plan analysis, and regularly shares hands-on insights through talks, tools, or blog posts.
Basudeb Sarkar
Principal Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft
Basudeb Sarkar
Microsoft, Principal Software Engineering Manager
As a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft, I lead the integration of SQL Database within Microsoft Fabric, shaping a unified data platform that brings together operational workloads with advanced analytics and AI. My team builds translytical capabilities—combining transactional performance with analytical scale—to ensure SQL services are enterprise-ready and deliver real-time insights through seamless operational-to-analytics data sync. I drive product readiness and customer enablement for core data integration experiences. Partnering across engineering, PM, and field teams, I focus on delivering solutions that simplify ingestion into Fabric SQL, optimize performance, and provide an intuitive user experience. Beyond technical execution, I’m passionate about technical strategy, AI-driven innovation, and mentoring. I’ve helped advance the integration of Copilot and intelligent performance features into SQL tools and collaborate across engineering, data science, UX, and product to shape our roadmap. I foster a culture of learning, code quality, and innovation, and I’m known for collaborative leadership that empowers teams to build impactful, customer-centric data solutions.
Ben DeBow
Founder & CEO, Fortified Data
Ben DeBow
Fortified Data, Founder & CEO
Ben DeBow is a business leader, author, and innovator on a mission to move the technology industry from the era of abundance to the era of efficiency. As the founder and CEO of Fortified, a next-generation database consultancy twice named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, Ben has been implementing mission-critical data platforms around the globe for the past two decades.
Ben Johnston
Principal Architect, I-Tech Solutions, Inc.
Ben Johnston
I-Tech Solutions, Inc., Principal Architect
Ben is a data architect from Iowa and has been working with SQL Server since version 6.5 in the late 90's. Ben focuses on performance tuning, warehouse implementations and optimizations, database security, and system integrations.
Ben Miller
Architect, DBADuck Consulting
Ben Miller
DBADuck Consulting, Architect
Ben Miller, aka @dbaduck, is a seasoned database professional with over 25 years of experience in SQL Server, PowerShell, and automation. As a passionate advocate for efficiency and innovation, Ben specializes in empowering IT professionals and DBAs to harness the power of PowerShell for database and server management. A Microsoft Data Platform and PowerShell MVP, speaker, and community contributor, Ben has a knack for breaking down complex topics into practical, actionable insights. When he’s not automating workflows or sharing his knowledge, you’ll find him engaging with the #SQLFamily or exploring new tech to help others work smarter. Follow Ben on all Social Media (@dbaduck) and dive into the world of automation and database magic with him!
Ben Weissman
Data Passionist, Solisyon
Ben Weissman
Solisyon, Data Passionist
Ben has been working with SQL Server since SQL Server 6.5, mainly in the BI/Datawarehousing field. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, a (co-)author of multiple Tech-Books on topics such as Biml, SQL Server, Kubernetes and Fabric, as well as a regular speaker at national and international events. He has also published multiple Video courses at Pluralsight and other platforms. Ben is also a co-organizer of DataGrillen, New Stars of Data, SQL Konferenz and others as well as a volunteer and mentor for many other Data Platform events.
Blythe Morrow
Principal Consultant, PaperSword B2B
Blythe Morrow
PaperSword B2B, Principal Consultant
Blythe is a product expert focused on SQL Server and database product development. She has more than two decades of success delivering multi million-dollar revenue growth through innovative marketing, product positioning, messaging, and competitive differentiation. She spends her days developing products that Data Pros use every day. She has a background in Microsoft SQL Server, PowerBI and Data Warehousing. She speaks at many conferences and events around the world, helping improve the work lives of DBAs everywhere.
Bob Ward
Principal Architect, Microsoft
Bob Ward
Microsoft, Principal Architect
Bob Ward is a Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team, which owns the development for Microsoft SQL ground to cloud to fabric. Bob has worked for Microsoft for 31+ years on every version of SQL Server shipped from OS/2 1.1 to SQL Server 2025 including Azure SQL and SQL database in Fabric. Bob is a well-known speaker on SQL Server, Azure SQL, AI, and Microsoft Fabric often presenting talks on new releases, internals, and specialized topics at events such as SQLBits, Microsoft Build, Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, Fabric Community Conference, and Redgate Summit. You can also learn Azure SQL from him on the popular series https://aka.ms/azuresql4beginners. You can follow him at @bobwardms or linkedin.com/in/bobwardms. Bob is the author of the books Pro SQL Server on Linux, SQL Server 2019 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed, SQL Server 2022 Revealed, and Azure SQL Revealed 2nd Edition available from Apress Media.
Brian Hibberd
Senior Database Developer, Scentsy
Brian Hibberd
Scentsy, Senior Database Developer
I love data. I find it to be the most exhilarating technical challenge I’ve known in my career. There’s the challenge of capturing it at scale, the challenge of getting answers quickly, the challenge of moving it in near real-time, the challenge of keeping it consistent (and clean!), the challenge of transforming it into its own analytical value-add to the business. The challenge of keeping it safe. I get excited about these things. I'm a 25-year veteran of IT and a recovering full-stack developer, mostly on the Microsoft stack. I've always gravitated towards the back end, which was formalized in the last decade by becoming a database developer. I've worked with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and DynamoDB. They're fascinating technologies, always providing opportunities to learn and grow, and so right up my alley.
Brian Stauber
Coach + Consultant, Stauber Coaching and Consulting
Brian Stauber
Stauber Coaching and Consulting, Coach + Consultant
Brian Stauber is a coach and consultant specializing in improving self-knowledge, interpersonal communication, and creating sustainable and effective work environments. He is a trained facilitator and prides himself on crafting creative and thought-provoking experiences tailored to the unique personalities of teams. A former IT professional, he’s seen the massive impact a focus on understanding and listening can have on the success of projects. He's also a trained improv actor, professional Dungeon Master, and loves getting into theoretical discussion about increasing collaboration at the tabletop. Check out more information about him at https://www.staubercoaching.com/
Bruno Adam
DBA, DELOITTE
Bruno Adam
DELOITTE, DBA
No sessions found for this speaker.
Camilo Leon
Principal Database Specialist Solutions Architect, Amazon
Camilo Leon
Amazon, Principal Database Specialist Solutions Architect
Camilo Leon is a Principal Solutions Architect at AWS specialized on databases and based off San Francisco, California. He works with AWS customers to provide architectural guidance and technical support for the design, deployment and management of their AWS relational database workloads and business applications. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, photography, and movies.
Carlos Lopez
Cloud Data Architect, GBM
Carlos Lopez
GBM, Cloud Data Architect
Carlos López is a Cloud Data Architect at GBM, Microsoft Data Platform MVP Azure Data Tech & Fabric community group leader and RedGate SQL Saturday Boardmember, blogger & speaker
Chandan Shukla
Synechron
Chandan Shukla
Synechron
Chris Hawkins
Solutions Engineer, Redgate
Chris Hawkins
Redgate, Solutions Engineer
Chris Hawkins is a Solutions Engineer at Redgate Software, based in the UK. With over seven years of experience in the role, Chris works closely with database professionals around the world, helping them tackle challenges and achieve their goals throughout their end-to-end Database DevOps journey. This year marks his third time speaking at PASS, and he's thrilled to be back in Seattle. If you spot him around the event, don’t be a stranger—say hi!
Chris Madden
Solution Lead, Storage, Google
Chris Madden
Google, Solution Lead, Storage
Chris hails from California and is a problem solving engineer at heart. Over the last 25 years he's taken part in technology trends from proprietary systems through to Cloud native designs, and the ever increasing importance of IT as a competitive advantage. These days Chris is a Solution Lead at Google Cloud focusing on compute and storage infrastructure solutions to support the most demanding applications.
Chris Randvere
Solutions Engineer, Redgate
Chris Randvere
Redgate, Solutions Engineer
I am a Technology Sales and Solutions Engineer who puts an emphasis on assisting customers to strive for improvement within their IT environment through improved technologies. Nearly 30 years of experience in Sales and Support of enterprise products found in the data center. Servers, Storage, SQL Server, Rack Infrastructure. DevOps evangelist.
Chris Sorensen
President, Iteration Insights Ltd.
Chris Sorensen
Iteration Insights Ltd., President
Chris Sorensen CPA, CGA, is the Founder and President of Iteration Insights, a Calgary-based Microsoft Partner in the Data and AI space. With several Microsoft Certifications and more than 20 years of consulting and teaching experience, Chris brings a practical lens to his training, going beyond theory to everyday technology use. Chris has overseen hundreds of data projects across diverse industries, delivering solutions and empowering organizations with analytics. He is a published author for Microsoft Press, covering topics in data analytics, Power BI, and Microsoft data certification exam prep.
Chris Woods
DBA Manager, Consilio
Chris Woods
Consilio, DBA Manager
Chris Woods manages the DBA team at Consilio, overseeing hundreds of thousands of eDiscovery databases, many of which are exceptionally large. He has spent more than 26 years architecting, automating, and performance tuning MSSQL environments. A self-proclaimed scripting enthusiast, he loves finding creative solutions for managing and deploying databases at scale. Outside of the data world, he enjoys traveling with the family and has a passion for science fiction books, movies, and shows. You can find him at sqlcwby.com and on Linked-In. And yes, he is that SQL guru's doppelgänger.
Christian Henrik Reich
Principal Architect, twoday Data & AI Denmark
Christian Henrik Reich
twoday Data & AI Denmark, Principal Architect
Currently work @ twoday’s Data & AI DK's department for Technologies and architecture, and is a part of Mugato as a senior developer and AI developer. Started programming as kid, and still do. Have made everything from embedded programming to data warehouses. Last decade, focus has mainly been on data. From optimizing and infrastructure to designing and building data solutions in cloud and on-premise.
Christoph Petersen
EMEA Solution Lead, Google
Christoph Petersen
Google, EMEA Solution Lead
Christoph is a Solution Lead in the EMEA Infrastructure Solutions Practice, helping customers to migrate workloads to Google Cloud at scale. He specializes on Microsoft workloads running on Google Cloud, addressing both the technical and commercial aspects. Before joining Google, Christoph held various roles at Microsoft in consulting and in technical pre-sales for Azure. Christoph has been speaking at conferences such as Microsoft TechCon, Google Tech Summit, PASS Data Community Summit as well as user groups like Azure Meetups and Google Cloud community events.
Christopher Crow
Technical Marketing Engineer, Pure Storage
Christopher Crow
Pure Storage, Technical Marketing Engineer
Chris has been in IT since 1999 where he specializes in cloud-native applications, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes and open-source technologies. Chris currently works in technical marking proving automation and training materials for students to learn Kubernetes and related technologies. Chris resides in Tacoma, Washington where he enjoys playing bass, camping with his family, and nerding out on craft beer.
Christopher Schmidt
Microsoft
Christopher Schmidt
Microsoft
Cindy Gross
CEO, Befriending Dragons
Cindy Gross
Befriending Dragons, CEO
Cindy Gross is a leadership navigation coach who helps women and non-binary leaders in tech lead with courage, clarity, and confidence. A former Microsoft data and cloud architect with 25+ years in enterprise tech, she knows firsthand what it means to thrive in high-pressure, male-dominated environments—while carrying the emotional labor of being “the only one.” Now, as the founder of Befriending Dragons, Cindy supports underestimated leaders who are ready to stop shape-shifting to survive and start leading from their full selves. She blends systems thinking, equity-centered coaching, and lived experience to help clients navigate burnout, bias, and big decisions with grounded insight and practical strategy. Her work invites leaders to reclaim their voice, set powerful boundaries, and lead in ways that are both effective and deeply aligned. Cindy’s keynotes and workshops have sparked reflection and change in tech teams, leadership cohorts, coaching communities, and public sector organizations. She speaks with sharp insight, mythic perspective, and deep compassion for what it really takes to lead when the system wasn’t built for you. Her message is simple and powerful: you’re not broken. You get to lead as your full self—and when you do, you change everything.
Conor Cunningham
Partner Architect/Engineering Manager, Azure Data, Microsoft
Conor Cunningham
Microsoft, Partner Architect/Engineering Manager, Azure Data
Conor has worked at Microsoft for 27 years building database engines including Jet Red (the original engine inside of Microsoft Access), SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Synapse Data Warehouse, and Fabric Data Warehouse. He is the author of several peer-reviewed papers, numerous patents, and a co-author of SQL Server 2008/2012 Internals where he wrote the chapter on how the query optimizer in SQL works. Conor led the releases of SQL Server 2016, 2017, and 2019, and more recently he has been building and running an engineering team in Austin, Texas. His research interests include query optimization, scalability, distributed systems, query execution performance on modern hardware architectures, and designing future architectures for databases and data processing. Conor has a B.S. Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin and a M.S. Computer Science from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Damir Bulic
CEO, Spectral Core
Damir Bulic
Spectral Core, CEO
Damir Bulic is the CEO of Spectral Core, an ISV with customers in more than 100 countries. With over 30 years of professional experience, Damir has deep and broad expertise in multiple software fields. He is the original author and architect of Spectral Core’s software but now leaves (most of) development to the highly capable Spectral Core team. Some of his work: – Emparsen: a state-of-the-art parser generator built from the ground up. It produces strongly typed SQL parsers that run up to 500x faster than those generated by ANTLR. – Full Convert: a data migration tool capable of seamlessly migrating tables and data between approximately 50 database engines. On the market since 2004, it has thousands of happy customers in over 100 countries. It supports both creating the target from scratch and comparison/on-demand replication. – Omni Loader: a sophisticated data migration tool for the largest databases, capable of migrating over 50 TB per day on a single machine. Comes with full CDC support. – SQL Tran: a SQL code translator with unparalleled accuracy and capabilities. It runs 1000x faster than other tools on the market, includes static analysis (name binding, broken reference tracking), data lineage, target database creation, synthetic data generation, and a sophisticated correctness and performance testing framework. SQL Tran can fully translate SQL codebases with multiple million lines of code in under a minute, on a single machine. – SQL App: a database management tool. – SQL Format: an autocomplete and refactoring plugin for SSMS. – Documenter: a database schema documentation tool. – Luceed: co-author of a highly successful ERP system on the market for over 25 years. Luceed is used by thousands of businesses in 10+ countries. – Wrote a Windows system loader from scratch by reverse-engineering the PE file format, enabling software renting long before SaaS was a thing. – Embryo: co-author of a 3D game for Amiga written in MC680x0 assembler. Also wrote both the 3D and 2D modelers for it.
Damu Venkatesan
Data Consultant, SQL Data BI
Damu Venkatesan
SQL Data BI, Data Consultant
Damu Venkatesan is a seasoned Data Consultant in the IT industry. Specializing in architecting and implementing data solutions, he has extensive expertise with Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, Excel, and SharePoint. Throughout his career, Damu has successfully delivered numerous Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Warehouse (DW) solutions, as well as managed complex data migrations, for clients across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and government. Damu is an active leader in the data community, serving as the co-leader of the Microsoft Fabric User Group in Atlanta and as a board member of the DAMA Georgia chapter. He is also a certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), Fabric Analytics Engineer, and Power BI Data Analyst. His passion for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world challenges makes him a sought-after expert and speaker at industry events.
