2026 PASS Summit West
General Session Speakers
Aaron Cutshall
Principal Data Architect, SQLRV, LLC
Aaron Cutshall
SQLRV, LLC, Principal Data Architect
Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader with 40 years of experience in healthcare data architecture and analytics. With a masters in health informatics and a doctorate in healthcare administration, he focuses on clinical measures (quality, utilization, comparative, etc.) and massive healthcare databases. He speaks nationwide at conferences and user groups on health informatics, data architecture, analytics, and professional development.
Adam Machanic
Head of Data, Stealth Startup
Adam Machanic
Stealth Startup, Head of Data
Adam Machanic is a technology executive and educator specializing in high-performance data systems, database architecture, and query optimization. He is the creator of sp_WhoIsActive, the industry-standard SQL Server activity monitoring stored procedure, and has spent more than two decades helping companies solve complex performance and scalability challenges.
Akshata Revankar
Sr Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft
Akshata Revankar
Microsoft, Sr Data & Applied Scientist
For more than two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of data engineering and analytics—designing pipelines, shaping reporting ecosystems, and enabling organizations to make smarter decisions. My journey spans Oracle, SQL Server, SSIS, Informatica, Hadoop platforms, Qlik, and Power BI. I thrive in the data world and love learning what’s next.
Allison Harris
Data Engineer, NFP
Allison Harris
NFP, Data Engineer
I enjoy building reliable data pipelines that turn raw, messy inputs into clean, trusted datasets for analytics and apps.
Amy Abel
Sr Database Consultant, Straight Path
Amy Abel
Straight Path, Sr Database Consultant
Amy Abel is a Senior Consultant at Straight Path and a Microsoft MVP with a background in Database Administration, Site and Database Reliability . She has experience supporting critical, high-transactional healthcare systems and specializes in automating complex processes, reducing toil, and resolving database challenges. Amy is passionate about automation, database reliability, SQL challenges, and continuous learning. She inspires others through speaking, blogging, and mentoring. She is completing her Master’s degree at the University of Denver and holds two degrees in computer science from Weber State University. Outside of work, Amy enjoys hiking, off-roading in her Jeep, traveling, trying new food, and writing about technology.
Andreas Wolter
Founder & Principal SQL Server Security Advisor, Sarpedon Quality Lab, Sarpedon Quality Lab LLC
Andreas Wolter
Sarpedon Quality Lab LLC, Founder & Principal SQL Server Security Advisor, Sarpedon Quality Lab
Andreas Wolter is the founder of Sarpedon Quality Lab and a former Senior Program Manager for SQL Server and Azure SQL Data Security at Microsoft. He helped shape SQL Server’s modern permission model, contributed to security reviews and threat modeling for SQL Server and Azure SQL features, and supported the redesign of SQL vulnerability assessment in Microsoft Defender for SQL. Today, Andreas helps organizations identify and reduce real SQL Server attack paths through focused security assessments. His work concentrates on privilege-boundary weaknesses, auditability gaps, excessive access, and database infrastructure risks that can turn seemingly minor configuration decisions into material exposure. He translates technical findings into prioritized remediation actions that security leaders, DBAs, and platform teams can use immediately. One of only seven Microsoft Certified Solutions Masters for the Data Platform worldwide and a former Microsoft MVP, Andreas brings more than 25 years of experience securing and operating SQL Server environments across on-premises, Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
Andy Yun
Field Solutions Architect, Everpure
Andy Yun
Everpure, Field Solutions Architect
Andy Yun is a Field Solutions Architect at Everpure (formerly Pure Storage), and has been a SQL Server data professional for almost 25 years. 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.
Ankit Aryan
AI Engineer, Amazon Web Services
Ankit Aryan
Amazon Web Services, AI Engineer
Ankit brings 7 years of experience building and scaling enterprise-grade AI systems spanning Generative AI, agentic workflows, data transformation, and application modernization. He has led the design, development, and deployment of AI solutions across financial services, manufacturing, energy, retail, and healthcare, helping global organizations translate emerging AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes.
