Board of Directors Election


It’s that time of year again – time to vote for the ODTUG Board. Articles IV and VI of the ODTUG Bylaws call for an election of four (4) members to the 2017-2018 Board of Directors. Voting opens on October 4, 2016, and ends on October 25, 2016, at 11:59 PM PDT.

This year, we have sixteen (16) candidates to choose from for four (4) positions. Be sure to read all the campaign statements and biographies of the candidates to learn about their passion and drive for ODTUG. 

One of the many benefits of being an ODTUG member is the opportunity to vote for the leaders of ODTUG. If you are an individual or corporate member of ODTUG, you should have received an email from Association Voting providing you with an email address and Member ID. Please use that information to log in. Can't locate the email? Click here and then click on the help button to request the information be resent.

Ron Backmann Tim German Alexander Ladd Nihar Parikh
Karen Cannell Roel Hartman Robert Lockard Mike Riley
Edina White-Chmielarski Eric Helmer Kevin McGinley Sherif Said
Jade Cole Andrew Jorgensen Albert Moreno Jake Turrell

Ron Backmann, Humana

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Campaign Statement

I would like to serve on the ODTUG Board. I believe that my experience and ability to interact with the entire ODTUG community would make me a valuable asset to the Board. I have been part of ODTUG for nine years and have learned several things from all members of the community. My reach is not track-specific, but community-encompassing.

Biography 

Ron has served for 20 years at Humana as a database/reporting guy. He has used a myriad of platforms and tools, and continues to explore for a platform or framework that will do the job. His current role as Domain Architect affords him the ability to help shape the organization. He enjoys technology and life.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be? 

Friends, collaboration, knowledge, sharing, community, Kscope, Werewolf, poker, beer.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

To bring a perspective from a large company to the Board and try to leverage the entire Oracle Suite.

What attributes do you feel you would provide to this position? 

Thinker, leader, listener, collaborator.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?  

To help to bring the Communities together to increase the value to the business community and excite them with the Oracle Suite of tools. The businesspeople control the money.

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Karen Cannell, TH Technology

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Campaign Statement 

I seek your vote for the ODTUG Board of Directors so I may actively establish and maintain ODTUG as the center of excellence for Oracle developers. How we developers work and learn has evolved – open source, mobile, cloud, node, and JET are now mandatory knowledge. ODTUG is how and where we thrive; ODTUG needs to lead members into evolving technologies and best practices by delivering more accessible learning, sharing, and networking opportunities. To achieve improved access and quality of learning opportunities, we need to create more local events for members to attend, contribute, and promote ODTUG, year-round, not just at Kscope. We need to:

  • Reach more members in more countries through Meetups and partnerships with local Oracle and related technology groups.
  • Deliver new-era technical materials by actively soliciting and delivering content from our members via social media, webinars, video, and regional conferences.
  • Expand our ODTUG Communities to focus on trends in emerging tools and best practices.

I was honored as ODTUG Volunteer of the Year in 2012 and have served ODTUG in many capacities in the past 10 years:

  • Editor of the Technical Journal - 8 years
  • Leadership Program presenter
  • Established the Innovation Award in 2016
  • Member of 9 Editor’s Choice Award teams
  • Conference material reviewer

I originally joined ODTUG to learn. I originally volunteered to give back. I ask for your vote for the ODTUG Board of Directors to ensure that the ODTUG flow of knowledge continues.

Biography

Karen is president of TH Technology, a consulting firm providing Oracle technology services, and an Oracle ACE Associate. A mechanical engineer by degree (one of them), she has analyzed, designed, developed, converted, upgraded, enhanced, and otherwise implemented legacy and commercial database applications for over 25 years, concentrating on Oracle technologies. She has worked with Application Express since its Web DB beginnings and continues to leverage Oracle tools to build quality web applications for government, medical, and engineering industries. Karen is Editor Emeritus of the ODTUG Technical Journal, a 2015 Oracle Developer Choice finalist, 2012 ODTUG Volunteer of the Year, and co-author of Expert Oracle Application Express, Agile Oracle Application Express, and Beginning Oracle Application Express 4.2. Karen is an active member of ODTUG, IOUG, RMOUG, and NOUG. She may be contacted at kcannell@thtechnology.com.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

ODTUG is the center of excellence for Oracle developers.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

I have served ODTUG in many other capacities and now wish to steer ODTUG forward. How developers consume and share knowledge has changed; ODTUG needs to adapt to reach and welcome developers of all levels.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

  • Insight on developer needs and challenges gained via 30+ years of development experience, across large and small companies, government, and private, large to single-person development teams.
  • Insight on user group operations gained through 11 years of volunteering at local, regional, and national user groups as reviewer, monitor, conference committee member, presenter, attendee, and editor. As a Board member, I will have greater ability to solicit more content in more diverse formats.
  • An eye for timely, quality material on the latest Oracle tools, gained through eight years as Editor, for IOUG and now for ODTUG, as an author, reviewer, and consumer.
  • Quiet, steadfast persistence to get tasks done, even the less glorious ones.