Daniel Cai
Managing Director, KingswaySoft
Daniel Cai
KingswaySoft, Managing Director
Daniel Cai is the Managing Director and Founder of KingswaySoft, a company specializing in high-quality software solutions for data connectivity, data integration, and data synchronization. With a strong background in designing and developing large-scale enterprise applications, Daniel's expertise lies in leveraging the latest technologies to solve complex data challenges. He is best known for his work on the KingswaySoft Integration Toolkit, which has become the go-to solution for thousands of organizations worldwide. Daniel is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and a trusted voice in the data integration community, known for blending deep technical insight with real-world applications.
Danny Kruge
Mission Critical Engineer, Schuberg Philis
Danny Kruge
Schuberg Philis, Mission Critical Engineer
Danny Kruge is a Microsoft Data Plaform MVP with a robust background in SQL Server and over a decade of experience in the field. Originally from Leicester, England, and now residing in the Netherlands, he has dedicated years to honing his skills and expanding his expertise into areas like Azure and Windows Engineering. Danny is particularly passionate about Azure Data Factory, where he leverages his deep knowledge to design efficient data workflows. As an active community leader, he organizes the Azure Heroes Netherlands Community Day and the Azure user group NL, helping to foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration among tech enthusiasts. Committed to continuous learning and community support, Danny enjoys sharing his insights to help others navigate data challenges and avoid common mistakes.
Danny de Haan
Solutions Engineer, Redgate Software
Danny de Haan
Redgate Software, Solutions Engineer
Danny has been working in IT for nearly 20 years in various roles. With over 15 years of experience with SQL Server, he has always placed a strong emphasis on Security, Risk Management, and Compliance for the SQL Server Data Platform. Ensuring industry best practices and regulatory requirements are followed from an infrastructural point of view. While speaking at (public) events, Danny also works as a Solutions Engineer for Redgate Software, helping customers on their Database DevOps journey.
David Bermingham
Senior Technical Evangelist, SIOS Technology
David Bermingham
SIOS Technology, Senior Technical Evangelist
David Bermingham is a recognized expert in Windows Server Failover Clustering and SQL Server high availability, with over 20 years of experience helping organizations design and implement resilient infrastructure solutions across on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments. A former Microsoft Cloud and Cluster MVP, David currently serves as the Director of Customer Success at SIOS Technology, where he works closely with enterprises deploying mission-critical applications in Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. David is a frequent speaker at global conferences including SQL Saturday, Microsoft Ignite, and cloud vendor technical summits. His expertise spans SQL Server Availability Groups, Distributed Availability Groups, and SANless Failover Cluster Instances, with a practical focus on simplifying HA/DR architectures across multi-cloud environments.
Davide Mauri
Principal Product Manager, Microsoft
Davide Mauri
Microsoft, Principal Product Manager
Experienced Principal Product Manager with a 20+ year track record of innovation across AI, cloud databases, and enterprise-scale data platforms. Former Microsoft MVP (12 years), speaker, and author. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, driving developer-first product strategies, and launching industry-defining features. Passionate about empowering developers and customers through scalable, intelligent, API-first, SQL-enabled solutions.
Dean Furness
Principal Analytics Consultant, Wells Fargo
Dean Furness
Wells Fargo, Principal Analytics Consultant
Becoming a paraplegic following an accident in 2011, Dean speaks to groups via large keynotes and small settings about grit, determination, and what it takes to keep moving through daily challenges. His story was recognized as a "Top 20 of 2020" TED Talk, garnering more than 4 million views. A significant part of his story details his adventures in wheelchair racing, leading him to compete in major marathons around the country including the Chicago, London, and Boston Marathons. Professionally Dean is a data and analytics specialist, focusing on data visualization and digital dashboard solutions to help executives with decision making activities. Dean is a married father of three living in Martensdale, IA where he enjoys woodworking and cooking.
Deborah Melkin
Data Engineer, Advisor360
Deborah Melkin
Advisor360, Data Engineer
Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for over 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA. Soon after that, she began speaking at SQL Saturdays and user groups. Deborah is a co-leader of the Data Platform Women in Tech (WIT) Virtual User Group and co-founder of WITspiration, a WIT mentorship circle. She is a former board member of the New England SQL Server User Group. She was named as One to Watch as part of the #Redgate 100 in 2022 and won Speaker Idol at PASS Summit 2019. Deborah is also a Microsoft MVP for the Data Platform (2020- ). In her spare time, Deborah can usually be found doing something musical or something geeky with her husband, Andy, and their dog, Sebastian.
Deepthi Goguri
Database Administrator, Database Administrator
Deepthi Goguri
Database Administrator, Database Administrator
Deepthi is a SQL Server Database Administrator with several years of experience in Administering SQL Servers. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft certified trainer and Microsoft certified professional with an Associate and Expert level Certification in Data Management and Analytics. Deepthi blogs for DBANuggets.com. Deepthi is a Co-Organizer for Microsoft Data and AI South Florida user group, Data TGIF, Cloud Data Driven User Group, Future Data Driven Summit, Databash Conference and Data Platform Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Virtual Group. She is also DEI Steering Committee member for PASS Data Community Summit. She is a Redgate Community Ambassador. You can contact her on Twitter @dbanuggets.
Denny Cherry
Principal Consultant, Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting
Denny Cherry
Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting, Principal Consultant
Denny Cherry is the owner and principal consultant for Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting, with over two decades of experience working with platforms such as Azure, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage solutions. Denny’s areas of technical expertise include system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Denny currently holds several Microsoft Certifications related to SQL Server, covering versions 2000 through 2022, including the Microsoft Certified Master, as well as being a Microsoft MVP for almost two decades. Denny has written several books and dozens of technical articles on SQL Server management, as well as how SQL Server integrates with various other technologies.
Denny Lee
Databricks
Denny Lee
Databricks
Denny Lee is a long-time Apache Spark™ and MLflow contributor, Unity Catalog and Delta Lake maintainer, and a Product Management Director and Principal Developer Advocate at Databricks. He is a hands-on distributed systems and data sciences engineer with extensive experience developing internet-scale data platforms, predictive analytics, and AI systems. He has previously built enterprise DW/BI and big data systems at Microsoft, including Azure Cosmos DB, Project Isotope (HDInsight), and SQL Server. He was also the Senior Director of Data Sciences Engineering at SAP Concur. He also has a Master's of Biomedical Informatics from Oregon Health and Sciences University and has implemented powerful data solutions for enterprise Healthcare customers. His current technical focuses include AI, Distributed Systems, Delta Lake, Apache Spark, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Genomics.
Dominick Raimato
Manager, Data, AI, and Adoption/Change Services, SHI International, Inc.
Dominick Raimato
SHI International, Inc., Manager, Data, AI, and Adoption/Change Services
Microsoft Data Platform MVP and self-identified as a data nerd, Dominick Raimato has had a huge passion for identifying insights and building solutions. You never know what kind of data projects he might be working on such as tracking temperature and humidity trends in his house to building a database of property assessments to make sure his house is in line with other properties to avoid overpaying taxes. Passionate about people, Dominick strives to create solutions that not just help achieve business objectives, but also make people’s lives better. If he can help someone get home earlier to eat dinner with their family or eliminate time consuming tasks so they can focus on more important things, he is in his element. Dominick currently lives in Bergen County, NJ where he can be found around the house working on projects or cooking in the kitchen. His specialty dishes include his homemade meat sauce in the winter and pulled pork bar-b-que on his smoker during the summer. He also ventures into New York City frequently to see his wife perform as a flutist with small ensembles, orchestras, and theaters.
Dr. Dani Ljepava
Product Manager, Microsoft
Dr. Dani Ljepava
Microsoft, Product Manager
Dani is a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, responsible for product development of the flagship Azure SQL Managed Instance PaaS service. His areas of expertise in the Azure SQL domain include high availability, hybrid links, backup and restore, intelligence, monitoring, automatic tuning, data mobility, migration experiences and Copilot AI. His experience brings in more than 15+ years of product innovation worldwide – starting from Silicon Valley start-ups innovating Internet technologies, to enterprise innovation in the intelligent cloud space.
Duan Uys
Solutions Architect, WhereScape
Duan Uys
WhereScape, Solutions Architect
Duan Uys is a seasoned data professional with over a decade of experience architecting and implementing data warehouses and software solutions for clients in diverse sectors, including finance, healthcare, and retail. He has dedicated his career to streamlining manual processes, empowering teams to navigate operational challenges, and accelerating the delivery of high-impact results. Through these efforts, Duan has gained invaluable expertise in the best practices, and common pitfalls, of developing solid data foundations.
Dustin Vannoy
Lead Specialist Solutions Architect, Databricks
Dustin Vannoy
Databricks, Lead Specialist Solutions Architect
Dustin Vannoy is a data engineer and solutions architect experienced in solving business problems with analytics and big data solutions. He is passionate about all aspects of data engineering, especially building data platforms and streaming data pipelines. He is experienced in using cloud technologies to transition legacy ETL jobs into streaming pipelines and building out a modern lakehouse architecture. He currently focuses on building data platforms and pipelines in Apache Spark / Databricks, Kafka, Python, and Scala. Dustin is a technical leader in San Diego and the co-founder of the San Diego Data Engineering Group. He now encourages others to grow their data skills by creating tutorials and speaking at user groups and conferences.
Edward Pollack
Sr. Data Architect, Transfinder
Edward Pollack
Transfinder, Sr. Data Architect
Ed Pollack is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with a passion for learning how Data Platforms work and sharing that knowledge with the community. His experiences in data architecture, database design, performance optimization, and security are motivation for public speaking, writing, coding, and other community activities. Ed has spoken at SQL Saturday events, SQL Bits, PASS Summit, EightKB, and many other regional and international events. Ed is the organizer of the Capital Area SQL Server Group and Day of Data Albany, as well as a co-organizer of SQL Saturday New York City. He has published a number of books, including "Dynamic SQL: Applications, Performance, and Security in Microsoft SQL Server", "Expert Performance Indexing in Azure SQL and SQL Server 2022", and "Analytics Optimization with Columnstore Indexes in Microsoft SQL Server: Optimizing OLAP Workloads". Ed is also an active contributor of content to SimpleTalk. In his free time, Ed enjoys video games, traveling, cooking exceptionally spicy foods, and hanging out with his amazing wife and sons.
Edwin M Sarmiento
Managing Director, 15C Inc
Edwin M Sarmiento
15C Inc, Managing Director
Edwin M Sarmiento is the Managing Director of 15C, a consulting and training company that specializes in designing, implementing and supporting SQL Server infrastructures. He is a 12-year former Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada (but he’s originally from the Philippines) specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack. He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, neuroscience, social psychology, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases. Edwin lives up to his primary mission statement: "To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential."
Elayne Jones
Solutions Architect, Coca-Cola Bottlers' Sales & Services
Elayne Jones
Coca-Cola Bottlers' Sales & Services, Solutions Architect
Elayne Jones is a Solutions Architect at Coca-Cola Bottlers Sales and Services. She specializes in data visualization and data modeling using Power BI. She has expertise in developing Power Apps and creating Power Platform solutions that drive efficiency within organizations. Elayne is skilled at querying data using the DAX and SQL languages. Elayne is an experienced Microsoft technology trainer and has authored numerous blog posts expressing her passion for Business Intelligence and Analytics.
Elena Drakulevska
Dataviz & UX Consultant, MoonStory
Elena Drakulevska
MoonStory, Dataviz & UX Consultant
Hi there! I’m Elena, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and BI & UX Consultant passionate about turning data into meaningful, user-friendly stories. My goal? To help businesses create reports that are not just visually stunning but also intuitive and accessible. Through my blog MoonStory and speaking at international conferences, I share my love for combining dataviz and UX Design to empower teams to see their data in a whole new way. When I’m not working magic with data, you’ll find me exploring the world, picking up new languages, doing yoga, or getting lost in a great book.
Elena Marquetti-Ali
President, Marquetti Consulting
Elena Marquetti-Ali
Marquetti Consulting, President
Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them to become effective leaders. Elena is the President of and Lead Consultant with Marquetti Consulting.
Eric Peterson
Database Architect, Ingo Money
Eric Peterson
Ingo Money, Database Architect
Over 30 years of SQL Server experience with expertise in all phases of database design, implementation and maintenance. I regularly speak at SQL Saturdays and other technical conferences.
Erik Darling
Consultant, Darling Data
Erik Darling
Darling Data, Consultant
Erik has been working with SQL Server just about forever – Really challenging DBA/Developer/Architect roles – Started consulting for Brent Ozar Unlimited in 2015 Started Darling Data in 2019 – Worked with over 600 very happy clients – Lots of free community activity like blogging, training, open-source projects – Speaking about SQL Server at conferences all over the world
Erin Stellato
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Erin Stellato
Microsoft, Principal Program Manager
Erin Stellato is a Principal Program Manager on the SQL Experiences team, helping advance tools that customers use daily with Azure SQL. She is passionate about data and chocolate, but not always in that order. She previously worked as a consultant and was a Data Platform MVP, and has been an active member of the SQL Server community as both a volunteer and speaker. Her areas of interest within the engine include Query Store, Extended Events, statistics, and performance tuning. Erin also enjoys helping accidental/involuntary DBAs…or anyone who's interested…understand how SQL Server works.
Erland Sommarskog
Consultant, Erland Sommarskog SQL-Konsult AB
Erland Sommarskog
Erland Sommarskog SQL-Konsult AB, Consultant
Erland Sommarskog is an independent consultant based in Stockholm, working with SQL Server since 1991. He was first awarded SQL Server MVP in 2001, and has been re-awarded every year since. His focus is on systems development with the SQL Server Database Engine and his passion is to help people to write better SQL Server applications.
Ezat Karimi
Amazon
Ezat Karimi
Amazon
Fabiano Amorim
Principal Consultant, Pythian
Fabiano Amorim
Pythian, Principal Consultant
Fabiano Amorim is a Microsoft Data Platform most valuable professional (MVP) since 2011 that loves to conquer complex, challenging problems—especially ones that others aren’t able to solve. With over two decades of experience, Fabiano is well known in the database community for his performance tuning abilities and the many conference speaking engagements around the world.
Frank Geisler
CEO, GDS Business Intelligence GmbH
Frank Geisler
GDS Business Intelligence GmbH, CEO
Frank Geisler is the owner and CEO of GDS Business Intelligence GmbH, a leading Microsoft Solution Provider specializing in Data and AI. He holds numerous prestigious certifications, including Data Platform MVP, MCT, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, and DevOps Engineer Expert. In his role, Frank excels in building robust Business Intelligence systems leveraging Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server, Azure Data Platform, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. He is also proficient in constructing Azure infrastructures and architectures using PowerShell and Bicep. Frank is a prolific author, having written several bestselling books including "Power BI für Dummies," "Azure für Dummies," "Docker für Dummies," and "Pro Serverless Data Handling with Microsoft Azure." As a frequent speaker, he has delivered insightful presentations at major national and international conferences like the PASS Community Summit, SQL BITS, and SQL Server Konferenz. In addition to his professional achievements, Frank co-founded PASS Deutschland e.V. in 2004 and has served on its board of directors for many years. He also leads the Microsoft Data Community Regional Chapter Münsterland, contributing significantly to the community's growth and development.