Anthony Nocentino
Senior Principal Field Solution Architect, Everpure
Anthony Nocentino
Everpure, Senior Principal Field Solution Architect
I help enterprises modernize mission-critical data platforms from legacy architectures to modern systems that perform predictably at scale. As a Senior Principal Field Solutions Architect at Everpure, I work at the intersection of data, compute, and storage. My focus is large-scale SQL Server and data workloads: how they run, how they scale, and how they move to modern platforms without breaking things along the way. What sets my approach apart is a systems-level perspective. I don't stop at the query or the tool I look at how the entire stack behaves under real conditions, from storage I/O to query execution to workload patterns. That's usually where the real answer lives. I'm also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Pluralsight author, and regular speaker at PASS Data Community Summit and SQLBits. I write and speak about SQL Server, Kubernetes, storage performance, and modern data infrastructure because strong fundamentals are still underrepresented in these conversations. Current focus areas: – Large-scale data platform modernization – Performance and cost optimization in cloud data platforms – Migrating legacy workloads to modern analytics architectures – Data platforms built to support AI and advanced analytics at scale If you're working on complex data challenges or rethinking your data platform strategy, reach out I'd love to hear what you're working on.
Anupama Natarajan
Data and AI Consultant, Pearl Innovations Limited
Anupama Natarajan
Pearl Innovations Limited, Data and AI Consultant
Anu Natarajan is a Data, AI, and Cloud Architect with over 25 years of experience delivering modern data platforms, AI solutions, and cloud-native applications. She is a Microsoft Data Platform & AI MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and Microsoft Certified Trainer Community Lead, recognized for her technical expertise and community leadership. As Founder and Director of Pearl Innovations Limited, Anu helps organizations harness the power of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Power BI, and AI to solve complex business challenges. Pearl Innovations is also committed to empowering women returning to the workforce by providing mentorship, real-world experience, and opportunities to build successful careers in technology.
Ben DeBow
Founder & CEO, Fortified
Ben DeBow
Fortified, Founder & CEO
Most founders see technology or financials. I see what connects them — and that's where the next category gets built. I'm building the financial intelligence layer for technology. Every technology decision has a cost — from code to data. For 20+ years, technical teams have been 99% responsible and 0% authoritative — accountable for uptime, performance, and cost on systems they didn't design and code they can't reject. That has to end. My thesis: Infrastructure can't scale infinitely. Applications run 15+ years. Efficiency decisions compound. The companies that win the next decade will treat workload optimization as a financial discipline — not a technical afterthought. We're starting with databases because that's where the costs are highest, the waste is most visible, and the financial impact is most measurable. From there, we expand to every layer of the stack — code, data, infrastructure, AI workloads. I'm the founder & CEO of Fortified and Fortified Data (twice named to the Inc. 5000), and the author of "End of Abundance in Tech" (Forbes Books, 2023) — where I introduced Total Cost of Code and workload-based financial observability. The framework is patent-pending. What I do today: → Lead two companies redefining how enterprises measure technology cost → Advise CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, and CFOs building cost-conscious engineering cultures → Invest in founders building efficiency-first data and AI infrastructure → Speak and write about the end of abundance — and what comes next My dual background in Information Systems and Accounting is why I see what most founders miss — technology in dollars, not just diagrams. When I'm not building systems or breaking down spend, you'll find me hiking mountains, exploring the world, or tasting the best BBQ around. → bendebow.com → Tech(e)valuation Podcast (Forbes Books) → End of Abundance in Tech
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, an author of multiple books and video courses as well as a regular speaker at national and international events. Ben is also a co-organizer of events like DataGrillen, New Stars of Data, SQL Konferenz, Data Left Unattended, Data Saturday Rheinland and Vienna, dataminutes, dativerse as well as a volunteer and mentor for many other Data Platform events.
Bhaskar Natarajan
Data Architect, Pearl Innovations Limited
Bhaskar Natarajan
Pearl Innovations Limited, Data Architect
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 32+ 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, FabCon, SQLCon, and VS Live. 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, Azure SQL Revealed 2nd Edition, and SQL Server 2025 Unveiled available from Apress Media.