I know the firsthand challenges of learning the latest in development tools while simultaneously delivering solutions on time with fewer resources. ODTUG needs these attributes to attract new members and deliver quality technical material to all.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

Greater accessibility to:

  • New material for new and existing members
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Networking opportunities
  • Growth and mentoring opportunities
  • Meetups and conferences 

We have a new Meetup incentive – that’s great. Now let’s get the word out to fill every one to capacity. Let’s maximize our reach.

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Edina Chmielarski-White, Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Performance Improvement

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Campaign Statement 

Edina's career has been focused primarily on corporate finance and the Oracle Hyperion suite of products. She brings to the table a unique combination of industry experience, as well as 10 years of consulting. Having served as the Planning Track Lead for the Kscope, she feels a higher focus on the ODTUG Board would be a perfect complement to the Board.

Biography 

Edina has an exceptional record of success in the management of technology programs, practices, and initiatives, with special expertise in Oracle Hyperion implementations, upgrades, and assessments. She excels at planning and managing complex, multimillion-dollar enterprise-wide projects for companies such as TJ Maxx, JCPenney, Georgia Pacific, Freddie Mac, General Mills, and XM Radio. Edina is experienced in building and leading top-performing teams, directing budgets, creating Q&A processes, and standardizing procedures and practices. She is a contributor to business growth through the development of new revenue streams. Other areas of expertise include IT operations, strategic planning, budget and cost control, performance management, analysis process optimization, client relations, consulting, innovation, problem solving, quality control estimating, sales support, presentations, restructuring, forecasting, leadership, and staffing.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

An amazing group of Oracle gurus who share pertinent information.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

The Kscope conference is the best/most organized conference I have ever attended. I have been on the EPM Planning Abstract Review Board for two years now. I want to contribute more to the team overall, versus just on the Planning side.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

I have been working in the EPM space for over 20 years. I have a vast network and would like to take part in a larger role over all. I lead a practice for EPM and feel my experience in functional and technical expertise brings a unique perspective surrounding the software. Involved in many sales cycles related to the software, my knowledge base across modules is relevant. I would like to learn more about the BI side of the house, too, versus just EPM.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

I am transitioning to a new firm in October that is a Platinum Partner with Oracle and have the support of the firm to move into a larger role.

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Jade Cole, AppVine

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Campaign Statement 

I am asking the ODTUG community for its support in becoming a member of the ODTUG Board of Directors. I have been working with Oracle EPM (Essbase specifically) since version 3, dating back to the Arbor days in the late 1990s. My first introduction to Essbase was as a Consultant for Clarity Systems, a Canadian-based Arbor consulting and training organization. During my time as a consultant, I became an Essbase certified professional and instructor, and ran training courses for Clarity internal staff and external clients. ODTUG members who have been in the community for a number of years may also remember I was a very active contributor to public user forums such as Network54 and Essbase.com. These forums allowed Essbase users, DBAs and Consultants to post questions and problems or discuss best practices. Participation on these forums was entirely voluntary. As a Consultant, I would often get asked why I was dispensing "free" advice on a discussion forum. Of course my activity generated positive exposure for Clarity, but I did so because I enjoyed being able to share my expertise with others. To this day, I appreciate the work of anonymous individuals who offer clear, understandable help for problems that would leave someone struggling for days, and I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me. As a member of ODTUG, I believe I can continue to do this, albeit in a different capacity.

Biography 

Jade is the Co-Founder and CTO of AppVine. Jade has 10+ years of experience in providing IT and business application expertise for organizations in many verticals and market segments. In the past five years, he has focused on working with C-level executives on building their professional services groups for integrated software companies. Jade has collaborated with sales management to develop successful go-to-market service offerings to maximize market penetration and software value.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

A collaborative community to share Oracle knowledge and experience.

