Previous Speakers
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Christopher Schmidt
Microsoft
Christopher Schmidt
Microsoft
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!