Bradley Schacht
Principal Program Manager, Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft
Bradley Schacht
Microsoft, Principal Program Manager, Azure Synapse Analytics
Bradley Schacht is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Fabric product team based in Jacksonville, FL. Bradley is a former consultant, trainer, and has authored 5 SQL Server and Power BI books, most recently the Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide. As a member of the Microsoft Fabric product team, Bradley works directly with customers to solve some of their most complex data problems and helps shape the future of Microsoft Fabric. Bradley gives back to the community through speaking at events such as the PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, Code Camps, and user groups across the country including locally at the Jacksonville SQL Server User Group (JSSUG). He is a contributor on SQLServerCentral.com and blogs on his personal site, BradleySchacht.com.
Brent Ozar
Consultant, Brent Ozar Unlimited
Brent Ozar
Brent Ozar Unlimited, Consultant
I make databases go faster. I love teaching, travel, laughing, and collecting vintage sports cars. Las Vegas. He/him, pan.
Chanpreet Singh
Senior Data & AI Architect, AWS
Chanpreet Singh
AWS, Senior Data & AI Architect
I have nearly 19 Years of experience in various databases, and data analytics solutions and have worked with multiple Fortune 100 companies in the past. Currently I am working as Senior Data & AI Architect with AWS.
Chris Madden
Solution Lead, Storage, Google Cloud
Chris Madden
Google Cloud, 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.
Christian Henrik Reich
Sr Solution Engineer, Microsoft
Christian Henrik Reich
Microsoft, Sr Solution Engineer
Sr. Solution Architect at Microsoft. I started programming as a kid and never stopped. I have worked across everything from embedded systems to large‑scale data platforms. My work over the past decade has focused on Data and AI with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, Databricks, cloud‑scale architectures, modern data engineering, and Machine Learning. I volunteer teaching AI and Machine Learning, and I’m currently writing “The Data Engineer’s Guide to Microsoft Fabric” for O’Reilly.
Christoph Petersen
Head of EMEA Migrations Practice, Google
Christoph Petersen
Google, Head of EMEA Migrations Practice
Christoph is leading the EMEA Migrations 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.
Dave Bland
Manager of Database Engineering, Lexia Learning
Dave Bland
Lexia Learning, Manager of Database Engineering
Over 25 years of SQL Server experience that includes being a DBA, BI developer and Application developert using VB.NET. Dave currently is currently the Manager of Database Engineering at Lexia Learning. Prior to that he was the Manager of the DBA team at Stericycle. Dave was a Friend of Red-Gate for 2019 and 2020. He is a frequent presenter at SQL Saturday events and user groups around the country. Has been teaching SQL Server since 1998 and is the SQL Server instructor at Harper College in Palatine, IL. In recent years Dave has expanded his skill set and area of responsibility to PostgreSQL and loves sharing the lessons learned with other SQL Server database administrators.
David Wagoner
Sr. Product Manager, EnterpriseDB
David Wagoner
EnterpriseDB, Sr. Product Manager
David Wagoner is a Product Manager at EDB (EnterpriseDB) building a Kubernetes-native Postgres platform that spans hybrid cloud, distributed deployments, advanced observability, analytics, and AI. He has been an EDB customer for a decade before joining the company three years ago. David's database career spans 25 years and all three major engines. He started as an Oracle DBA in 2000, added SQL Server when the finance team needed it, and adopted Postgres 7 when his team built a ticketing system on it – long before Postgres training was easy to find. He went on to earn Oracle OCP certification and attend SQL PASS conferences before later spending eight years focused on SQL Server at the world's largest privately owned software company. He then moved into cloud hosting, where he operationalized Postgres at scale – including multi-terabyte instances, DBaaS automation with Ansible, and FedRAMP-compliant deployments on AWS, Azure, and on-premises. At EDB, David works alongside Postgres committers and recently had the pleasure of meeting Postgres creator Dr. Michael Stonebraker.
Deborah Melkin
Senior Database Reliability Engineer, GLG
Deborah Melkin
GLG, Senior Database Reliability Engineer
Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for over 25 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, DBA
Deepthi Goguri
DBA, 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. Along with this, Deepthi loves arts and crafts. 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 has spent over two decades doing the work that keeps enterprise systems from catching fire — and fixing them when they do. As owner and principal consultant of Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting, he specializes in the full stack of modern infrastructure: Azure, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage, with deep expertise in system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Few people in the industry can claim the Microsoft Certified Master designation, and fewer still have held Microsoft MVP status for nearly two decades — recognition that reflects not just technical skill but a long-standing commitment to the broader community. Denny has channeled that expertise into several books and dozens of technical articles covering SQL Server management and its integration across the technology ecosystem, spanning every version of the platform from SQL Server 2000 through 2022. When something critical is broken — or needs to be built right the first time — Denny is the person organizations call.