Frank Gill
Senior Consultant, Fortified Data
Frank Gill
Fortified Data, Senior Consultant
Frank Gill is a Senior Consultant at Fortified Data. With 25 years of IT experience, the first 8 as a mainframe programmer, he has developed a love of all things internal. He has worked extensively with SQL Server solution in Azure, including Managed Instance, and has a passion for providing clients with HADR solutions. When not administering databases or geeking out on internals, Frank volunteers at the Art Institute of Chicago and reads voraciously.
G-Su Paek
Solutions Engineer, Redgate
G-Su Paek
Redgate, Solutions Engineer
G-Su Paek has been working in pre-sales for over 6+ years, having been with Redgate for almost a year. He has a background in Cybersecurity, Sales, and Solution Architecture.
No sessions found for this speaker.
Ginger Grant
Consultant, Desert Isle Group
Ginger Grant
Desert Isle Group, Consultant
Ginger Grant is a distinguished Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), renowned for her deep expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, data warehousing, and the evolving landscape of Microsoft Fabric. As a sought-after consultant, Ginger empowers organizations to harness the full potential of their data ecosystems. Beyond consulting, Ginger is a prolific thought leader and speaker for both keynotes and technical training. She contributes regularly as a columnist for Pure AI, authors insightful books, and shares practical knowledge on her blog, DesertIsleSQL.com. Her educational impact spans a wide range of technologies, including Azure Synapse Analytics, Python, and Azure Machine Learning, making her a trusted voice in the data community. Whether on stage, in print, or in the classroom, Ginger’s passion for data and commitment to knowledge-sharing make her a standout figure in the world of data and AI.
Gleb Otochkin
Cloud Advocate, Databases, Google
Gleb Otochkin
Google, Cloud Advocate, Databases
Gleb is a Cloud Advocate at Google who specializes in Cloud Database technologies in the Google Cloud. He has over 20 years of experience in data-related technologies, and has expertise in a variety of areas, including relational databases, Big Data, application development, data replication and integration solutions, including products from Google, Oracle, AWS, Cloudera, and other vendors. He has been honored to be a presenter at various conferences in the USA, Europe, and APAC for many years.
Glen Kendell
President & CEO, Concourse
Glen Kendell
Concourse, President & CEO
Glen Kendell is a cybersecurity professional, infrastructure architect, and community builder who loves exploring the connection points between systems and humans. As the founder of Concourse and host of the podcast Data & Confused, he crafts secure environments and soulful spaces where people can thrive together in an age of accelerating change.
Grant Fritchey
Advocate, Redgate
Grant Fritchey
Redgate, Advocate
Grant Fritchey is a Data Platform MVP with over 30 years' experience in IT, including time spent in support and development. He has worked with SQL Server since 6.0 back in 1995. He has also developed in VB, VB.NET, C#, and Java. Grant has written books for Apress and Simple-Talk.
Haider Raza
Senior Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
Haider Raza
Microsoft, Senior Cloud Solution Architect
Haider is a Data and AI leader with over 25 years of experience in data architecture, analytics, artificial and enterprise intelligence. He has led the design and delivery of greenfield business intelligence platforms, data lakes, and data warehouses across diverse industries and global markets. Currently at Microsoft, Haider advises organizations on modernizing their data ecosystems using cloud-native, open-source, and PaaS technologies. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing insights on data strategy, governance, architecture, and modernization. His work bridges technical depth with strategic vision, helping enterprises unlock value from data at scale.
Hamish Watson
DevOps and AI Consultant, Morph iT Limited
Hamish Watson
Morph iT Limited, DevOps and AI Consultant
Hamish Watson is a globally recognised leader in DevOps for data and applications. His career has focused on empowering teams to deliver value faster, more reliably, and confidently. His expertise in implementing modern DevOps practices has helped organizations standardize deployments, streamline delivery pipelines, and unlock innovation through automation and collaboration. Passionate about education and knowledge sharing, Hamish regularly speaks at international conferences on the intersection of DevOps, data, with a focus on business delivery. He is also a university lecturer and graduate mentor, helping to shape the next generation of technology professionals. Known for his mantra #makestuffgo, Hamish believes that systems should not only work — they should work better, faster, and together. He brings a unique mix of hands-on experience, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit to everything he does.
Haripriya Naidu
Database Administrator, S&P Global
Haripriya Naidu
S&P Global, Database Administrator
Haripriya is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Lead SQL Server Database Administrator with 12 years of experience specializing in performance tuning, high availability, and process automation. She is passionate about SQL Server internals and solving complex performance issues. She has spoken at PASS Summit and multiple SQL Saturdays, sharing practical insights on improving SQL Server performance. She also enjoys writing technical deep-dives on her Substack blog, which has been featured multiple times in Brent Ozar’s newsletter. Blog: https://gohigh.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haripriya-naidu1215/
Harsha Yadlapudi
EMEA Data Management Lead, Google
Harsha Yadlapudi
Google, EMEA Data Management Lead
Harsha is a GCP Managed Databases Lead in the EMEA Data Management practice, helping businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of the Google Cloud databases across 100+ countries in EMEA.He specializes in Managed Cloud SQL Server on GCP, addressing field strategies & supporting regional Customer Engineering teams.Active speaker in multiple Microsoft & Google community events.
Heidi Hasting
Mgr. Data Engineering, –
Heidi Hasting
-, Mgr. Data Engineering
Heidi Hasting is a Business Intelligence professional and former software developer with over ten years experience in Microsoft products. She is an ALM/DLM enthusiast and Azure DevOps fan and co-founder and organiser of the Adelaide Power BI User Group. Heidi is a regular attendee at tech events including Azure Bootcamps, DevOps days, SQLSaturdays, Difinity and PASS Summit.
Heini Ilmarinen
Co-founder & architect, Bruvo
Heini Ilmarinen
Bruvo, Co-founder & architect
Heini is a math teacher turned Azure expert. With her background in mathematics and teaching, she has a great passion for problem solving, simplifying complex things and a unique approach to architectures. She is a Co-founder at Bruvo and a Data Platform MVP, specializing in Azure infrastructure and the data platform. She has been working with customers large and small for the past several years to help them sort out their path to the cloud and make sense of their architecture – both hybrid and cloud. She has worked extensively with both Azure infrastructure and analytics solutions, and makes the most of this skillset in her projects, as well as while speaking. On her free time Heini spends time in the nature, either snowboarding or mountain biking, depending on the season.
Hugo Kornelis
Database consultant, perFact B.V.
Hugo Kornelis
perFact B.V., Database consultant
Hugo Kornelis is an established SQL Server community expert who spends a lot of time at various conferences. He is also a blogger, technical editor of a variety of books, and Pluralsight author. He was awarded SQL Server MVP and Data Platform MVP 18 times (2006 – 2016 / 2019 – now). When not working for the community, he is busy at his day job: freelance database developer/consultant. Hugo has over 25 years of SQL Server experience in various roles. Starting from a strong database design background, he has spent the last ten years specializing in execution plans and query performance tuning.
Huxley Kendell
Solution Engineer, Redgate
Huxley Kendell
Redgate, Solution Engineer
As a Solution Engineer at Redgate, I help customers of various sizes and industries to understand and implement Database DevOps. I provide technical support, training, and guidance to ensure customer satisfaction and success when implementing new cutting edge solutions. I travel the world, helping companies of all sizes implement the best solutions to help sustain and accelerate their growth!
InduTeja Aligeti
Senior Delivery Consultant, Amazon Web Services
InduTeja Aligeti
Amazon Web Services, Senior Delivery Consultant
With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I’m a database enthusiast with deep expertise across multi-database and multi-cloud platforms. I’ve worked with global enterprises like Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and UHG, and currently, I’m at AWS in Hyderabad INDIA, helping enterprise customers migrate and modernize their database workloads on the cloud, playing a key role in their digital transformation journeys.
Itay Maoz
Itay Maoz
Itay Maoz leads the Cloud SQL engineering organization at Google. Prior to joining Google, he was the General Manager of Amazon ElastiCache and Amazon MemoryDB, two in-memory database services at Amazon Web Services. Throughout his 25+ years of experience in software development, he has mainly focused on building and scaling high-performance datastores, including storage systems, databases, and caching. Itay has earned his bachelor's degree in software engineering from the Israel Institute of Technology and his master's degree in computer science from Tel Aviv University.
JP Chen
Senior Director and Practice Leader, SQL Server Services, Datavail
JP Chen
Datavail, Senior Director and Practice Leader, SQL Server Services
JP Chen is the Senior Director of SQL at Datavail, where he leads a high-performing team of DBAs across the U.S., India, Canada, and Colombia. With over 20 years of experience in IT, JP specializes in managing and optimizing SQL Server environments across on-premises, AWS, and Azure platforms. He is recognized for his strengths in customer support, problem-solving, team leadership, and technical writing. JP is the author of Delivering Technical Presentations: A Quick-Start Guide for Effective Technical Communication and Migrating to Azure SQL: A Practical Hands-On Guide for Cloud Migration Success, as well as several whitepapers including SQL on Linux, Keeping Pace with Change, and The 5 Hats Worn By Database Administrators, available at www.datavail.com. He has presented at major industry events such as SQL PASS, SQL Saturday, RMOUG, and the AWS Workshop Series. JP holds multiple certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP®), AMA Certified Professional in Management (AMA-CPM®), FinOps Certified Professional, and AWS Certified Database – Specialty. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and discovering diverse culinary traditions around the world.
James Phillips
Senior Platform Architect, O'Neil Digital Solutions
James Phillips
O'Neil Digital Solutions, Senior Platform Architect
James Philips is a Enterpirse Architect Manager with O'Neil Digital Solutions, former Microsoft CSA and Chief Information Officer at Rev.io. With over 25 years of experience in both large, complex organizations and fast-growing SMB environments. Spending a majority of that time being responsible for overall systems architecture, performance, database management, data migration, analytics and long-term technology strategy to ensure its system performs optimally to meet evolving client needs. In total, James has managed and led teams in database administration and application development at over a dozen companies, while also managing his own independent consulting engagements on several occasions.
James Serra
Data & AI Solution Architect, Microsoft
James Serra
Microsoft, Data & AI Solution Architect
I work at Microsoft as a big data and data warehousing solution architect where I have been for most of the last ten years. I am a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics, including data architectures such as the modern data warehouse, data lakehouse, data fabric, and data mesh. Previously I was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. I am a prior SQL Server MVP with nearly 40 years of IT experience. I started my career as a software developer, then was a DBA for 12 years, and for the last twelve years I have been working extensively with business intelligence and data warehousing using numerous Microsoft technologies and tools. I have been at times a permanent employee, consultant, contractor, and owner of my own business. All these experiences along with continuous learning have helped me to develop many successful data warehouse and BI projects. I am a popular blogger and speaker, having presented at dozens of major events including PASS Summit, SQLBits, Data Summit, SQLDay, Enterprise Data World conference, Big Data Conference Europe, SQL Saturdays, and Informatica World. I am the author of the book “Deciphering Data Architectures: Choosing Between a Modern Data Warehouse, Data Fabric, Data Lakehouse, and Data Mesh“.
Janis Griffin
Senior Systems Consultant, Quest Software
Janis Griffin
Quest Software, Senior Systems Consultant
Janis Griffin has over 35+ years of DBA/database experience including design, development, and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working with both real-time network routing databases and OLTP business to business applications. Janis also held positions as Principal Architect and Senior Manager, mentoring other DBAs on best practices in database performance tuning and management.
Jaouad Amine
Microsoft Technical Specialist, Dell
Jaouad Amine
Dell, Microsoft Technical Specialist
Over the past few years, I've focused on two things: delivering cutting-edge technical training and designing practical, high-value solutions for customers. My unique background—combining engineering, sales, and marketing—gives me a holistic view of the entire IT and Infrastructure value chain. My mission is to share this perspective and help you connect the dots. Join me for one of the first deep dives into how you can finally bring powerful AI directly to your data using the combined strength of Dell AI infrastructure and the groundbreaking capabilities of SQL Server 2025.
Jared Kuehn
Data Architect Consultant, Baker Tilly
Jared Kuehn
Baker Tilly, Data Architect Consultant
For over a decade, DataBard (aka Jared) has consulted for many organizations to implement data solutions using Microsoft products. For more than three decades, he has been honing his skills in theater and other performing arts. As a speaker, Jared marries these two disciplines together, creating dynamic presentations that add entertainment to education. With this symbiotic relationship, he seeks to improve presentation engagement, support attendees in knowledge retention, and foster a culture of passion for the data industry. Technically-speaking, Jared has multiple Microsoft certifications in both on-prem and cloud technologies (most recently Microsoft Fabric). While currently focused on analytical environment architecture and design, his specialties include: • Data Modeling • SQL Query Development and Performance Tuning • ETL Design Patterns • Azure Data solutions • Data Management In research, he is expanding his knowledge set into Microsoft Fabric, as well as the world of AI and Machine Learning. He strives to not only be an expert in technology, but an expert in all things data, from process to culture. When he has spare time, Jared continues to perform in community theater productions, in church music, and his YouTube channel where he creates educational videos on the data industry.
Jared Lander
Lead Software Engineer, Relativity ODA LLC
Jared Lander
Relativity ODA LLC, Lead Software Engineer
Jared Lander is a Lead Software Engineer at Relativity with nearly 15 years of experience working with SQL Server and database technologies. He launched his career as an intern in Customer Support, where he quickly developed a passion for SQL Server that shaped his future path. Jared became an Infrastructure Support Specialist and subject matter expert for SQL Server environments before transitioning to a Database Administrator role, helping support RelativityOne, the company’s cloud-based SaaS product. For the past two and a half years, he has specialized in development and automation for RelativityOne’s SQL Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering. Jared is passionate about driving efficiency, resiliency, and performance in large-scale SQL Server environments. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Johnnie, his stepdaughter, Hanna, and their two Miniature Cockapoos, Mr. Chips and Lumiere.
Jason Romans
Senior Business Intelligence Engineer, The DAX Shepherd
Jason Romans
The DAX Shepherd, Senior Business Intelligence Engineer
Jason Romans is a Business Intelligence engineer in Nashville, TN working with the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack. Jason started his career as a DBA and over the years moved to working in his passion of Business Intelligence and data modeling. As a Microsoft MVP he is always learning and eager to share what he has learned. His first computer was a Commodore 64 and he's been hooked ever since.
Jaysukh Ramani
Senior SQL Database Administrator, Datavail Corporation
Jaysukh Ramani
Datavail Corporation, Senior SQL Database Administrator
Jaysukh Ramani is a Proficient SQL Server developer and administrator with over 18 years of experience in designing and optimizing database systems, performance tuning, automation, and cloud-based solutions. His work spans a wide range of industries, including Manufacturing, Insurance, Finance, Retail, Restaurant, and Healthcare. As a certified professional in both Microsoft and AWS technologies, he is driven by a passion for innovation and delivering exceptional value to clients.
Jeff Foushee
Principal {Various}, Humana, Inc.
Jeff Foushee
Humana, Inc., Principal {Various}
Jeff Foushee has blurred the line between developer and DBA since 1996. He collects knowledge in different programming languages, collects attractions on RoadsideAmerica.com , and volunteers as a Blackjack dealer for Louisville area church picnics.