What is your motivation for joining the Board? 

Since 1998, I have been working with Essbase and similar technologies. I have been an active participant in online communities and have been a proponent of OLAP and Essbase. ODTUG is an environment where I believe my experience and knowledge will be beneficial, and an environment where I can also expand my own experience.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

I have almost 20 years of experience working with Essbase, OLAP, and other related technologies, and I have worked with many companies (including AppVine) as an OLAP proponent and evangelist. I believe that as a member of ODTUG, I would be able to apply this experience in a different capacity.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member? 

To work with other Board members to improve ODTUG’s profile and mission.

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Tim German, Qubix

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Campaign Statement

Hello, ODTUG! Can you love a user group? It seems unlikely, but I am proof that it's true. ODTUG has taught me the value of technical knowledge sharing, deep personal networks, and especially the power of community. I have learned through peer-to-peer education that ODTUG nurtures and supports. I have made colleagues and friends literally across the globe and seen the positive impact ODTUG has on all of us and the wider world. Without ODTUG – and most importantly without you, my fellow members – none of this would have happened. I am grateful and in short, I am ODTUG's biggest fan. I've shown my appreciation to ODTUG and its community of fellow technologists through serving as:

  • Kscope11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Presenter
  • Kscope13 Essbase Track Selection Team Member
  • Kscope14 and 15 Essbase Track Lead
  • Kscope16 and 17 EPM/BI Content Chair
  • ODTUG Chicago Meetup Host
  • ODTUG OpenWorld Content Coordinator

Hard work, yes, but it's the least I can do to show how important ODTUG is to me, both professionally and personally. Serving you in these roles has been my pleasure and honor. I want to continue this service. As a Director, I will bring a fresh perspective on what makes ODTUG so great combined with a deep understanding of what makes Kscope such a remarkable success. I will represent all of you, in every Community, by leading ODTUG in its current form and charting its future. Your vote will make this possible.

Biography 

Tim is a British expat who lives with his family in Chicago, Illinois. He has worked with Oracle tools since 1998 and is currently a Director at Qubix, an Oracle Partner focused on EPM/BI products. Tim’s particular area of expertise is the design of systems built on the Essbase platform. Since 2015, he has been recognized as an Oracle ACE.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

Supportive, open, growing – the very best community for Oracle professionals.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

ODTUG has given so much to me: learning opportunities, new skills, and friends and colleagues from all over the world. None of this would have possible without ODTUG, and I'm grateful. I've given back through speaking, content selection and every other volunteer opportunity I could find. Given your vote, I'd like to do much more representing you as an ODTUG Director.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

I love ODTUG, and I know how it's helped me grow in ways both professionally and personally that would literally never have happened otherwise. My passion for, and understanding of, the power of the community will make me an advocate for all ODTUG members. I know the positive power of ODTUG, and I want to see ODTUG do ever better.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

ODTUG is a family of Communities. I want every member of this family to share the benefits I have enjoyed. I will do this by cross-pollination of people and ideas across Communities, bringing the same focus I've had on EPM to all the Communities and making sure that the Board as a whole continues to take the same holistic view.

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Roel Hartman, APEX Consulting

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Campaign Statement 

I have been attending and presenting at Kscope conferences since 2007. This not only resulted in a vast amount of knowledge, but also – and even more importantly – a huge number of friends from all over the globe. I want to see ODTUG grow and spread this community feeling even more! My experience as an attendee, presenter, and Content Lead has provided the basic foundation to be a Director. Next to that, my personality and (global) network will be beneficial to the whole Board and organization. Since March, I have served on the Board of Directors in a limited term for a Director who stepped down due to a career change. This has allowed me to have unique insight into all the things that are going on in and around the ODTUG organization. As the train was already rolling full steam ahead, I tried to lend a helping hand wherever I could. Now, I seek your support as a full-term elected member of the Board so I may become even more involved by heading a standing committee and serving a full two-year term.  I am really looking forward to making a difference and helping the organization continue to move forward. I feel as if these past six months were a sort of internship that can give me a jumpstart for the next term! So don’t hesitate; vote for Roel! See www.roelforodtug.com for more details. You can even sign up as a supporter!