Durga Prasad
Senior Lead Consultant, Amazon
Durga Prasad
Amazon, Senior Lead Consultant
Durga Prasad is a Senior Architect at Amazon Web Services Professional Services, based in Hyderabad, India. Over 18 years he's worked with enterprise customers across Asia-Pacific, the US, and Europe to design data platforms, Generative AI applications, modernize legacy ETL estates, and embed Generative AI into everyday data engineering. He's published on the AWS Machine Learning and Big Data blogs. Outside work he is a coffee lover and badminton player
Edward Pollack
Data Architect, Transfinder
Edward Pollack
Transfinder, 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, Theresa, and sons, Nolan and Oliver.
Edwin M Sarmiento
Managing Director, 15C
Edwin M Sarmiento
15C, 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. His background in Unix has taken him to the world of DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes to containerize SQL Server. 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.
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.
Fabiano Amorim
Principal Consultant, Pythian
Fabiano Amorim
Pythian, Principal Consultant
Fabiano Amorim is currently working as a Principal Consultant at Pythian and is a Microsoft Data Platform Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 2011, with more than two decades of experience working with SQL Server and database platforms. He is known in the database community for his performance tuning expertise and technical conference sessions delivered around the world. In recent years, Fabiano has also expanded his work into SQL Server and cloud database security research, focusing on trust boundaries, privilege escalation, SQL injection, metadata tampering, least-privilege failures, and managed database service isolation. His research has led to the discovery and responsible disclosure of multiple MSSQL vulnerabilities, including CVE-backed findings, and has covered SQL Server offerings across major cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. Fabiano writes technical articles for Simple Talk (https://www.simple-talk.com/author/fabiano-amorim).
Frank Geisler
CEO, GDS Business Intelligence GmbH
Frank Geisler
GDS Business Intelligence GmbH, CEO
Frank Geisler is the CEO of GDS Business Intelligence GmbH, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer, author, consultant, and international speaker. He specializes in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, SQL Server, Azure, T-SQL, PowerShell, Docker, and modern data platform architecture. Frank helps organizations build scalable analytics and data solutions, from semantic models and cloud architectures to real-time intelligence scenarios. He has authored and co-authored several technical books on Microsoft data technologies and is a long-time contributor to the data community, including as co-founder of PASS Deutschland e.V.
Garett Medlin
AI Practice Lead, P3 Adaptive
Garett Medlin
P3 Adaptive, AI Practice Lead
Garett Medlin leads the AI Practice at P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. He helps mid-market leaders move from AI curiosity to AI work that actually ships. Over the past year he's built 40+ custom AI coding-agent skills for DAX optimization, model health assessment, and Fabric operations – his own daily toolchain, used on live client engagements rather than in demos – and he leads the developers building P3AI, the firm's agentic platform on top of Power BI semantic models. Garett brings a practitioner's honesty about where AI coding agents genuinely earn their place in data work and where the hype outruns reality. This is his first PASS Summit.
Ginger Grant
Principal Consultant, Desert Isle Group
Ginger Grant
Desert Isle Group, Principal 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.
InduTeja Aligeti
Senior Delivery Consultant, AWS (Amazon Web Services)
InduTeja Aligeti
AWS (Amazon Web Services), Senior Delivery Consultant
InduTeja Aligeti is a Senior Delivery Consultant at Amazon Web Services with over 20+ years of experience spanning multi-cloud and multi-database technologies. She specializes in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and modern data platforms, helping enterprise customers design highly available, scalable, and cost-effective database solutions. Her work focuses on modernizing large-scale database platforms across multi-cloud environments and building production-ready AI-powered applications leveraging Generative AI, PostgreSQL, and contemporary data architectures. She is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional database engineering and the emerging world of Agentic AI systems.
James Serra
Data Solution Engineer, Microsoft
James Serra
Microsoft, Data Solution Engineer
I work at Microsoft as a big data and data warehousing solution architect where I have been for most of the last twelve 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 over 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“.