Jeff Iannucci
Senior Consultant, Straight Path Solutions
Jeff Iannucci
Straight Path Solutions, Senior Consultant
Jeff Iannucci is a Senior Consultant with Straight Path Solutions and the author of "Learn SQL in a Month of Lunches." For over 20 years, he has worked extensively with databases and SQL development in sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail sales, and government. He appreciates any opportunity to share his knowledge, including blogging, creating video content, and presenting at user groups and conferences.
Jeff Levy
Senior Manager, Protiviti
Jeff Levy
Protiviti, Senior Manager
Jeff is an experienced Data Architect and is very adept at understanding client needs while driving through and translating business requirements into a technical solution. Jeff has been working in IT for over 14 years and has been working in the SQL / Data Warehouse space since 2012. Jeff has a specialization in the Azure / Microsoft technology stack and has designed and developed many data platforms from scratch.
Jeff Taylor
Principal Data Consultant, Database Consulting, LLC
Jeff Taylor
Database Consulting, LLC, Principal Data Consultant
Jeff Taylor is a Principal Data Consultant, Microsoft MVP, Redgate Community Ambassador, and Octopus Insider with over 27 years of experience specializing in performance tuning and critical data issues. He currently organizes the Jax Data and SQL Saturday Jacksonville and is the Jacksonville Development Users Group co-organizer.
Jeremy Schneider
Postgres Engineer, GEICO
Jeremy Schneider
GEICO, Postgres Engineer
Jeremy Schneider has been programming for 30 years and working with databases for 20 years, first focused on Oracle and later focused on Postgres. He is currently an organizer of the Seattle Postgres User Group. He is also a Postgres Engineer at GEICO tech. Bringing his background with large-scale data processing and enterprise relational databases to the table, he is helping build a next-generation hybrid-cloud database platform – enabling developers to architect and operate applications that are fast and reliable while meeting business requirements such as integration, compliance and security.
Jess Pomfret
Data platform engineer, Data Masterminds
Jess Pomfret
Data Masterminds, Data platform engineer
Jess Pomfret is a Data Platform Engineer and a dual Microsoft MVP. She started working with SQL Server in 2011, and enjoys problem-solving and automating processes with PowerShell. She also enjoys contributing to dbatools and dbachecks, two open source PowerShell modules that aid DBAs with automating the management of SQL Server instances. She has also contributed to the SqlServerDsc module, adding several new resources to use when configuring your SQL Servers. She grew up in the South West of England and outside of her DBA life enjoys Crossfit, cycling and watching proper football.
Jim Hill
Business Intelligence Practice Manager, JourneyTeam
Jim Hill
JourneyTeam, Business Intelligence Practice Manager
With over 30 years of experience turning raw data into actionable insights, Jim is a seasoned expert in data warehousing and business intelligence. He has designed and implemented innovative solutions for leading organizations including Motorola, On Semiconductor, DHL, and 1-800 Contacts, as well as many others across diverse industries. A passionate educator, Jim regularly teaches courses on data visualization and Power BI, helping professionals communicate data with clarity and impact. His practical, engaging approach empowers teams to unlock the true value of their data. Jim is also a dynamic conference speaker, known for delivering insightful, high-energy sessions that inspire audiences to rethink how they work with data. He has presented at top industry events such as TDWI, Oracle OpenWorld, PASS Summit, and FabricCon 2025, earning high praise for both content and delivery.
Jitendra Kumar
Delivery Consultant, Amazon Web Services
Jitendra Kumar
Amazon Web Services, Delivery Consultant
Jitendra Kumar is a Senior Delivery Consultant at AWS with over two decades of enterprise database expertise, specializing in large-scale distributed Data Warehouse systems using MPP architecture. A 5X AWS Certified Professional and passionate knowledge sharer, he has authored numerous technical publications and regularly speaks at conferences, bringing practical insights from his experience managing complex database migrations and modernization projects. At AWS, Jitendra helps enterprise customers transform their self-managed database infrastructure to managed services, ensuring cost-effectiveness, scalability, and resilience across on-premises, AWS, and Azure environments. Jitendra holds a Master of Computer Application (MCA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitendrkumar/
Joe Fleming
Founder/Owner, SQL Tailor Consulting
Joe Fleming
SQL Tailor Consulting, Founder/Owner
With over 25 years of data experience, I've been through the ringer, solving some of the weirdest problems you can imagine. I've done Performance Tuning, Disaster Recovery, High Availability, Replication, RCA and general troubleshooting in industries from health care, finance, software, manufacturing, logistics, and more — both on-premises and in AWS and Azure Cloud platforms. I've got a passion for helping others and was a PASS Chapter Leader and Regional Mentor for several years. Always looking for new challenges, I started consulting in 2015 and became an independent consultant in 2022.
Joey Dantoni
Principal Cloud Architect, 3Cloud
Joey Dantoni
3Cloud, Principal Cloud Architect
Joey D'Antoni is a Principal Cloud Architect, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with over 20 years of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is a frequent speaker at major tech events like Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit and Enterprise Data World. He blogs about all topics technology at joeydantoni.com. He believes that no single platform is the answer to all technology problems. He lives in Malvern, PA and holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and an MBA from North Carolina State University, and is the co-author of the Microsoft book "Introducing SQL Server 2016"
Johan Ludvig Brattås
Director, Brattås Konsult
Johan Ludvig Brattås
Brattås Konsult, Director
Johan Ludvig Brattås is a director, and a dedicated community guy. He has worked with MS SQL server since late 1999, mostly with BI in one form or another. Since 2015, most of his work has been in the cloud working on data platform services such as Snowflake, Databricks and Fabric. Combining his passion for MS SQL Server with his passion for sharing knowledge, he started speaking at various events in the SQL Community. This is also a way to give back to the community for all the things he has learned over the years. When not working, Johan Ludvig either spends his time with his kids, playing with new technology or teaching coeliacs how to bake glutenfree food.
John Martin
Technology Partner and Alliances Manager, Redgate
John Martin
Redgate, Technology Partner and Alliances Manager
John is an experienced data platform professional having spent over fifteen years working with Microsoft SQL Server, Azure, and AWS technologies. Working closely with clients to solve their data platform problems with innovative solutions with a focus on simplicity, maintainability, and automation.
John Morehouse
Principal Consultant, Denny Cherry & Associates
John Morehouse
Denny Cherry & Associates, Principal Consultant
John Morehouse is a Principal Consultant with Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting living in Chesapeake, Virginia. Honored to be a Microsoft Data Platform MVP & former VMWare vExpert, having over 2 decades of technical experience, John now focuses on solving crucial business problems with Microsoft SQL Server oriented solutions. John has a passion around speaking, teaching technical topics and giving back to his community whenever possible. He is a blogger, avid tweeter, and a frequent speaker at conferences and user groups whenever possible. If you want to find John, you can find him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmorehouse) or on his blog, http://sqlrus.com.
Juliana Smith
Reporting Lead, Costain
Juliana Smith
Costain, Reporting Lead
Hi there! I’m Juliana Smith, a multi award-winning IT Chartered Professional. For over 15 years, I’ve been driven by a passion for uncovering the stories hidden within data. I specialise in turning complex project information into clear, actionable insights that help stakeholders confidently track progress and tackle challenges head-on. Through Power BI, I don't only create visualisations, but also ensure it’s accessible to everyone, following WCAG guidelines to remove barriers and make informed decision-making truly inclusive.
K. Brian Kelley
Enterprise Architect, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
K. Brian Kelley
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, Enterprise Architect
Brian Kelley is an author, columnist, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), accredited CISA trainer, TOGAF 9 certified architect, and former Microsoft Data Platform (SQL Server) MVP (2009-2016) focusing on Microsoft Azure, SQL Server and Windows security. Brian currently serves as an enterprise architect covering cloud, data, infrastructure, and security. He has served in a myriad of other positions including senior database administrator/architect, data warehouse architect, web developer, incident response team lead, and project manager. He is a regular columnist for the ISACA Journal writing on Digital Trust, as well as an author at MSSQLTips.com. Brian is a frequent speaker on Microsoft SQL Server, security, and audit topics and has presented at the PASS Data Summit, IT/Dev Connections, SQL Connections, and the Techno Security and Digital Forensics Conference.
Karthik Ganapathy
Solution Specialist, Quest software Inc
Karthik Ganapathy
Quest software Inc, Solution Specialist
15 years of experience in data governance and data analytics. Helping customers implement data discovery and AI governance. Expertise around automation and integration for data lineage, data observability, semantic augmentation data modernization. My focus revolves around Metadata management, Data discovery and search, Data lineage and impact analysis, Data quality, Data Literacy, Data classification and tagging
Karunakar Kotha
Sr Customer Engineer / Data Architect, Microsoft
Karunakar Kotha
Microsoft, Sr Customer Engineer / Data Architect
I am an IT professional with over 18+ years of experience, specializing in database technologies. My background includes database architecture, modernization, design, and performance optimization. Worked with a wide range of clients, successfully delivering database solutions that address real business needs. I have led modernization projects, helping organizations move their databases to the cloud to improve scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. I am detail-oriented and passionate about Database technologies. My goal is always to deliver solutions that meet and exceed customer /business expectations.
Kasper de Jonge
Microsoft
Kasper de Jonge
Microsoft
Kellyn Gorman
Multiplatform and AI Advocate, Redgate
Kellyn Gorman
Redgate, Multiplatform and AI Advocate
Kellyn Gorman is a Database and AI Advocate and Engineer at Redgate She's the previous director of Data and AI at Silk, and the Oracle SME in Azure at Microsoft. With a robust background in cloud technology and a passion for promoting its merits and potential, I am thrilled to spearhead conversations and actions that help shape the future of this industry. Kellyn has authored numerous technical books, white papers and solution repositories in Github on database, AI and engineering topics.
Kendra Little
Staff Database Reliability Engineer, Dutchie
Kendra Little
Dutchie, Staff Database Reliability Engineer
Kendra Little (she/her) helps DBAs and developers squeeze every drop of performance out of SQL Server without losing their minds (or their data). She’s a Staff Database Reliability Engineer at Dutchie, a Microsoft Certified Master in SQL Server, and a seasoned speaker with deep experience in consulting, DevOps, and production firefighting. Kendra specializes in teaching real-world humans how to troubleshoot tough database problems, build smarter automation, and keep systems stable and snappy.
Kevin Chant
Lead Technology Advocate, Macaw
Kevin Chant
Macaw, Lead Technology Advocate
Lead Technology Advocate. Originally from the UK and now living in the Netherlands. Microsoft Certified Trainer and Data Platform MVP. Many years experience in the IT sector, including supporting companies in the top 10 of the fortune 500 list. In addition to a lot of experience with the Microsoft Data Platform, also various Microsoft Certifications. Real life experience with various Microsoft Data Platform offerings and Azure DevOps. Held various roles; including Team Leader, SQL Server Product Owner, certification coach and Solution Architect. In addition, involved with Data Platform Community in various ways. Including blogs, MVP videos, Dutch Fabric user group organizer and sharing various repositories in GitHub.
Kevin Liu
Cloud Platform Architect, ID.me
Kevin Liu
ID.me, Cloud Platform Architect
Kevin is a Cloud Platform Architect at ID.me, a next-generation digital identity wallet. He is responsible for leading the platform infrastructure team where he manages container runtimes, databases, network infrastructure, and ML/AI ops.
Kevin Wilkie
Lead Data Architect, Build Technology Group
Kevin Wilkie
Build Technology Group, Lead Data Architect
Kevin has been wrangling data and dodging dirty reads for over 15 years — back when SQL Server 6.5 was considered "modern" and query tuning meant praying to the optimizer gods. His journey began as an "Accidental DBA" — one misfired report and suddenly he was deep in sys.objects, pretending sp_who2 was an actual plan. Since then, he's played nearly every role in the SQL Server ecosystem: SQL Developer, BI Associate, Production DBA, and now a Data Architect with a mission. These days, Kevin spends his time normalizing chaos, denormalizing silos, and preaching the gospel of clean, well-modeled data. He’s been known to pivot on the fly, avoid Cartesian relationships, and bring deadlocks back to life — all while gently reminding teams that SELECT * is a cry for help. If it involves data, Kevin's in — tuning queries, architecting solutions, or just nerding out about why surrogate keys are misunderstood. He’s not just passionate about data — he’s got a clustered index on it.
Kranthi Kiran Burada
Sr DB Migration Specialist, Amazon Web Services
Kranthi Kiran Burada
Amazon Web Services, Sr DB Migration Specialist
I’m Kranthi Kiran Burada, and I've been serving as a Database Migration Specialist at AWS for the past 8 years, accumulating a total of 12 years of experience in the field. My primary focus lies in assisting customers with migrating from commercial databases to open-source databases like PostgreSQL. Over the last 9 years, I've been deeply involved with PostgreSQL, aiding clients in performance optimization, database design, troubleshooting, and offering best practices during migrations from Oracle/SQL Server to PostgreSQL. I had the privilege of being a speaker at both SwissPGDay 2024, PGConf Belgium 2024,SQLBits 2025.Additionally, I have the privilege of being an AWS Certification Subject Matter Expert (SME), contributing to the development of all AWS associate certifications and the AWS Database Specialty Certification. Beyond my professional endeavours, I'm passionate about exploring new destinations and indulging in games like badminton and cricket during my leisure time.
Kristyna Ferris
Solution Architect, P3 Adaptive
Kristyna Ferris
P3 Adaptive, Solution Architect
Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about participating and growing the data community, she enjoys co-writing on Data on Wheels (dataonwheels.com). She also a co-organizer for Lexington Data Technology Group.
Lance Wright
Microsoft
Lance Wright
Microsoft
Lance is an IT professional with over 15 years of experience, including 10 as a product leader. At Microsoft, he's a Senior Product Manager in Azure Databases working on performance monitoring solutions across Azure SQL and Fabric SQL. He also works on Azure Arc, helping to bring Azure cloud management capabilities to on-prem and multi-cloud environments. Prior to Microsoft, Lance spent over 10 years building data-centric B2B SaaS products both as a software engineer and as a product leader.
Laura Copeland
Solutions Engineer, Redgate
Laura Copeland
Redgate, Solutions Engineer
Passionate about bringing technology and people together, Laura works as a solutions engineer to help people adopt DevOps practices into their database strategy.
Lee Coates
Senior Systems Analyst, City of Gresham, OR
Lee Coates
City of Gresham, OR, Senior Systems Analyst
With a diverse background in Data Science, Software Development, and Service Delivery, Lee Coates spends his time architecting solutions that digitally transforms Enterprise Data Estates. From cloud migrations and data pipelines to governance strategies and AI-powered apps, Lee enjoys empowering analysts, developers, and business leaders to embrace and realize data-driven decision making in their organizations. He's been a member of the Microsoft Data Community for 13 years and loves to speak with others about Azure, Fabric, sql, dotnet, git, cloud-native, civic tech, and particle physics!