Biography

Roel is a very experienced Oracle Software Architect. He started a long time ago using Oracle RDBMS 5, Oracle Forms 2.3, RPT/RPF, and Oracle*Case 4.5. For the past few years, he has focused mainly on Oracle Application Express. Roel has been a speaker at UKOUG, OOW, Collaborate, ODTUG’s Kscope, and a number of local Oracle user groups. He acted as the APEX Content Lead for the Kscope14 and Kscope15 conferences and keeps an APEX-related blog at roelhartman.blogspot.com. In June 2009 Roel received an Oracle ACE designation, and in August 2010 he was appointed as an Oracle ACE Director. He is a co-author of Expert Oracle Application Express and Oracle Application Express for Mobile Web Applications. Since March 2016, Roel has been a member of the ODTUG Board of Directors. He is Director at APEX Consulting in the Netherlands.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

ODTUG, the most vibrant community in the Oracle ecosystem.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

I have been attending and presenting at Kscope conferences since 2007. This not only resulted in a vast amount of knowledge, but also – and even more importantly – a huge number of friends from all over the globe. And I want to see ODTUG continuing and spreading this community feeling even more!

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

My experience as an attendee, presenter, content lead, and interim Director provide a solid foundation for a full-term Director. Next to that, my personality and (global) network can be beneficial to the whole board.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

I would like to make ODTUG a more international, community-driven organization. That means more activities and more members inside as well as outside North America. And support for more local activities such as Meetups. Growth from the bottom up!

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Eric Helmer, Mercury Technology Group

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Campaign Statement

Fellow Oracle users, I seek your support to continue to serve the Oracle user community with your vote for ODTUG Board of Directors. I have been involved in the user community for many years – from speaking at the old Hyperion Solutions conferences to participating in local user group meetings and conferences throughout the country. In recent years, I have actively served on the OAUG Hyperion SIG. As a long-standing SIG Board member, I meet frequently with the Board and Oracle. As a voice for the Hyperion user community, I am responsible for helping develop policies and programs related to Hyperion representation within OAUG. I also assist and coordinate high-quality content, speakers, and educational programs. I bring a tremendous amount of experience in serving the Oracle user community though volunteer work, free educational webinars, blogging, and contributions to trade magazines and Oracle Technology Network. As an Oracle ACE Director, I have a unique ability to get firsthand information on Oracle product roadmaps, a deep-rooted network of Oracle Product Managers, and a voice in influencing product direction on behalf of our community. I continue to believe in the long-standing culture of giving back to the user community that has given me so much. I believe the time is now to seek election to the ODTUG Board of Directors, where I feel I can do even more, spanning all Oracle products, alongside my peers to help everyone advance their skills, knowledge, marketability, and careers in this ever-so-tight user community.

Biography

Eric is the Vice President of Applications Services for Mercury Technology Group, a managed cloud and hosting provider for Oracle solutions. He started his career as an Oracle DBA and quickly became an expert in Oracle Applications when GTE and Bell Atlantic merged to form Verizon, creating the largest Hyperion implementation in the world at that time. Eric then went into consulting, advising some of the largest and most complex technical Oracle implementations around the world, and remains a recognized authority on the infrastructure side of Oracle Solutions.

  • Oracle ACE Director
  • Speaker at Hyperion/Oracle conferences and Meetups for 10 years
  • Served OAUG Hyperion SIG Board
  • Served ODTUG Hyperion SIG
  • Winner of the OAUG Hyperion SIG Certificate of Distinction
  • Frequent contributor to Oracle trade outlets and Oracle Technology Network
  • Countless free educational classes and webinars
  • Created the ODTUG Hyperion SIG infrastructure domain

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

People who care about each other’s career in Oracle solutions!

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

Gratitude. Twelve years ago when I was starting out in Oracle solutions, user groups helped me build a network of friends and colleges that helped me find opportunities and advance my career. I would not be where I am without those who selflessly helped. In my honest opinion, it is my duty to give back, and it will bring me personal satisfaction to do so. I hope to bring user groups back to what they were – people looking for help, coming together, looking for jobs, sharing ideas. That’s what it’s all about. 

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

Proven experience helping and fighting for the Oracle user community. I believe it is the job of user groups such as ODTUG to arm themselves with leadership that will represent unbiased fact-based perspectives in real-world situations on behalf of the user community – and be a strong influential force for needed change. My designation as an Oracle ACE Director, my online influence, and my personal relationships with back-end product developers and managers gives me an avenue that ODTUG members can leverage to have their voice heard, communicated, and shared in this community.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

Absolutely. I’d like to help ODTUG be completely diverse across all user types. My mission would be to ensure all user groups in ODTUG are fairly represented, not just the product majorities. My secondary mission would be to help oversee and regulate corporate influence of our community. In my opinion, we need to make sure corporate sponsorship is a healthy contribution and marketing is kept in check. Finally, we must continue to evolve and innovate for the next generation of users, creating easily searchable and immediately available content outside of just recorded webinars. Check out http://www.Eric4ODTUG.com for more information.