Joey D'Antoni
Architect, 3Cloud
Joey D'Antoni
3Cloud, Architect
oseph D'Antoni is an Senior Architect and Data Platform MVP with over a decade of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is currently Principal Consultant. He is frequent speaker at major tech events, and blogger about all topics technology. He believes that no single platform is the answer to all technology problems. He holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and an MBA from North Carolina State University.
Jonathan Stewart
Principal Consultant, SoundBI
Jonathan Stewart
SoundBI, Principal Consultant
Jonathan Stewart is a dynamic analytics consultant and visionary leader with over 25 years championing enterprise-scale data strategy and transformation. As Principal Consultant, Jonathan pioneers the launch of new practice areas, forges C-suite partnerships, and architects modern data warehouse and Power BI ecosystems for Fortune 500 organizations. His expertise empowers businesses to harness real-time insights, accelerate decision-making, and drive measurable revenue growth. A recognized educator and community advocate, Jonathan is a frequent global speaker, technical trainer, and blogger at sqllocks.net, dedicated to democratizing analytics knowledge. He has presented on advanced analytics, cloud data platforms, and leadership in technology at conferences, user groups, and webcasts worldwide. Jonathan also serves as a board member for the Columbus SQL Server User Group and collaborates with local nonprofit and public sector leaders to expand technology access and career opportunities for underserved communities. Jonathan’s technical focus spans the Microsoft Data Platform (Power BI, Azure, SQL Server), modern data warehouses including Databricks and Snowflake ecosystems, governance frameworks, data visualization, and analytics process automation. His leadership has been instrumental in launching innovative data practices, guiding cross-functional teams, and establishing standards for security and analytics excellence across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, government, and financial services. In his free time, Jonathan advises regional planning boards and youth organizations, inspiring the next wave of technology leaders in central Ohio and beyond.
Kevin Feasel
Proprietor, Catallaxy Services, LLC
Kevin Feasel
Catallaxy Services, LLC, Proprietor
Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Proprietor of Catallaxy Services, LLC, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and Python, data architecture, data science, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608) and Finding Ghosts in Your Data (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-8870-2).
Kevin Wilkie
Principal Architect, AI-Ready Platforms, Sherpa of Data
Kevin Wilkie
Sherpa of Data, Principal Architect, AI-Ready Platforms
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.
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 Fabric & Power BI instances, training teams on best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about participating and growing the data community, she enjoys co-writing on Data on Wheels (www.dataonwheels.com) and speaking at various events. She also a co-organizer for Lexington Data Technology Group.
Lenore Flower
Data Trainer & Consultant, Data Plumber, LLC
Lenore Flower
Data Plumber, LLC, Data Trainer & Consultant
Lenore Flower (MBA, MCT) is the Chief Data Plumber and Owner of Data Plumber, LLC, a training and consulting business that helps companies build staff capacity alongside Microsoft-based data infrastructure, with expertise spanning Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, D365, and paginated reporting. Lenore loves to play the role of “Data Mary Poppins” for her clients and is recognized for her distinctive "teach to fish" methodology that empowers clients to solve their own problems rather than creating dependency. Lenore combines technical depth in data architecture with exceptional teaching abilities to help make complex concepts accessible across skill levels. Beyond her consulting practice, Lenore co-organizes both the Power BI DC user group and the Dynamics User Group Washington, D.C. Meetup, mentors and teaches for TechFluent, and is a regular speaker at various conferences, including FABCON, PASS Summit, DynamicsCon, and Community Summit NA.
Marcelo Adade
Database Administrator Consultant, DBBITS
Marcelo Adade
DBBITS, Database Administrator Consultant
Marcelo is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Database Engineer and Consultant. He has more than 20 years of experience in several Companies from different branches and sizes. Like financial companies, consultant shops, datacenters and e-commerce sites. Currently holds the MCSE, MCT and MCSA Microsoft Certifications and also the Oracle OCP. Loves technology and enjoys sharing his Database knowledge delivering presentations and official Microsoft Training Courses. Currently he is also the Leader of a Data User Group, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Marcelo Fernandes
Pr. PS Cloud Architect, AWS
Marcelo Fernandes
AWS, Pr. PS Cloud Architect
Marcelo Fernandes is a Principal Database Architect at Amazon Web Services with over 23 years of experience in the database field. He specializes in SQL Server migrations and modernization, helping organizations transition complex database workloads to the cloud, including moves from SQL Server to PostgreSQL using Babelfish. Throughout his career, Marcelo has guided financial institutions through large-scale database transformations, tackling challenges around performance, scalability, and compatibility. His expertise spans SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and Aurora, with deep hands-on experience in migration planning, workload assessment, and optimization. Marcelo is an active speaker in the SQL community, having presented at SQLBits and other international events. He is passionate about sharing practical lessons from real-world migrations and helping database professionals navigate the evolving data platform landscape.