Lenore Flower
Data Trainer & Consultant, Data Plumber, LLC
Lenore Flower
Data Plumber, LLC, Data Trainer & Consultant
Lenore Flower (MBA, MCT) is the owner of Data Plumber, LLC, a training and consulting business dedicated to helping companies build up their staff’s capacity in tandem with their Microsoft-based data infrastructure. An unapologetic generalist, Lenore loves helping others overcome intimidating concepts in data engineering and business intelligence, so they may maintain their organization’s systems independently and with confidence. While her technical “home base” is Power BI, she has experience working with SQL, Azure, Fabric, and D365 F&O—and a soft spot for paginated reports. As co-organizer of the Power BI Washington, D.C. user group, Lenore has been instrumental in helping the Power BI User Group to nearly double over the past two years, including facilitating Power BI Days DC, a free two-day conference. Lenore holds an MBA from the University of Maryland, where she prioritized finance and tech coursework that aligned with her background in FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), accounting, and DQ&G (Data Quality and Governance). When not building data systems in the cloud, Lenore can be found building things in real life—to varying levels of success.
Leslie Welch
Principal Architect, Data & AI, SHI International
Leslie Welch
SHI International, Principal Architect, Data & AI
Leslie Welch is the Principal Architect of Data & AI at SHI. She is a Microsoft MVP with over 18 years of experience in automation, data analysis and visualization, and strengthening organizations’ knowledge of data. Leslie has worked end to end in the data arena from capture and ETL to database design/engineering to analysis and dashboard design to ML use cases with a focus on improving productivity, performance, and data quality. She has extensive experience in enterprise deployment of Power BI, both as an admin and Power BI architect and a trainer and technical community organizer. She is passionate about data governance, truth telling in data, and she creates collaborative environments across data practitioners and the numerous data stakeholders. Leslie is co-organizer of Power BI DC, and frequently attends and speaks at data community meetups in the DC metro area including but not limited to Data Viz DC, Data Science DC, Women Who Code DC, Washington DC Power Platform User Group, and Generative AI DC. Leslie was recognized as a 2023 New Power Woman in Tech by DCA Live, and on the RealLIST Engineers 2024 as one of 15 technologists helping the DMV ecosystem grow.
Louise Domeisen
Redgate
Louise Domeisen
Redgate
Louise is Customer Advocacy Manager at Redgate Software. Among many things, she manages the Redgate Ambassador programs, creates customer case studies and testimonials, and drives online peer reviews. Her favorite part of the role is working closely with customers and the wider data community to build relationships and understand the human side of software, enabling them to share their stories to help others develop and succeed.
Lukas Fittl
Founder & CEO, pganalyze
Lukas Fittl
pganalyze, Founder & CEO
Lukas is the Founder of pganalyze, a PostgreSQL performance monitoring and optimization tool, author of pg_query (a library to parse Postgres queries), and a contributor to the Postgres project. Lukas has worked on Postgres performance for over two decades and was previously a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, leading the launch of Azure Database for Postgres Flexible Server.
Manish Kumar
Sr Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
Manish Kumar
Microsoft, Sr Cloud Solution Architect
Manish Kumar is a seasoned Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft with over 24 years of diverse experience in the IT industry, specializing in modern data platforms and cloud-native solutions. He is a recognized expert in architecting end-to-end data solutions leveraging core Azure services, including Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Purview, and a broad range of PaaS and hybrid data technologies. His work focuses on delivering scalable, secure, and performance-optimized architectures across structured, unstructured, and streaming data workloads. Throughout his career, Manish has held a variety of roles—Software Developer, SQL Server DBA, Data Architect, and now Senior Cloud Solution Architect—which give him a unique, full-spectrum perspective on enterprise data challenges. Manish is also a passionate advocate for knowledge sharing. He frequently presents at industry conferences and community events, bringing deep technical insight, practical experience, and thought leadership to global audiences.
Manny Doporto
Commercial Account Executive, Redgate
Manny Doporto
Redgate, Commercial Account Executive
I've been at Redgate for 3 years now. Working my way up through various roles in the sales organization, and interacting with customers at every level. I enjoy problem solving and helping others find solutions to complex challenges, especially in the database space.
No sessions found for this speaker.
Marco Russo
Consultant, SQLBI
Marco Russo
SQLBI, Consultant
Marco is a business intelligence consultant and mentor. He wrote several books about Power BI, Analysis Services, and Power Pivot. He also regularly writes articles and white papers that are available on sqlbi.com. Marco is a Microsoft MVP. Today, Marco focuses his time with SQLBI customers, traveling extensively to train and consult on DAX and data modeling for Power BI, Fabric, and Analysis Services. Marco also teaches public classes worldwide. Marco is a regular speaker at international conferences. During his trips, he also enjoys delivering evening sessions at local user groups.
Marsha Pierce
Global Lead of Field Engineering NDB, Nutanix
Marsha Pierce
Nutanix, Global Lead of Field Engineering NDB
Marsha is a database expert across multiple database platforms specializing in Dev-Ops, on-premises automation, and virtualization. Prior to joining Nutanix she led the specialist org at Pure Storage.
Martynas Jočys
Data & Analytics Consultant, Macaw
Martynas Jočys
Macaw, Data & Analytics Consultant
Martynas is a BI professional specializing in UX design and visual communication of data. His quest is to make data-human interaction a thing data humans care about by raising awareness and promoting best practices. He is doing Visual Storytelling trainings for clients worldwide, co-runs Data Visualization and Fabric User Group meetups in Lithuania, and occasionally shares his knowledge in conferences, meetups and on his blog.
Matt Gordon
Practice Director, Data & Analytics, Apps Associates
Matt Gordon
Apps Associates, Practice Director, Data & Analytics
Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with SQL Server since 2000. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY Data Technology Group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He's an IDERA ACE alumnus and Redgate Ambassador. His original data professional role was in database development, which quickly evolved into query tuning work that further evolved into being a DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server and Azure SQL and managed dozens of 24/7/365 SQL Server implementations. As a consultant, he works with customers large, medium, and small to migrate to the cloud, make their data estate operate efficiently, and find the right tools and solutions within the Microsoft Data Platform.
Matt Sharkey
Senior Manager Database Administration, Buildertrend
Matt Sharkey
Buildertrend, Senior Manager Database Administration
Matt is the Senior Manager of Database Administration at Buildertrend, where he focuses on cloud database infrastructure and building resilient, high-availability SQL Server environments. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, training in martial arts, and spending time with his wife and their 2-year-old son.
Mehul Joshi
Global Practice Head – SQL Server, Datavail
Mehul Joshi
Datavail, Global Practice Head – SQL Server
Global Practice Head – SQL Server at Datavail, having 18+ years of IT experience. Excellent communicator and strong relationship building skills at all level. Proven track record in serving global clientele, leading cross-cultural teams through a combination of strategic thinking, interpersonal and analytical skills.
Michael McKinley
President, McKinley Consulting
Michael McKinley
McKinley Consulting, President
Michael McKinley is a data analytics consultant, instructor, and Power BI evangelist with a passion for turning complexity into clarity. At AllianceBernstein, he leads data intelligence efforts that empower senior leaders with actionable insights. Outside the office, Michael runs the Nashville Power BI User Group, teaches live training courses, and speaks at conferences to help others harness the full potential of Power BI, the Power Platform, and Microsoft Fabric.
Mihail Mateev
CEO / Founder, Soft Project Ltd
Mihail Mateev
Soft Project Ltd, CEO / Founder
I am a Microsoft Regional Director currently living in Sofia, Bulgaria. My interests range from technology to entrepreneurship. I am also interested in programming, web development, and education. Technical Consultant, Community enthusiast, PASS Regional Mentor for Central Eastern Europe, chapter lead, Microsoft MVP – AI Platform, Data Platform. Organizer of SQLSaturday, Azure Bootcamp, IoT, and JavaScript conferences. My experience is in various areas related to Microsoft technologies, including Windows Platform, ASP.Net MVC, MS SQL Server and Microsoft Azure. I have a PhD in cloud computing and am a university lecturer on Smart Homes and Smart Energy IoT Solution
Mike Jewett
Database Administrator, United Wholesale Mortgage
Mike Jewett
United Wholesale Mortgage, Database Administrator
Mike is a Database Administrator at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). He has 9 years of experience as a Database Admin, primarily focusing on Microsoft SQL Server and PowerShell automations when possible. He also has experience in other DBMS’ including Mongo, Redis, and Postgres.
Mike Walsh
Founder &CEO, Straight Path IT Solutions
Mike Walsh
Straight Path IT Solutions, Founder &CEO
Mike has been working with SQL Server since 1999. In 2011, he founded Straight Path Solutions as a side project. He eventually hired his first full-time employee, and fast-forward to today: Straight Path is a 17-employee SQL Server consultancy that performs SQL Server tuning, cloud migrations, and managed DBA services for small and large businesses. When he's not working with his team, he's keeping busy with his family of 6, listening to music, trying to slow down and enjoy each day as it happens.
Mikey Bronowski
Chief Popkorn Officer, DataPopkorn.com
Mikey Bronowski
DataPopkorn.com, Chief Popkorn Officer
Husband | Dad | DBA | MCT | Data Platform MVP | UG Leader Chief Popkorn Officer at DataPopkorn.com Data enthusiast with a mathematics background. Working with SQL Server for over 15 years. Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer with a couple of certificates, sharing knowledge.
Minesh Chande
Sr. Solutions Architect, AWS
Minesh Chande
AWS, Sr. Solutions Architect
I am a Senior Database Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS, focused on helping customers across diverse industries optimize their database solutions. I specialize in designing, migrating, and enhancing SQL Server workloads on managed database platforms such as Amazon RDS, Amazon RDS Custom, and Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL.
Mohamed Kabiruddin
Product Manager, Google
Mohamed Kabiruddin
Google, Product Manager
Mohamed Kabiruddin: Mohamed is a Senior Product Manager working on Cloud SQL for SQL Server. He is passionate about data and spent several years working with databases, data warehouses, analytics products and related technologies. Prior to joining Google Cloud, Mohamed worked in Google’s Core Informational Retrieval team focusing on Search and vector embeddings. He also worked in Microsoft Azure SQL product team before Google.
Monica Morehouse (Rathbun)
Consultant, Denny Cherry and Associates Consulting
Monica Morehouse (Rathbun)
Denny Cherry and Associates Consulting, Consultant
Monica Morehouse (Rathbun), a Microsoft MVP for Data Platform, resides in Virginia and brings two decades of experience across various database platforms, with a particular focus on SQL Server and the Microsoft Data Platform. She is a frequent speaker at IT industry conferences, where she shares her expertise on performance tuning and configuration management for both on-premises and cloud environments. Monica leads the Hampton Roads SQL Server User Group and is passionate about SQL Server and its community, she is dedicated to giving back in any way she can. You can often find her online (@sqlespresso) offering helpful tips or blogging at sqlespresso.com.
Mridula Pandit
Sr.Manager, Navy Federal Credit Union
Mridula Pandit
Navy Federal Credit Union, Sr.Manager
Mri has a career rooted in fintech and has worked with Fortune 100 companies, turning complex data challenges into practical, impactful solutions. With deep expertise in database administration, data architecture, and platform engineering, she has driven data modernization and real-time analytics while supporting AI and machine learning initiatives that enable digital transformation. Currently, she works as a Senior Data Engineering Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, leading with a people-first mindset and a commitment to accountability. A proud woman in tech, Mri is passionate about empowering others and fostering inclusive spaces where diverse voices thrive. She is a Redgate Ambassador and has previously spoken at the PASS Summit, sharing her experiences to help others grow in their data journeys. Beyond the data world, Mri is a mom of two, a devoted dog lover, and a curious traveler, always seeking new stories and perspectives.
Nathan Giullian
Solution Architect, Enterbridge
Nathan Giullian
Enterbridge, Solution Architect
Nathan is an Engagement Manager at EnterBridge and previously worked as a Solution Architect for Business Intelligence using Microsoft tools. His passion for business intelligence began during his studies at Brigham Young University, where he majored in Economics. Nathan holds multiple Microsoft certifications, including Power Platform Functional Consultant, Power Platform App Maker, Power BI Data Analyst, and Fabric Analyst. He is also certified in DAX, Six Sigma, Power Platform, Azure, and Market Research.
Naveen Gupta
Vice President of Growth, Data & AI, Yugabyte, Inc.
Naveen Gupta
Yugabyte, Inc., Vice President of Growth, Data & AI
Naveen Gupta is a Vice President of the Product Growth team at Yugabyte, Inc., primarily focusing on product innovation in data and artificial intelligence. Naveen has worked in engineering and product management roles, developing and launching several software products in enterprise applications and enterprise data management.
Naveen Samba
Principal Engineering Architect Manager, Microsoft
Naveen Samba
Microsoft, Principal Engineering Architect Manager
Senior IT professional with broad experience in IT leadership, solution architecture and development, infrastructure design and optimization with deep skills in the Microsoft Data Platform, both on-prem and on the cloud. Currently working with customers migrate from competitive data platforms (Oracle, Exadata, Teradata, Netezza, DB2, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB etc.) to Azure.
Navnit Shukla
Sr. Solution Architect – Data and AI, Amazon Web Services
Navnit Shukla
Amazon Web Services, Sr. Solution Architect – Data and AI
Navnit Shukla is a Senior Specialist Solutions Architect at AWS, author of “Data Wrangling on AWS”, and a leading voice in GenAI, analytics, and modern data architectures. With 14+ years of experience, he has helped Fortune 500 companies implement AI-powered platforms using Amazon Bedrock, OpenSearch, Redshift, and more—driving millions in business impact. Navnit is a prolific educator and content creator, with 100+ technical videos on YouTube, top-ranked AWS blog contributions, and co-authored data engineering curricula for AWS Academy and Coursera. He’s a frequent speaker at AWS re:Invent and global industry events.
Neha Prakash
Business Analyst, KR3 Information Systems Inc.
Neha Prakash
KR3 Information Systems Inc., Business Analyst
Results-driven professional with over 7 years of experience in project and product management, business analysis, data analytics, and technology-driven solutions. Proven track record in leading strategy, optimizing identity and access management (IAM) processes, and delivering impactful analytics to enhance business performance.
Nick Karpov
Databricks
Nick Karpov
Databricks
Nick Karpov is a Staff Developer Advocate at Databricks, where he helps data and AI practitioners unlock the full potential of the Lakehouse platform. With a career spanning software engineering, data infrastructure, and developer relations, Nick is passionate about bridging the gap between complex technical capabilities and real-world applications.
Nitish Reddy Kotha
Engineering Architect – Microsoft Azure Data & AI, Microsoft
Nitish Reddy Kotha
Microsoft, Engineering Architect – Microsoft Azure Data & AI
Nitish Reddy Kotha is an Engineering Architect in Microsoft’s SQL Engineering group, where he focuses on database transformation into Azure Database offerings. After completing his master’s in Computer Science at Ball State University, Indiana, his journey in last 15 years as a developer and Database consultant took him through Cisco, where he worked on enterprise-scale database technologies such as RAC, high availability, Unix Scripting, and replication features. He later managed Exadata migrations, Data consolidation to SQL databases in various roles before joining Oracle’s Information Integration team, where he worked alongside peers who later became part of the founding team at Striim, gaining deep expertise in cross database heterogeneous replication, CDC, ETL, and critical systems. Today at Microsoft, he applies his multi-database knowledge to bridge modernization gaps and build IP’s that supports future-ready architectures. Nitish believes that learning from peers and mentors has been key to his success, driving his commitment to constant improvement. You can connect with Nitish at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitish-reddy-kotha-2225b5bb/
Noah Sommerfeld
Solution architect, Databricks
Noah Sommerfeld
Databricks, Solution architect
As a Delivery Solutions Architect with Databricks Field Engineering, I help make sure initiatives at our biggest and most strategic customers go live on time and on budget. I get a front-row view of the real-world challenges companies are facing as AI transforms the data ecosystem, and explodes both data volumes and stakeholder counts.