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Andrew Jorgensen, MindStream Analytics

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Campaign Statement 

I am asking for your vote in this year’s ODTUG Board of Directors election. It's a pleasure to continue to be part of the ODTUG community and serve on the Board. My personal goal is to help ODTUG continue to grow as a community through events, networking, e-learning, and thought leadership in the Oracle technical space. Being involved in the BI and EPM space from the early days of IMRS and Hyperion has given me a strong sense of community. I have served that community as an Oracle ACE and President of the OAUG Hyperion SIG, and by speaking at multiple conferences such as OOW, Collaborate, Kscope, and many others. Beyond just being a career I consider it home, a home that I will continue to build upon. Thanks for voting for me to help achieve that goal.

Biography

Andy has 25 years in the performance management and analytics space. Formerly CEO of Pinnacle Group Worldwide and twice an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company, he is now Senior Partner at MindStream Analytics. Andy is an Oracle ACE and also the former president of the OAUG Hyperion SIG. He brings organizational leadership and best practices in growing a strong technical community. Additionally, Andy sits on the boards of several technology companies such as Suralink and COVR Healthcare.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

ODTUG is a great resource for technical content for Oracle users.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

I’ve been helping the Oracle Hyperion Community for over 25 years.

What attributes do you feel you would provide to this position?

Leadership on several other Boards, great marketing and communication skills.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

Increase awareness and membership of ODTUG.

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Alexander Ladd, MindStream Analytics

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Campaign Statement 

Why do I want to be part of ODTUG? For years now, I've been involved in the ODTUG community in various aspects with participation each year at Kscope and webinars. I would like to continue my journey in giving back by joining the ODTUG Board of Directors. As a new Board member, I would help to promote ODTUG and utilize my passion and expertise of BI/EPM/Analytics solutions to deliver that message to the community.

Biography 

A Design Lead Certified Planning and Essbase Architect who has personally worked on more than 50 Planning and Essbase implementations, Alex also has experience with a number of Tier 1 EPM software products that give him a unique expertise with both relational and OLAP data structures. Alex is a graduate of Trinity College with a bachelor’s degree in history. He has over 15 years of experience in financial software systems and is the Founder and CEO of MindStream Analytics, a Boston-based consulting and managed services firm specializing in Enterprise Performance Management and BI Analytics solutions to customers that include American Medical Association, Bayer Corporation, Boston Scientific, Chiquita Brands, ING Direct, Monster Worldwide, and Verizon. Prior to founding MindStream Analytics, Alex was a Managing Director at Pinnacle Group Worldwide.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be? 

An incredible community of highly inquisitive people sharing their knowledge.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?  

To ensure that ODTUG continues to be a place that fosters the sharing of knowledge that it has become synonymous with.

What attributes do you feel you would provide to this position?  

I have been a longtime member of this community and try to serve it regularly. I’ve seen the Hyperion Community grow and been actively engaged as an advocate for almost 20 years. This has prepared me to help the community with the changes and challenges it faces over the next few years.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?   

Continue the growth of the community.

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Robert Lockard, Oraclewizard.com

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Campaign Statement

Since the first time I attended an ODTUG-sponsored event, the organization has grown and seen many improvements. The current and past Board members should be commended for all their hard work and dedication. I am committed to driving growth and working closely with the Board to see ODTUG continue growth, and working on outreach to professionals to let them see how ODTUG can help them grow their careers. I am committed to outreach to Oracle professionals and listening to what their needs are. By doing this, we can continue to improve our organization. There are many wonderful professionals running for the Board of Directors, so you can’t go wrong with any of these people.

Biography

I am a professional Oracle DBA, Designer, Developer, and Project Manager. For the past 20 years, I have worked as an Independent Consultant providing quality services to my customers at a reasonable price. I have worked in financial intelligence tracking money laundering, terrorist money, and identity theft. I also have worked in the cyber crimes arena tracking attacks on information systems. I specialize in evaluating and securing your Oracle Database environment from threats, both external and internal. In 1987, my boss called me into his office and told me that I am now their Oracle Wizard and then handed me a stack of Oracle tapes and told me to load them on the VAX. Since then, I have worked exclusively as an Oracle Database Designer, Developer, Database Administrator, and Project Manager. I enjoy flying vintage aircraft, racing sailboats, photography, and technical diving. I own and fly the Spirit of Baltimore Hon, a restored 1948 Ryan Navion, and live in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on Marley Creek.