Mariya Ali
Microsoft
Mariya Ali
Microsoft
Mariya Ali, Product Manager at Microsoft's Fabric Datawarehouse, specializes in crafting query optimization and observability experiences. She thrives on empowering customers with actionable insights that elevate the user experience and drive maximum efficiency in data analytics.
Matt Gordon
Director of Data and Analytics, Lean TECHniques
Matt Gordon
Lean TECHniques, Director of Data and Analytics
Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with Microsoft data technology since 2000 and Azure AI since 2017. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY Data Technology Group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He's a Redgate Community Ambassador and an author of two books. His original data professional role was in database development, which quickly evolved into query tuning work as a DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server, Azure SQL, and Microsoft Fabric and managed dozens of 24/7/365 data estates. 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 & AI ecosystem.
Matthew Gantz
Sr DBA, Versant
Matthew Gantz
Versant, Sr DBA
Matthew Gantz has spent nearly 20 years as a Database Administrator and Architect. His areas of expertise include performance tuning, high availability, automation, and migrating database platforms to the cloud. Matthew loves building systems that are easy to monitor and troubleshoot. He believes supportability and observability should be first-order design principles, not afterthoughts. While he enjoys solving complex database challenges, he's even more passionate about sharing what he's learned throughout his career and helping others become better database professionals. When he's not working with databases, you'll usually find him playing guitar or volunteering his time teaching mountaineering skills.
Michael D'Spain
Database Reliability Engineer, Walmart Vizio
Michael D'Spain
Walmart Vizio, Database Reliability Engineer
Michael D’Spain is a Staff Database Reliability Engineer at Walmart VIZIO with 15+ years experience as a Production DBA. He helps teams build reliable, high‑performing database platforms across Azure, AWS, and GCP. His experience spans SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB, with a strong focus on automation, resiliency, and operating at scale. Working in IT is a second career for Michael. Previously Michael was a High School teacher working in urban and inner-city school districts. Michael is the co-host of the Modern Ops Unfiltered podcast with Amy Abel, talking to interesting folks in the data and site reliabilty engineering space. Based in the Denver area, Michael enjoys spending his free time playing pickleball with his wife, hiking in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, and getting outside to mountain bike or snowboard with friends and family.
Mikey Bronowski
Chief Popkorn Officer, DataPopkorn.com
Mikey Bronowski
DataPopkorn.com, Chief Popkorn Officer
What do I do? I select, I select stars! Data enthusiast with a mathematics background. Working with SQL Server for over 20 years. Microsoft Data Platform MVP with a couple of certificates, sharing knowledge. Blogger at (bronowski.it). Not long ago, a Poland Data Community member, now a proud UK Data Platform active member and SotonDataCloud.org leader. When not working or teaching, learns new things or attends various data/technical conferences and meetups. Italian Calcio fan and traveller, avid photographer catching anything that moves. Badges
Paresh Motiwala
Developer, Harris County, TX
Paresh Motiwala
Harris County, TX, Developer
Paresh Motiwala PMP; 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
Paul Randal
CEO and Owner, SQLskills
Paul Randal
SQLskills, CEO and Owner
Paul’s an author, consultant, and top-rated speaker having spoken at PASS, TechEd, and numerous other events around the world. He spent 9 years working on the SQL Server team, writing DBCC CHECKDB, and ultimately responsible for the entire Storage Engine. In 2007 Paul left Microsoft to co-own and run SQLskills.com and has been a SQL Server MVP ever since. When he's not tweeting, blogging, or helping someone recover from a disaster, he's likely to be on his tractor or underwater somewhere in the world with his wife, Kimberly L. Tripp. Full bio at https://www.sqlskills.com/about/paul-s-randal/
Peter Kruis
SQL DBA, Kruis Database Consultancy
Peter Kruis
Kruis Database Consultancy, SQL DBA
Peter is a SQL Consultant at Kruis Database Consultancy 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.