OJ Ngo
IT, DH2i
OJ Ngo
DH2i, IT
With over two decades of experience in IT, Thanh "OJ" Ngo is a seasoned technologist and inventor dedicated to streamlining processes and finding creative solutions to everyday technical problems. As co-founder and principal architect of DH2i Company's core technology, OJ brings his unique blend of technical expertise and innovative thinking to the development of groundbreaking solutions that transform the way organizations approach IT challenges.
Ola Hallengren
Chief Data Platforms Engineer, Saxo Bank
Ola Hallengren
Saxo Bank, Chief Data Platforms Engineer
Ola Hallengren is a Data Platform MVP and the creator of the "SQL Server Maintenance Solution".
Padma Rama Divya Achanta
Sr. SQL & Cloud Database Administrator, CDW
Padma Rama Divya Achanta
CDW, Sr. SQL & Cloud Database Administrator
Padma Rama Divya Achanta is a seasoned Cloud Data Strategist and Senior Consultant with over a decade of experience in cloud infrastructure, data engineering, and automation. She specializes in designing intelligent, scalable data platforms using Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, and Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform, Ansible. Padma has led large-scale database modernization and migration initiatives, optimizing performance and delivering significant cost savings for enterprise clients. As the founder of DBAVaults.com, a platform dedicated to empowering data professionals with practical insights on cloud databases and automation, Padma actively shares technical articles, scripts, and architectural solutions. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics such as AI-driven cloud integration, sustainable tech innovation, and hybrid data architecture. Her unique ability to simplify complex technologies and drive innovation through automation makes her a sought-after speaker, mentor, and strategic advisor in the data community.
Pam Lahoud
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Pam Lahoud
Microsoft, Principal Program Manager
Pam Lahoud has been with Microsoft since 2006 and is currently a Program Manager on the Microsoft Fabric Databases Customer Advisory Team, based in Redmond, WA, USA. She is passionate about Azure SQL and SQL Server performance and has focused on performance tuning and optimization, particularly from the developer perspective, throughout her career. She is a SQL 2008 MCM with over 25 years of experience working with Azure SQL and SQL Server and is co-author of the book "Learn T-SQL Querying: A guide to developing efficient and elegant T-SQL code" (https://aka.ms/LearnTSQLQuerying).
Paresh Motiwala
Developer, Harris County, TX
Paresh Motiwala
Harris County, TX, Developer
Paresh Motiwala a Redgate Community Ambassador; a Fabric enthusiast and a Data Platform Manager has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He was selected as a "Speaker Idol" finalist for the PASS Summit 2018. He also runs DBA VUG, Houston Area SQL Server User Group and Boston BI User Groups. He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Senior SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He also helps organize and speaks at many PASS Summits, SQL Saturdays, Azure Bootcamp and User Groups. He is certified in Big Data Analytics and FinTech(MIT) Project manager, Public Speaker, an avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills. He also mentors DBAs and children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com.
Patrick O'Halloran
Principal Solutions Architect, WhereScape
Patrick O'Halloran
WhereScape, Principal Solutions Architect
Patrick O’Halloran has had a long career in technical and customer-facing roles. He is a self-described ‘math nerd’ who began his programming career at age 13. He’s been involved in large-scale software development throughout his career, and is currently at WhereScape where he has filled a variety of roles and is currently a Principal Solutions Architect.
Pavlo Golub
Senior/Lead Developer/Engineer, Cybertec
Pavlo Golub
Cybertec, Senior/Lead Developer/Engineer
Pavlo is a PostgreSQL expert and developer at CYBERTEC. He's been working with PostgreSQL since 2002. He has an M.Ed. with an emphasis in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University, and previously worked as a professor at the Kirovograd Medical Professional College. He is the co-founder of PostgreSQL Ukraine: https://www.facebook.com/groups/postgresql.ua. He develops and maintains the PostgreSQL tools PGWatch2 and pg_timetable.
Peter Kruis
SQL Consultant, Monin-IT
Peter Kruis
Monin-IT, SQL Consultant
Peter is a SQL Consultant at Monin-IT who enjoys working across the full spectrum of SQL Server since 2010, though he likes the performance tuning the most. Since stepping into the speaker scene in 2023, he has shared his knowledge at events like SQLBits and SQL/Data Saturday. Peter’s sessions are known for being informative, demo-filled and delivered with an approachable style that is very suitable for newcomers and accidental DBA's. Whether it’s diving into wait stats, tackling tricky query plans, or just having a laugh while learning something new; Peter is always up for making SQL a little more fun.
Peter Shore
Senior Database Administrator, APCO Holdings
Peter Shore
APCO Holdings, Senior Database Administrator
Peter is a seasoned IT professional with over 30 years of experience. He is a frequent speaker at SQL Saturday, User Groups, PASS Data Community Summit, and other conferences. He took the DBA plunge in 2013 quickly embracing the Microsoft Data Platform and associated community. Peter is comfortable working with physical, virtual, and Azure implementations of SQL Server focusing on improving performance and reliability. He is also adept at bridging the gap between technical and business language to bring technology solutions to business needs. Additionally, Peter is the president of CBusData in Columbus, Ohio and co-organizer of Data Saturday Columbus.
Phil Brammer
Director of Product Security, Buildertrend Solutions, Inc.
Phil Brammer
Buildertrend Solutions, Inc., Director of Product Security
Phil Brammer is the director of product security at Buildertrend. living in Omaha, Nebraska. He leads a team working on ensuring our customers and their data are secure, blending his database knowledge with industry security best practices. A former community speaker, he’s happy to be back to share his story. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Erica, and five kids.
Pinal Dave
SQL Performance Expert, SQL Authority
Pinal Dave
SQL Authority, SQL Performance Expert
Pinal Dave is an SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and independent consultant with over 24 years of hands-on experience. He holds a Masters of Science degree and numerous database certifications. Pinal has authored 14 SQL Server database books and 94 Pluralsight courses. To freely share his knowledge and help others build their expertise, Pinal has also written more than 5,800 database tech articles on his blog at https://blog.sqlauthority.com. Pinal is an experienced and dedicated professional with a deep commitment to flawless customer service. If you need help with any SQL Server Performance Tuning Issues, please feel free to reach out at pinal@sqlauthority.com.
Priya Sathy
Microsoft
Priya Sathy
Microsoft
Priya Sathy brings over 25 years of experience in the data and analytics space focusing on building capabilities that meet the needs and complexities of large-scale data platforms at enterprises. She currently is head of product for SQL Databases at Microsoft including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL and Fabric SQL Database. Prior to this, Priya was head of product for Data Warehousing, Enterprise BI in Power BI and various other data and analytics products.
Rafet Ducic
Sr. Solutions Architect, Amazon
Rafet Ducic
Amazon, Sr. Solutions Architect
Rafet Ducic is a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He applies his more than 20 years of technical experience to help Global Industrial and Automotive customers transition their workloads to the cloud cost-efficiently and with optimal performance. With domain expertise in Database Technologies and Microsoft licensing, Rafet is adept at guiding companies of all sizes toward reduced operational costs and top performance standards.
Raghupati Jha
Principal Product Manager, Nutanix
Raghupati Jha
Nutanix, Principal Product Manager
Raghu is part of the NDB Product team, focusing on Backup Recovery, Copy Data Management, and the SQL Server database engine.
Raj Pai
Raj Pai
Raj Pai is Vice President of Product Management for Cloud AI.
Raj Pochiraju
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Raj Pochiraju
Microsoft, Principal Program Manager
At Microsoft primarily responsible for providing seamless database workloads migration experience to Azure Data platforms for our customers through our tools and service.
Ramesh Pathuri
Sr. Delivery Consultant – Data & AI/ML, Amazon
Ramesh Pathuri
Amazon, Sr. Delivery Consultant – Data & AI/ML
Senior Delivery Consultant – Data & AI/ML with AWS Worldwide Public Sector ProServe, Ramesh Pathuri brings extensive expertise in databases, data engineering, and artificial intelligence. He specializes in guiding organizations through cloud transformation journeys, enabling customers to unlock innovation through strategic database migration and modernization. Ramesh's technical leadership helps public sector entities optimize their data and analytics solutions, driving measurable improvements in efficiency and operational impact while navigating their transition to AWS Cloud technologies.
Ray Kim
Senior Education Specialist, Professional Development Program, The Research Foundation for SUNY
Ray Kim
The Research Foundation for SUNY, Senior Education Specialist, Professional Development Program
Ray is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as numerous SQL Saturdays and other events. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University. He currently works as a technical writer and trainer for The Professional Development Program at The Research Foundation for SUNY. A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments (piano, clarinet, mallet percussion, saxophone). He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their tuxedo cat, Bernard.
Ray Maor
Senior DBA Consultant and VP R&D, Experda
Ray Maor
Experda, Senior DBA Consultant and VP R&D
Maor Ray is a Senior Data & Infrastructure Engineer with over 20 years of experience architecting enterprise-grade data solutions. As a former military IT officer, Maor brings a unique blend of military precision and technical excellence to complex data challenges. Currently serving as Senior Data Engineering Consultant at Experda, he has designed and deployed high-performance, secure SQL Server and Oracle architectures for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and governmental agencies worldwide. Maor's career spans from hands-on database administration to executive-level product ownership. As Chief Architect and Head of R&D at Experda's Software Department, he led the development of proprietary SQL Server performance analysis tools, collaborating directly with Microsoft MVPs and working closely with clients to refine algorithms and user experiences. His expertise extends across the full technology stack. Throughout his career, Maor has managed distributed teams across multiple countries, led complex ETL pipeline implementations, and provided strategic consulting on performance optimization, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions. His deep understanding of both technical architecture and business requirements has made him a trusted advisor for organizations navigating digital transformation challenges. Maor holds a B.A. in Computer Science & Business Administration and maintains expertise in advanced database technologies, cloud platforms, and enterprise security frameworks. He is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional data management and emerging AI technologies.
Reid Havens
Co-Founder | BI Evangelist, Analytic Endeavors
Reid Havens
Analytic Endeavors, Co-Founder | BI Evangelist
As the founder of Havens Consulting Inc. and a Microsoft MVP, Reid is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in technology, organizational management, and business analytics. With a Master's Degree in Organizational Development and a background in consulting for Fortune 10, 50, and 500 companies, Reid has the knowledge and expertise to help your organization succeed. In addition to his corporate experience, Reid is also a highly sought-after instructor, teaching Business Intelligence, reporting, and data visualization at the University of Washington and other universities. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as he has been involved in the development of the PL-300, DP-500, and DP-600 Microsoft certifications. Also having developed numerous training curriculum’s delivered to companies around the world.
Reitse Eskens
Technical Consultant, Axians
Reitse Eskens
Axians, Technical Consultant
Reitse began his computer days with GW Basic and quickly followed with Windows 3.11. After that many computers followed and, interrupted by human resource and psychology studies, he got into the IT work field around 2007. There he met Oracle 9. With a command line from 1980. At his current job he met SQL Server. And loved it. Now he’s working with SQL 2008 to SQL 2019 on-premises and a number of Azure SQL Databases, supporting customers and tuning databases. New projects focus more on the Azure data platform as an architect, security advisor and data engineer.
Rene Garza
Redgate
Rene Garza
Redgate
My background includes serving as Product Support Lead within an industry dependent on reliability and service. Working on the support side, my responsibilities included diagnosing software issues, application configuration, voicing the technical side of sales calls, on-site tech support in continental United States and South America. In an industry where reliability is paramount, I have been able to take my management experience and provide our clients in the automation industry with the best possible support. This includes on-site training, sales and marketing for their own in-house distribution, and product management; Clients include. but not limited to, Google, Ford, and XTO (a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil).
René Antúnez
Principal Solutions Architect, Eclipsys
René Antúnez
Eclipsys, Principal Solutions Architect
A Cloud Architect at Eclipsys, I am an Oracle ACE, a speaker at Oracle Open World, Oracle Developer Day, IOUG Collaborate, and the OTN Tour Latin America and APAC. I'm also the Co-President of ORAMEX (Mexico Oracle User Group), the Web Events Chair for IOUG Cloud Computing Special Interest Group (SIG), and the International Chair for the Oracle RAC SIG.
Rodney Kidd
Developer / Engineer, Redacted
Rodney Kidd
Redacted, Developer / Engineer
Rodrigo Sáez
Business Intelligence Analyst, Exigo LLC
Rodrigo Sáez
Exigo LLC, Business Intelligence Analyst
Rune Ovlien Rakeie
Principal Cloud Architect, Vivicta
Rune Ovlien Rakeie
Vivicta, Principal Cloud Architect
Rune have been working with databases for 30+ years, primarily in those years with Microsoft SQL Server. Throughout the years he has had many roles, from Developer, Database Designer, Solution Architect and all the way to Production DBA. Today Rune works for Vivicta as a Principal Cloud Architect “focusing” on the different cloud vendor’s Data Platform Services. Rune is very active in the Microsoft Data Platform community and has held a position on the board for the Norwegian user group. For the last 8 years he has been running the largest Microsoft Data Platform conference on Norwegian soil, SQLSaturday Oslo, now re-branded to Data Saturday Oslo. In his spare time you can find Rune in the woods of his hometown Arendal, enjoying his primary hobby, singletrack bicycling.
Russel Loski
Senior Data Engineer, SQL Movers
Russel Loski
SQL Movers, Senior Data Engineer
Russ is a data engineer with over 25 years of experience. He has worked with a variety of tools from DTS to SSIS to Azure Data Factory to Power BI. He has worked in industry as varied as sports and health care. Russ current lives with his wife in North Texas very close to his daughter and grandkids.
Ryan Adams
Senior Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
Ryan Adams
Microsoft, Senior Cloud Solution Architect
Ryan Adams is a Senior Cloud Solution Architect for Microsoft. His focus on Data & AI allows him to work with many technologies like SQL, Azure SQL IaaS and PaaS, Databricks, Synapse Analytics, and Fabric. Previously, Ryan worked on the Fabric CAT team with our Synapse and Fabric product offerings.
Ryan Booz
Solutions Engineer, pganalyze
Ryan Booz
pganalyze, Solutions Engineer
Ryan is a Solutions Engineer at pganalyze, focusing on PostgreSQL. Ryan has worked as a PostgreSQL advocate, developer, DBA, and product manager for more than 25 years, primarily working with time-series data on PostgreSQL and the Microsoft Data Platform. Ryan is a long-time DBA and developer, starting with MySQL and Postgres in the late 90s. He spent more than 15 years working with SQL Server before returning to PostgreSQL full-time in 2018. He’s at the top of his game when he's learning something new about the data platform or teaching others about the technology he loves.
Sakshi Kiran Naik
AI Consultant, Walgreens Boots Alliance
Sakshi Kiran Naik
Walgreens Boots Alliance, AI Consultant
Sakshi Naik is an AI Consultant at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where she leads the development of ethical and impactful AI solutions in healthcare. With a Master’s in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s in IT Engineering from Mumbai University, she brings deep technical expertise across data science, machine learning, and AI infrastructure. Sakshi is also a recognized voice in AI policy. She has advised U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives on the future of responsible AI and serves as Secretary of the IEEE Connecticut Section. As a member of the IEEE AI Policy Committee (AIPC), she actively contributes to shaping national and global frameworks for trustworthy AI.