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Kevin McGinley, Red Pill Analytics

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Campaign Statement

Hi, everyone! I'd like to ask for your support in running for the ODTUG Board of Directors. I currently serve ODTUG as the BI Community Lead and sit on the Kscope17 Conference Committee as the Vendor Chair. I first engaged with ODTUG in 2011 and have happily volunteered in the following ways since:

  • BI Track Content Committee - Kscope11
  • BI Track Lead - Kscope12, Kscope13
  • BI Track Content Committee - Kscope14, Kscope15
  • Vendor Chair, Kscope Conference Committee - Kscope16
  • Big Data & Advanced Analytics Track Content Lead - Kscope16
  • BI Community Lead

I am proud to have expanded the focus of Kscope by introducing the Big Data and Advanced Analytics track in 2016, which had strong attendance in its inaugural year. As the BI Community Lead, I have coordinated BI events around the country, including our recent BI Community Day in Minneapolis. As Vendor Chair, I have contributed to the introduction of the Track Sponsor for Kscope17, which will generate more revenue for the ODTUG community. I have presented webinars, spoken at ODTUG events, and volunteered my company, Red Pill Analytics, to build an analytical application for ODTUG to analyze its member data, which was unveiled in a presentation at Kscope15. As a Board member, I vow to drive ODTUG's strategic goals to grow the Business Intelligence Community and all Communities significantly in the coming years. I will also use my deep relationships at Oracle to ensure that Oracle continues to support our vibrant community to the benefit of all members.

Biography

I am the Owner and Co-Founder of Red Pill Analytics, an Oracle BI products and services company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. I am an Oracle ACE Director for Oracle Business Intelligence, helping Oracle customers of all varieties derive value from their data to make good business decisions. I have spent the past 20 years working in the fields of Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence. Over that time, I have given countless presentations, written many articles, authored a book, co-hosted the podcast "Real Time BI with Kevin and Stewart," and traveled the world advocating for Oracle Business Intelligence.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

ODTUG is fun, informative, compassionate, engaging, beneficial, exciting, and collaborative.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

To grow the ODTUG community and ensure its livelihood for many years to come.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

A familiarity with how ODTUG and Kscope operate from several different perspectives, a diligence to drive progress within ODTUG, and a personality to make all feel welcome and included.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

I’d love to grow ODTUG in the areas of BI and Analytics. There is a lot of growth potential in this area, especially as more and more of this market extends beyond technical developers to business developers. I want to capture the interest of new people who wouldn’t have thought to join a developer-centric user group, and BI/Analytics is a great path to pursue that goal.

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Albert Moreno, Edgewater Ranzal

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Campaign Statement 

I am running for the Board of Directors for ODTUG and am asking for your support. This is a critical time for members of the Oracle community. With Oracle’s move toward cloud technology, I feel it is vital to get involved and help with the integration of on- and off-premise applications to ensure that the Oracle users continue to maximize their gains from their investment in the Oracle suite of products. I have been involved in the Oracle space for over 30 years and specifically with the Hyperion space since 1999. I have watched the Hyperion technology evolve and am extremely interested in ensuring that the user community integrates with Oracle’s new direction. As a frequent attendee at Kscope as a vendor participant, I think ODTUG can help shape and guide in partnership with Oracle the future for the user community. As part of ODTUG, I look forward to working closely with Oracle and promise to represent and carry the concerns of the user community to Oracle to make sure our voices are heard.

Biography 

Al has worked in the Hyperion space since 1999 as a Practice Manager crafting the integration message to incorporate Essbase with RDB customers. He has worked as a Consultant for over 30 years, initially with an EDS subsidiary as a DW architect implementing CRM solutions.

Al has a diverse background working in multiple industries as a business analyst and IT professional. After leaving Hyperion in 2003, he co-founded Sinecon, a company dedicated to integrating the relational world with Hyperion EPM tools.

He has co-authored several articles for Cutter Consortium and is a published DM Review author. Al has worked for several Oracle partners, including TopDown, Rolta, Blue Stone, Huron, and AdvancedEPM, and he is currently a Practice Manager for Edgewater Ranzal’s integration practice.