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.
Richard Douglas
Redgate
Richard Douglas
Redgate
Robert Volk
Lead DBA, Rob Volk
Robert Volk
Rob Volk, Lead DBA
Rob Volk is a SQL Server DBA in the Metro Atlanta area since 2001. An MCSE, he also moderates and answers the forums on SQLTeam.com. While an old-time cranky DBA, he no longer considers "business intelligence" an oxymoron or "the cloud" as merely atmospheric moisture, and loves to do things in new and and unusual ways.
Sajitha Sritharan
Data and Solution Architect, Yazaki
Sajitha Sritharan
Yazaki, Data and Solution Architect
For more than two decades, I've helped organizations transform data into business value by designing modern cloud data platforms that solve complex challenges and accelerate innovation. My experience spans manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, where I've led enterprise-scale analytics and data modernization initiatives. As a Senior Data Architect , I specialize in Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Analytics, and AI. I'm passionate about making complex technologies practical and accessible, helping organizations turn emerging capabilities into real-world solutions that deliver measurable impact. Beyond my day job, I'm an active member of the community, sharing knowledge through conference speaking, technical writing, mentoring, and community engagement. I believe that learning is most powerful when knowledge is shared, and I'm committed to helping others grow while advancing the data community. I'm also a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in technology. Whether I'm architecting enterprise solutions or speaking on stage, my goal is to empower people and organizations to unlock the full potential of data to solve problems.
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. Sharon enjoys sharing her passion for database security and is determined to make it fun, practical and implemented.
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.
Taiob Ali
Database Solutions Manager, GMO LLC
Taiob Ali
GMO LLC, Database Solutions Manager
Taiob Ali is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with 20+ years of experience with SQL Server and Azure data services. While SQL Server remains his primary focus, he is currently learning, using, and teaching PostgreSQL, often describing himself as an accidental PostgreSQL DBA. He is also exploring practical applications of AI in data platforms, including GitHub Copilot, Copilot agent development, and built‑in AI capabilities in SQL Server. Taiob is a frequent international speaker and an active community organizer.
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 Principal 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 Principal 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.
Tomislav Hlupić
Principal Consultant / Architect, Solvership
Tomislav Hlupić
Solvership, Principal Consultant / Architect
I work as a principal 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. Besides the consulting work, I was a senior lecturer at University Algebra in Zagreb from 2018 till 2026 and currently work as external associate at Faculty of electrical engineering and computing in Zagreb since 2020. I have defended my PhD thesis in 2022 at Faculty of electrical engineering and computing and an MBA degree at University Algebra (under programme of IU's Kelley School of Business) in 2025. In the free time I have left I try to run some races , occasionally play retro video games and try to add as much home automation as possible
Tyler Garner
Data Solutions Architect, Ion Storage Systems
Tyler Garner
Ion Storage Systems, Data Solutions Architect
Tyler is the Data Solutions Architect at Ion Storage Systems, where he shapes the data and AI systems behind next-generation solid-state battery manufacturing. His experience spans data platform engineering, advanced analytics, and enterprise AI strategy across bioinformatics, manufacturing, and energy. When he isn't architecting data systems, you can find him on a trail or reading historical and fantasy classics.
Uwe Ricken
Managing Director, db Berater GmbH
Uwe Ricken
db Berater GmbH, Managing Director
Uwe Ricken has extensive experience working with Microsoft SQL Server databases, and he is often regarded as an authority in his field. He is known for sharing his knowledge through speaking engagements at conferences, writing articles, and actively participating in online forums and communities dedicated to SQL Server. As a speaker, Uwe Ricken has presented at various national and international conferences, delivering talks on topics related to SQL Server development, administration, and optimization. He is respected for his ability to communicate complex technical concepts in an accessible and practical manner. Uwe Ricken's contributions have helped many SQL Server professionals enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of the platform. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping discussions and solutions within the SQL Server community.