Samet Coban
Team Lead Databases, Flow Traders
Samet Coban
Flow Traders, Team Lead Databases
I am a computer scientist and database enthusiast. I started my career as a software developer, but pretty early on, I found my passion in databases. I've been working as a DBA for the past 13 years, and for the last 4 years, I’ve been leading the database team. It’s been a great journey balancing hands-on technical work with team leadership. Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel and language learning. I’ve visited 54 countries, speak three languages fluently, and have beginner-level proficiency in three more. I can also read four different alphabets, reflecting my deep interest in global cultures and communication.
Sanjay Mishra
Sanjay Mishra
Sanjay Mishra is Director of Product Management for AlloyDB, responsible for driving innovation and growth for AlloyDB cloud service, AlloyDB Omni and AlloyDB AI.
Sarah Dugan
Database engineering manager, Aya Healthcare
Sarah Dugan
Aya Healthcare, Database engineering manager
Sarah Dugan is the Database Engineering Manager at Aya Healthcare, a healthcare staffing company based out of San Diego. She’s a local Seattle-ite and lives on Bainbridge Island with her family, just a ferry away. She has worked as a Database Engineer for 24 years mostly doing database development in the healthcare space. She was recently promoted to Database Engineering Manager and works from home managing a group of 9 database engineers. Aya has over four hundred people in its IT organization and approximately 30 SCRUM teams. On a given day during the sprint cycle, they may have upwards of twenty database scripts being checked into source control through Flyway by their development community and has been using Flyway for almost three years.
No sessions found for this speaker.
Saverio Lorenzini
Senior Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft Corp.
Saverio Lorenzini
Microsoft Corp., Senior Cloud Solution Architect
Saverio Lorenzini is a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft with over 25 years of expertise in SQL Server. Passionate about data, he specializes in performance tuning, optimization, migrations, and Azure SQL. He is the creator of the SQL Monitoring Dashboard, a Microsoft IP solution for monitoring SQL instances. His current focus includes leveraging AI to enhance SQL productivity. An active member of the SQL community, Saverio regularly speaks at SQL and data conferences.
Scott Ellis
Staff SQL Engineer, Relativity
Scott Ellis
Relativity, Staff SQL Engineer
Scott Ellis is an author and technologist with 30 years experience in software development, digital forensics, big data, training, and business intelligence. He has spent the majority of his adult life writing code, conducting forensic examinations, writing SQL, developing databases, advising on SQL security and development best practices, and fixing deeply broken things. He is a 11 time speaker at Relativity Fest, leading multiple sessions in SQL, infrastructure, and security disciplines. His background is a blend of professional, military, and university experience with focuses in physics, art, and technology. He has a formal education in physics and writing, and professional disciplines include SQL, Azure, automation, DEVOPS, software usability, security, database tuning, computer forensics, performance troubleshooting, and technical publications. He has provided expertise to companies such as Deloitte, Ernst and Young, KPMG, McDermott Will and Emery, the DOJ, Department of Commerce, and Epiq. In his career he has worked on countless system and database performance issues as well as software development projects with technologies that include JSON, XML, PowerShell, MS SQL, some My SQL, and a little PostgreSQL. Projects focused on imaging, forensics, e-discovery, database performance, network, hardware, litigation, software systems, and forensics work with testimony and depositions in Federal and State trials. Extensive database work includes deep, hands-on experience with performance tuning, high availability, data architecture, report writing, security, maintenance plan management, and automation. Specialties: Microsoft SQL server performance tuning, scripting, high availability, failover clustering, TDE, database administration, database design, documentation, electronics, imaging, instruction, JavaScript, Azure, network engineering, operating systems, presentation skills, SQL Server, Query analyzer, and strong familiarity with cloud infrastructure. For fun and for his wife, one year he built a five octave, concert grand Marimba. It actually took two years.
Shane Borden
Staff Technical Solutions Consultant, Google
Shane Borden
Google, Staff Technical Solutions Consultant
Experienced technology professional with a successful career in leading highly visible, complex data architecture design, migration and production support tasks across multiple reference architectures for a variety of Fortune 500 and start-up customers alike. Most recently Shane has been focused on code conversion, data migration and performance improvements from database platforms such as Oracle and SQL Server to Google AlloyDB for PostgreSQL and Google Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL.
Sharon Reid
staff database administrator, NISA Investment Advisors
Sharon Reid
NISA Investment Advisors, staff database administrator
Before the commencement of her reign as the "Database Security Czarina of NISA," Sharon Reid was an adjunct English professor. After taking a LaunchCode class on SQL, she was asked to be a teaching assistant and then took over as lead mentor for the SQL cohort for LaunchCode Women+. Currently, she is on the St. Louis SQL Server and BI user group advisory board. Sharon enjoys sharing her passion for database security and is determined to make it fun, practical and implemented.
Shawn Oden
Database Administrator, Peraton
Shawn Oden
Peraton, Database Administrator
Back in the olden days, before that thing we call Y2K, I was a pilot, but then I accidentally became a programmer. And now I'm a data monkey. Nearly all of my career has been spent working in Background Screening, Healthcare, Insurance, Government or Military, where cybersecurity has played a fairly heavy role. I've learned quite a bit about quite a lot, and my interest has been piqued in more topics than I can ever hope to master. On the current step of my adventure, I find myself on the path as a DBA for the U.S. Army. And I'm still more curious than is probably good for me.
Shayon Sanyal
Principal WW Specialist Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Shayon Sanyal
Amazon Web Services, Inc., Principal WW Specialist Solutions Architect
Shayon Sanyal is a Principal WW Specialist Solutions Architect for Data and AI and a Subject Matter Expert for Amazon’s flagship relational database, Amazon Aurora. He has over 15 years of experience managing relational databases and analytics workloads. Shayon’s relentless dedication to customer success allows him to help customers design scalable, secure, and robust cloud-based architectures. Shayon also helps service teams with design and delivery of pioneering features, such as generative AI.
Shireesh Thota
Corporate Vice President, Azure Databases, Microsoft
Shireesh Thota
Microsoft, Corporate Vice President, Azure Databases
The mission of Azure Data is to help customers build a new class of data-first applications and drive a data culture where every employee can make better decisions based on data. Shireesh leads product management, engineering, and cloud operations for Azure databases. The products in his team’s portfolio include Azure SQL Database (on-prem, Hybrid and Cloud), Azure Cosmos DB, Azure PostgreSQL, and MySQL. Previously, as the Senior Vice President at SingleStore, Shireesh was responsible for end-to-end engineering and product vision of the company. Before moving to SingleStore, Shireesh was a founding member of Cosmos DB, where he architected, designed, and directly contributed to multiple key pieces of the services. Shireesh has 15+ years of experience on large scale, big data, scale-out, relational and schema agnostic distributed systems across SQL, Cosmos DB and PostgreSQL/Citus.
Shiva Gurumurthy
Senior Marketing Manager, AMD
Shiva Gurumurthy
AMD, Senior Marketing Manager
Shiva is Senior Product Marketing Manager at AMD, working to drive adoption of AMD server CPU product (EPYC) in the Database and Analytics market. Entering his 26th year at AMD, he has held various roles in the GPU and CPU divisions, starting out as performance engineer for various compute-heavy applications like video, Image processing, analytics and machine learning and transitioning to a business/marketing role in 2020. Shiva holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and has an MBA from Santa Clara University. Outside of work, he enjoys playing/watching sports (volleyball, badminton) and listens to a lot of music.
Shivam Gulati
Senior Data Architect, Amazon Web Services
Shivam Gulati
Amazon Web Services, Senior Data Architect
Shivam Gulati is a Senior Data Architect at Amazon Web Services. He works with customers to design and build highly available and scalable database, analytics and Generative AI solutions in the AWS Cloud. Outside of work, he loves traveling with his photography gear for capturing landscapes.
Stephanie Reis
Analytics Engineer, AAA Washington
Stephanie Reis
AAA Washington, Analytics Engineer
Stephanie Reis is a skilled data professional based in the Greater Seattle Area. With over a decade of experience in data engineering, database administration, SQL development, and statistical analysis, she has a proven track record of designing and implementing data solutions that enhance organizational efficiency and support data-driven decision-making.
Stephen Atwell
Principal Product Manager, Harness.io
Stephen Atwell
Harness.io, Principal Product Manager
Stephen Atwell develops products to improve the life of technologists. Currently, he leads Harness’s Database DevOps product. Stephen was a speaker at Kubecon 2024, Postgresconf 2024, Data on Kubernetes Day in 2023, the Continuous Delivery Summit in 2022, CDCon in 2023, 2022 and 2021, and the TBM Conference in 2015. Stephen started working in IT Operations in 1998 and transitioned to developing software in 2006. Since then he has focused on developing products that solve problems he experienced in his previous roles. Stephen holds a bachelors of Engineering in Computer Science and has worn hats ranging from network administrator, to database administrator, to software engineer, to product manager. Outside of work, Stephen develops open source garden planning software (Kitchen Garden Aid 2 ). He lives in Bellevue, Washington with his wife and his dog.
Stephen Fontanella
Sales Director, Redgate
Stephen Fontanella
Redgate, Sales Director
Stephen has a wealth of experience helping customers navigate complex software purchasing processes to acquire the solutions they need to do their jobs efficiently. This includes building value stories with company specific metrics, building criteria that resonate with the business, and identifying how to get decision makers on board. His goal for this session is to empower users of all job titles to successfully advocate for the products they need, regardless of vendor. He has worked in sales at Redgate for seven years and currently manages a team of account executives out of Pasadena, CA.
Stephen Leonard
AI Engineer, Enterprise Data & Analytics
Stephen Leonard
Enterprise Data & Analytics, AI Engineer
With half a decade of experience in IT infrastructure and data management, Stephen specializes in bridging the gap between traditional systems and emerging AI-driven technologies. His expertise spans a broad range of platforms and tools, including Windows and Linux environments, cloud solutions (Azure AZ-900 certified), and enterprise-grade data systems. Stephen brings strong technical proficiency combined with hands-on experience in project management, client communication, and team collaboration.
Stephen McMaster
Technology Strategist, Dell Technologies
Stephen McMaster
Dell Technologies, Technology Strategist
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a deep experience in global sales and business development within the IT industry and Dell Technologies specifically. Recognized for pioneering innovative data solutions and establishing strategic partnerships that significantly contribute to revenue growth. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, fostering key relationships with global clients and partners, and driving strategic initiatives in alignment with corporate goals. • Superbly successful in creating and implementing innovative data solutions feeding the AI machine in a highly strategic nature. • Highly qualified and successful in building complex hybrid cloud enterprise solutions for multiple design variations and customer needs. • Global thought leader with customer facing engagements in countries around the world. • Expert in sophisticated workload sales models and vast knowledge of both the software and hardware marketplace and the capabilities and complexities of products. • Outstanding success in building and maintaining relationships with key corporate decision-makers, establishing large-volume, high-revenue accounts with excellent levels of retention and loyalty. • 26 years of Dell knowledge and internal networking around solutioning of where the market is going for our customers. • Exceptionally well organized with a track record that demonstrates self-motivation, creativity, and initiative to achieve both personal and corporate goals.
Steve Jones
Advocate/Architect, Redgate
Steve Jones
Redgate, Advocate/Architect
Steve Jones has been working with databases and computers for over two decades. He has worked with SQL Server since 1991, from v4.2 through SQL Server 2016. He has been a DBA, developer, and manager in a variety of large and small companies across multiple industries. In 2001 Steve founded SQLServerCentral with two partners and has been publishing technical articles and facilitating discussions among SQL Server professionals ever since. He currently is the full-time editor of SQLServerCentral, as well as an evangelist for Redgate Software. Steve is a 10-year Microsoft Data Platform MVP and lives on a horse ranch in Colorado.
Sudhir Amin
Sr. Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services
Sudhir Amin
Amazon Web Services, Sr. Solutions Architect
Sudhir Amin is a Database Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. In his role based out of New York, he provides architectural guidance and technical assistance to enterprise customers across different industry verticals, accelerating their cloud adoption.
Surbhi Pokharna
Director, Cloud Data Platforms, Charles River Development
Surbhi Pokharna
Charles River Development, Director, Cloud Data Platforms
Surbhi is a data professional with over two decades of architectural/administration experience in the financial domain. Architecting the operationalization aspect in a client-facing role, delivering relational and advanced analytics solutions for large scale Operational and Data Warehouse implementations with focus on learning and innovation remained a constant part of her data journey. Currently she is leading enterprise scale cloud data migrations in SQL Server/Snowflake/Azure SQL/Managed Instance and involved with designing next generation Data Analytics solutions using Snowflake. Surbhi is board member of the New England SQL Server User Group, member of PASS, speaker in PAAS Summit/Snowflake User Group/Azure Data User Groups/Data Saturdays/SQLBits.
Taiob Ali
Database Solutions Manager, GMO LLC
Taiob Ali
GMO LLC, Database Solutions Manager
Microsoft Data Platform MVP | Global Data Solutions Leader | Cloud & AI AdvocateTaiob Taiob Ali is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 19 years of experience designing and implementing data solutions across finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. My expertise includes the Microsoft Data Platform, MongoDB, Azure AI, and Python for data-driven innovation. As a dedicated community advocate, I've presented at over 100 events worldwide, including SQL Saturdays, Data Saturdays, and international conferences. I founded the Database Professionals Virtual Meetup Group, serve on the New England SQL Server User Group and SQL Saturday boards, and contribute regularly to Microsoft Learn, where my work is featured in the Contributor Stories.
Tarun Kumar
DBSync Inc
Tarun Kumar
DBSync Inc
Tarun Kumar leads the Cloud Replication business at DBSync, driving strategy, product direction, and customer success. With over a decade of experience working with data engineers, architects, and enterprise IT teams, Tarun has a deep pulse on the challenges organizations face in moving and managing data across systems. He regularly engages with customers and prospects worldwide, helping them design scalable, compliant, and cost-effective replication pipelines. At DBSync, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s cloud-hosted replication platform, making it faster and simpler for teams to integrate data without heavy infrastructure or complex setup. Tarun is passionate about bridging the gap between evolving business needs and modern data engineering practices.
Tauseef Siddique
Product Manager, Microsoft
Tauseef Siddique
Microsoft, Product Manager
Product Manager at Microsoft on the SQL Tools and Experiences team, focusing in the MSSQL extension for VS Code. Graduated from Rutgers University with a major in Business Analytics and Information Technology.