For the past 12 years, he has specialized in data integration and data governance, and he is an OPN Certified DRM Implementation Specialist.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

ODTUG is a user resource for developers using Oracle products.

What is your motivation for joining the Board? 

I seek to find ways of improving information and enhancing resources for Oracle developers.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

I bring a long career of working with Oracle products, starting with my experience as a DW Architect for large, data-intensive projects to my time working with the Oracle Hyperion Suite of products. I bring expertise as a developer, technical user, and business user.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member? 

I want to expand the role of ODTUG and get it more closely aligned with Oracle to voice the concerns of the user community in the direction Oracle is moving. I want to help align the Oracle direction with the needs of the user community by bringing critical user issues and concerns to Oracles managements attention.

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Nihar Parikh, EPMI

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Campaign Statement

I am asking for your support to “make it rain” as we enter the season of Oracle Cloud in partnership with ODTUG. It would be my honor to serve on the 2017-18 ODTUG Board of Directors and continue to build this prestigious community of thought leadership. Ever since my undergrad days of creating models in econometrics class, I have seen the value of an analytical perspective. Analytics, coupled with technology, helped me reach beyond just the basic concepts of systems but shone light on a shift in society as a whole. It was a world of choice and “what-if analysis” that was now truly at our fingertips. This “speed-of-thought” analysis was finally available, and I wanted to everyone to tap into it! It was this passion for knowledge sharing that prompted me to start EPMI and engage in ODTUG since my first presentation in 2009. Since then, I have been invited to present at various Oracle EPM events around the country. If elected, I would use my experience to offer a fresh perspective from the next generation of Oracle professionals. With cloud on the horizon and workforce demographics shifting towards millennials, it's about time the enterprise software market catches up to the new consumers. I would like to offer that perspective. My close partnership with Oracle product development, hands-on implementation, and entrepreneurial mindset make me a unique fit for the ODTUG Board. I humbly ask for your vote to help build the ODTUG community by endorsing my candidacy for the Board.

Biography

Since my Dad bought my first computer for me in 1992, I haven't been able to tear myself away from technology. Some of my first programming experiences were with Basic, DOS, and Terminal Services. In high school, I built my own computer network at home while researching philosophy and competing in national speech and debate tournaments. As a fresh college grad in 2007, in a post dot-com bubble and amid a recession, I thought about going back to school but applied for several jobs in the consulting arena and immediately fell in love with the Oracle EPM suite of products.

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Mike Riley, Hortica Insurance

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Campaign Statement

I am submitting my name for election to the ODTUG Board. I have been a member of the organization for many years and have always sought to give back to the organization that has given me so much personally. I would not be a leader in my own organization without the value that my ODTUG membership has provided me. I have several goals if elected to the ODTUG Board:

  • Represent ALL members of ODTUG fairly
  • Grow the Database Community
  • Help my fellow Board members with the organization's goals
  • And rise to the many challenges the organization faces moving forward

I have mentored many people in helping them reach their personal and professional goals, whether serving within ODTUG or in their professional careers. I am committed to assisting current and new members achieve their potential. The organization depends on volunteers at all levels to achieve its success, and I feel I play a key role in helping ODTUG maintain a solid volunteer base. I have a passion to serve this organization, and I have the ability to do it effectively. I am committed and prepared to invest the time and energy required to be a Board member. With your support, I look forward to serving ODTUG during 2017-2018. I urge you to exercise your rights in this election; read all the candidate statements and bios, and cast your vote for the future of this great organization. Thank you for your consideration and participation in this election!

Biography 

Mike has performed many roles while serving ODTUG. He was named an Oracle ACE in June 2010, wrote a regular column for Oracle Magazine, and won the 2014 ODTUG Volunteer Award. Mike is a Project Manager/DBA with Hortica, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group. Hortica's mission is to guide and provide the green industry with superior, cost-effective insurance solutions. Mike has 30+ years of experience, including consulting with the Department of Defense and working for a large clothing and shoe retailer, in addition to his current position. He has been involved in many successful projects throughout his career, including leading a development team to create a rating system for workers’ compensation insurance, using a mix of Oracle and third-party tools. He has also taken part in many database upgrades/migrations and disaster recovery planning and testing scenarios. Recently, Mike played a key role in converting Hortica's claims data to Sentry's database.

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

Highest-quality networking, learning, fun, supportive, engaging user group EVER!