Theodoros Katsimanis
Principal SQL Server Administrator / DBA Team Technology Manager, KaizenGaming
Theodoros Katsimanis
KaizenGaming, Principal SQL Server Administrator / DBA Team Technology Manager
With over two decades of experience in the dynamic world of SQL Server, I have honed my skills to become a Production DBA specializing in high-performance database solutions. My journey began as a full stack developer in 1999, but it was my fascination with SQL Server that shaped my career path. Over the years, I transitioned from software development to focus exclusively on database administration/development, where I found my true passion. As a Production DBA, I am dedicated to ensuring that SQL Server databases operate at peak efficiency. My expertise lies in query and index tuning, database architecture, and comprehensive administration practices. In an industry where milliseconds are not fast enough and microseconds matter, I employ advanced techniques to achieve unparalleled performance. One of my key areas of specialization is the implementation of in-memory technology in production systems. This has enabled me to manage and optimize environments that handle dozens of thousands of concurrent transactions per second. My daily responsibilities include managing clusters, availability groups, listeners, failovers, and continuous tuning to maintain optimal performance and reliability. I am driven by the challenge of pushing SQL Server to its limits and beyond, ensuring seamless and swift data processing. My goal is to leverage my extensive experience and deep knowledge of SQL Server to contribute to innovative and high-performing database solutions.
Thodoris Katsimanis
Principal SQL Server Administrator / DBA Team Technology Manager, Kaizengaming.com
Thodoris Katsimanis
Kaizengaming.com, Principal SQL Server Administrator / DBA Team Technology Manager
With over two decades of experience in the dynamic world of SQL Server, I have honed my skills to become a Production DBA specializing in high-performance database solutions. My journey began as a full stack developer in 1999, but it was my fascination with SQL Server that shaped my career path. Over the years, I transitioned from software development to focus exclusively on database administration/development, where I found my true passion. As a Production DBA, I am dedicated to ensuring that SQL Server databases operate at peak efficiency. My expertise lies in query and index tuning, database architecture, and comprehensive administration practices. In an industry where milliseconds are not fast enough and microseconds matter, I employ advanced techniques to achieve unparalleled performance. One of my key areas of specialization is the implementation of in-memory technology in production systems. This has enabled me to manage and optimize environments that handle dozens of thousands of concurrent transactions per second. My daily responsibilities include managing clusters, availability groups, listeners, failovers, and continuous tuning to maintain optimal performance and reliability. I am driven by the challenge of pushing SQL Server to its limits and beyond, ensuring seamless and swift data processing. My goal is to leverage my extensive experience and deep knowledge of SQL Server to contribute to innovative and high-performing database solutions.
Thomas LeBlanc
Principal Consultant, SHI International
Thomas LeBlanc
SHI International, Principal Consultant
Thomas LeBlanc is a business intelligence architect, SQL Server expert, trainer and author. He has been building performant data warehouse solutions and visualizations for the past 20 years and has certifications in Power BI, Fabric, Dimensional Modeling and Data Vault 2.0. He graduated from LSU in Quantitative Business Analysis with a concentration in Management Information Systems. Microsoft awarded him Data Platform MVP in 2017 and has been renewed every year since. For the past 20 years, he has focused on data warehouse solutions(on-premises and Azure) using Microsoft tools like Integration Services(SSIS), Analysis Services(SSAS), Power BI(on-premises and cloud), Synapse, Microsoft Fabric and Azure Data Factory. He recently published the second edition of Power BI Performance Best Practices. Being involved in the data community since 2012, he helps the Baton Rouge User Groups with meetings every month and hosting a SQLSaturday every year. He has spoken at conferences like PASS Summit, SQLSaturday, Live360, VSLive, Dynamics Community Summit NA and Power Platform events for since 2012. You can visit his website at Thomas-LeBlanc.com, read articles on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaslleblanc/) or follow him on Bluesky (@PowerBIDude).
Tim Frazee
Data Architect, Parallon
Tim Frazee
Parallon, Data Architect
Database professional with experience in Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgresQL. A driven innovator who channels a passion for change into every project. Known for challenging norms and reimagining possibilities, he consistently creates forward-thinking solutions that inspire progress and impact.
Tim Steward
Principal Data Enterprise Architect, Fujitsu
Tim Steward
Fujitsu, Principal Data Enterprise Architect
Tim Steward is a Principal Enterprise Data Architect at Fujitsu Enterprise Postgres with over 30 years of database experience. During this time, he has developed a true passion for databases, and the evolution of technology. Tim enjoys the excitement he receives by knowing he helped a customer solve complex IT challenges by using his knowledge of database technology. Fresh out of college, Tim became an Oracle DBA within the fundraising industry, which is where he learned to pay attention to details and be an effective listener. As his career evolved, he became a consultant within the healthcare industry where he expanded his database skills to Sybase. During his consulting years, Tim added SQL Server and the MySQL database to his skill set. In recent years Tim has spent the past 9 years helping customers with PostgreSQL and their journey to opensource.
Tiphfennie Gray
Systems Database Administrator, UW Medicine
Tiphfennie Gray
UW Medicine, Systems Database Administrator
Tiphfennie Gray is a Systems Database Administrator with a decade of experience supporting large-scale healthcare, education, and research environments. They specialize in performance tuning, automation, and high availability, and enjoy bridging the gap between technical complexity and real-world business needs. Tiphfennie thrives on creating practical solutions – whether it’s streamlining backup strategies for hundreds of terabytes of data, improving database deployment pipelines, or leading migration projects to modern infrastructure. Their approach blends precision with empathy, ensuring that technology empowers the teams and communities it ultimately serves. Outside of work, Tiphfennie mentors aspiring data professionals, volunteers in their local community, and advocates for increasing representation and inclusivity in the data platform world. They believe learning is lifelong and find joy in sharing knowledge that demystifies SQL Server for everyone.
Tobin Thankachen
Lead Architect, Datavail
Tobin Thankachen
Datavail, Lead Architect
Lead Architect – Data Management – Datavail Proficient Cloud & Data Analytics Lead Cloud, Big Data, & Traditional Data Warehouse expertise Cross-functional project leader using advanced data modeling and analysis techniques Improving organizational performance by evaluating best practices for DB servers and data quality issues for ETL and Analytics systems
Tom Austin
Redgate
Tom Austin
Redgate
A globally recognised, award winning and experienced strategic, commercial and technical leader, with over 20 years spent working with sales/success/GTM teams and hundreds of clients across the globe, from start-ups to FTSE/Fortune 100 companies and everything in between. Commercially, I've led teams spread across the globe with office locations in Cambridge, Los Angeles, Austin, New York, Brisbane and Berlin. My current position leads a team of managers covering renewals, customer success management and product support that is responsible for over $60m revenue per year globally. Technically, I previously specialised in helping clients to improve their approach to Database DevOps while gaining maximum ROI and spent time writing and delivering DevOps training courses in Europe, Africa, Asia and the US.
Tom Freedman
Director, Trinity Life Sciences
Tom Freedman
Trinity Life Sciences, Director
Tom Freedman (MCSE) began working with Microsoft data platforms over 25 years ago and has developed data pipelines on almost every version of SQL Server since 2000. In his current role, he leads a team of data engineers and BI developers supporting commercial operations for Trinity Life Sciences. He has a passion for SQL fundamentals, and enjoys sharing that knowledge with others. Outside of data, Tom enjoys indie rock, tabletop games, barbecue, and traveling with his family.
Tomislav Hlupić
Principal consultant, Solvership
Tomislav Hlupić
Solvership, Principal consultant
I work as a consultant at Solvership since 2016, with experience in various industries (banking, retail / wholesale, insurance…). My primary technology stack is Microsoft SQL Server & Azure with some experience in Big Data tools, primarily Cloudera-related. Besides the consulting work, I am a senior lecturer at Algebra University College in Zagreb since 2018 and external associate at Faculty of electrical engineering and computing in Zagreb since 2020, where I have defended my PhD thesis in 2022. Currently I am finishing an MBA degree, and in free time I have left I try to run some races and occasionally play retro video games.
Tonie Huizer
Consultant, Promicro
Tonie Huizer
Promicro, Consultant
Tonie Huizer is a Software, Data, and DevOps Consultant who believes good tech starts with understanding your people. A regular on international stages and a Microsoft Certified Azure Developer, Tonie loves helping teams simplify complex challenges; whether that’s modernizing database deployments, designing scalable systems, or just getting Dev and Ops to finally talk to each other. Tonie is known for his clear, energetic presentation style and ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. As a Redgate Community Ambassador, he advocates for database DevOps and contributes to open knowledge sharing through blogs, talks, and events across the globe. He also co-leads SeaQL Saturday, a community-driven event that blends education, networking, and Sammie, his Kooikerhondje mascot. (Because yes, even events are better with a dog.) Whether he's discussing Azure DevOps workflows, database release automation, or the cultural shifts required to implement DevOps successfully, Tonie brings real-world experience, humor, and actionable insights. His goal is to inspire professionals not just to adopt new technologies, but to transform how teams collaborate and innovate. And when he’s not speaking about tech, he might just be speaking about whisky. Tonie is a passionate whisky enthusiast who loves sharing stories, flavors, and the occasional tasting session with his fellow connoisseur of TasteWhisky. If you're into DevOps, data, and a well-aged dram on the side, Tonie’s your man!
Tummala Aswini Kumar
Delivery Consultant, Amazon
Tummala Aswini Kumar
Amazon, Delivery Consultant
Aswini Kumar is a Lead Cloud Consultant specializing in enterprise database solutions and cloud migration. Expert in both RDBMS ( SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Babelfish) and NoSQL (DynamoDB) technologies, guiding clients through comprehensive database modernization on AWS. Proficient in designing scalable architectures, optimizing performance, and implementing high-availability solutions for Amazon Aurora and DynamoDB. Skilled in data modeling, migration strategies, and query optimization for both relational and NoSQL systems.
Umachandar (UC) Jayachandran
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Umachandar (UC) Jayachandran
Microsoft, Principal Program Manager
Umachandar Jayachandran is a Principal Program Manager in the SQL Server team. He is currently working on T-SQL improvements for cloud native developers with specific focus on JSON, Full-Text, ML Services & Unicode. Previously, he worked on SQL Server big data clusters, PolyBase, and Azure Arc enabled data services. He has also worked on many features including Window functions, T-SQL Compiler Services in Visual Studio, Performance, Benchmarks, Premium Databases and Capacity Management in Azure SQL DB. He has more than 30 years of experience in the database industry building applications using SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase.
Uwe Ricken
Managing Director, db Berater GmbH
Uwe Ricken
db Berater GmbH, Managing Director
Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the early 1990s, with a deep focus on Microsoft SQL Server starting from his work on Membership Software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany – later rolled out across five European countries. His passion for SQL Server took off in 2007 when he joined Deutsche Bank AG as a database administrator, gaining hands-on experience in high-performance, enterprise-scale environments. With over three decades of experience in database development and operations, Uwe earned the prestigious "Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008", the highest technical certification at the time. In 2013, he was honored with his first "Microsoft MVP Award" for his contributions to the SQL Server community across Germany and Europe. Since 2010, Uwe has been sharing his expertise through his blog https://sqlmaster.de, offering deep dives into SQL Server internals, performance tuning, and real-world troubleshooting. A regular speaker at international conferences and user groups, Uwe’s sessions focus on Database Internals, Indexing Strategies and Advanced SQL Development – always with a practical, performance-driven mindset.
Valerie Junk
BI Consultant, Wortell
Valerie Junk
Wortell, BI Consultant
Hi there. I am Valerie Junk. I am passionate about creating insights from data and designing dashboards using Power BI. With my expertise in data analytics and visualization, I support companies in developing effective data-driven strategies that yield results and take the business to the next level. With my background in cognitive psychology, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I balance my technical and visualization expertise with a keen focus on the human aspect of data.
Varsha Rammohan
Product and Marketing Strategist, ManageEngine
Varsha Rammohan
ManageEngine, Product and Marketing Strategist
Varsha is a Product and Marketing Strategist at ManageEngine with over eight years of experience in IT operations and product marketing. She specializes in database monitoring and observability, helping DBAs move from reactive troubleshooting to predictive intelligence through practical frameworks. She develops product positioning, technical content, and thought leadership that empower DBAs to optimize performance and build proactive monitoring strategies. Her unique blend of product consulting and marketing expertise enables her to translate complex technical solutions into actionable insights for IT professionals.
Veeranjaneyulu Grandhi
Delivery Consultant, Amazon
Veeranjaneyulu Grandhi
Amazon, Delivery Consultant
Veeranjaneyulu Grandhi is a Database Consultant with Amazon Web Services. He works with customers to build scalable, highly available, and secure solutions in the AWS Cloud. His focus area is homogeneous and heterogeneous database migrations.
Vikas Babu Gali
Senior Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services
Vikas Babu Gali
Amazon Web Services, Senior Solutions Architect
Vikas Babu Gali is a Senior Specialist Solutions Architect, focusing on Microsoft Workloads at Amazon Web Services. Vikas provides architectural guidance and technical assistance to customers across different industry verticals accelerating their cloud adoption.
Vinay Balasubramaniam
Director of Product, BigQuery, Google
Vinay Balasubramaniam
Google, Director of Product, BigQuery
Vinay Balasubramaniam is Director of Product Management for BigQuery. He is responsible for BigQuery Core and Advanced Analytics, Security and Workload Management. Prior to joining Google, he was the VP of Product at Salesforce leading Einstein for Sales Cloud and Agentic AI platform (Agentforce). Prior to that he spent over a decade at Microsoft working on SQL Server, HDInsight and BizTalk Server.
Vineeth Joe Pradeep J
ManageEngine, Zoho Corporation
Vineeth Joe Pradeep J
ManageEngine, Zoho Corporation
Product Specialist at ManageEngine, helping enterprises design end-to-end observability strategies that reduce Mean Time to Identify (MTTI) and accelerate incident resolution across complex, distributed environments.
William Mentaze
Database Administrator (LEAD), Latham&Watkins
William Mentaze
Latham&Watkins, Database Administrator (LEAD)
William Mentaze is a SQL Server Database Administrator with almost 30 years of experience. He hold a Master of Sciences in computer sciences from the University of Toulouse Capitole (FRANCE). He is also a Microsoft-certified Professional (SQL Server Database Administration). He was involved in the Sql Server beta program, the Sql Server hotfix installer initial launch and continue to help the Sql Server community online. He also support Azure SQL Managed instance, Azure Database for PostgreSQL,PostgresSql ,Mysql and Mariadb databases on Linux(Centos, RHEL -RED HAT Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu).
Yo-Lei Chen
Product Manager, Microsoft
Yo-Lei Chen
Microsoft, Product Manager
Yo-Lei is a Product Manager on the Microsoft SQL team, where she leads query editor, Copilot, and developer experience efforts. With a background in Human-Computer Interaction, she combines her expertise in UX research and design to drive intuitive and intelligent user experiences.
Yvonne Foo
Technical Product Management, Fidelity Investments
Yvonne Foo
Fidelity Investments, Technical Product Management
Yvonne is an accomplished technology leader with over a decade of experience, currently driving innovation at a top financial services firm. She is instrumental in delivering cutting-edge tech solutions that improve efficiency and impact. A recognized thought leader and public speaker, Yvonne has shared her expertise on national stages, including TEDx St. Louis, where she discussed career relaunches and the value of second chances in tech. Yvonne is passionate about mentorship, dedicating time to guide emerging professionals in a fast-paced industry. She is a committed advocate for diversity, focused on building an inclusive environment within technology. Her strong commitment to representation and empowering communities earned her the Unsung Hero Award at the 2022 OCA National Convention. Known for her authenticity, Yvonne uses her platform to inspire action, elevate underrepresented voices, and champion meaningful changes in the tech sector. Her compelling voice inspires others to embrace inclusivity and foster an environment where everyone's voices are heard and celebrated.