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

Primarily, giving back to the community that has given me so much – more about me here. It started with learning and networking many years ago, helping me to become a leader in my company, in the Oracle community, and in ODTUG. The support I have personally received from the community can never be repaid, but I am going to keep on trying to repay that debt as long as I can.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

Consistency, knowledge, experience, and quality. I know what it takes to serve on the Board, and I understand the commitment and time required to serve this community. I have a proven track record of getting things done for ODTUG! Find out more about me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

It is tough to pin down a single goal for the organization, but my campaign statement includes representing all ODTUG members equally and fairly AND helping grow the Database Community.

The ODTUG community is strong and vibrant. The responsibility of a Board member is to represent all members. It is important for ODTUG to have community balance, and the Database Community deserves strong representation and a commitment to growing its members.

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Sherif Said, FAA

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Campaign Statement 

I have over 10 years of experience from sales, partner, and now delivery. I can show great value and perspective from all sides of the ball.

Biography 

I started at Oracle in 2009. In 2012, I went to a Partner at BIAS, where I was responsible for building their Public Sector practice, growing it to $60 million in four years. Having built a strong relationship with my clients, I was asked to come support all Oracle implementations. Now I am supporting on the delivery side as a Project Manager.

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Jake Turrell, Turrell Consulting

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Campaign Statement

ODTUG is a diverse and complex service organization; however one of its key objectives is providing opportunities for enhanced communication and education across the Oracle community (with a healthy dose of fun). If you’ve read my blog or attended any of my presentations, you know that education is my passion, and I work hard to communicate my topics in a relatively easy-to-understand format. My topics usually involve end-to-end tutorials on technically challenging subjects with specific examples. I spend absurd amounts of time preparing and rehearsing content. I don’t simply share information; I work hard to deliver information and teach topics that excite me and hopefully excite my colleagues. My goal is to apply my passion for Oracle community education to ODTUG as a member of the Board of Directors. ODTUG and Oracle have both recognized my contributions to the Oracle community. Over the years, I have won multiple Top Speaker awards for my presentations at Kscope, participated in panel discussions as a subject-matter expert, and worked on content selection for the conference. In addition, I have been named an Oracle ACE Associate, was co-editor on a book about developing Essbase applications, and maintain a blog on relevant topics in the EPM Community. Like many members, I can’t imagine my career being nearly as fulfilling without ODTUG. As such, I would like the opportunity to preserve and enhance the organization in an official capacity. I would like to ask for your vote for the ODTUG Board of Directors.

Biography

Jake is a Senior Solution Architect with over 23 years of experience implementing Enterprise Performance Management solutions. Jake began his career as a financial systems intern at Dell, where he administered IMRS Micro Control, the predecessor to Hyperion Enterprise. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in management information systems, Jake joined Ernst & Young’s Management Consulting practice. In 1998, Jake moved to Navigator Systems, where he rose to the level of OLAP Practice Lead. Since 2003, Jake has been an independent consultant focused on the implementation of Hyperion Planning, PBCS, Essbase, and related technologies. Career highlights include:

  • Oracle ACE Associate
  • Top Speaker Award (Planning Track) – Kscope16
  • Best First-Time Speaker Award – Kscope10
  • Co-Editor – Developing Essbase Applications
  • Blogger – EPM Adventures
  • Kscope12 – Content Lead for EPM/BI Apps
  • Kscope13 – Content Team for EPM/BI Apps
  • Frequent conference presenter – Kscope, OpenWorld, NTxHUG, Infratects Top Gun, Solutions, etc.)

Questions

If you could describe ODTUG in 10 words or less, what would they be?

A fraternity of Oracle developers focused on service and education.

What is your motivation for joining the Board?

ODTUG has a history of intelligent and capable leadership. This year, partially due to term limits, the organization is making way for new Board members. While the loss of experienced leaders is unfortunate, it also highlights one of the organization's greatest strengths – opportunity for new members. Affording these opportunities only benefits ODTUG if passionate people step up to the plate. I want to ensure the organization continues to grow and serve its members.

What attributes do you feel you would contribute to this position?

I have a strong commitment to organized, open, and transparent communication. I believe I can help members better understand and utilize the resources ODTUG provides. 

Do you have a principal goal you would like to achieve as a Board member?

I would like to find new and creative ways to recognize and reward ODTUG members for their contributions to the community. A focused set of incentives will drive content creation and greater involvement.

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