FY2026 Board of Directors Elections

Lillian Buziack | Caprus AI

Candidate Statement

As a recognized ODTUG Contributor of the Year and original team member who launched the Oracle ACE program, I bring proven experience building programs that recognize talent and drive community growth. My 25 years in the Oracle ecosystem, from Oracle direct to co-founding Caprus AI, provides unique insight into traditional Oracle challenges and emerging technology opportunities.

Value I Bring to ODTUG:

- Proven Program Development: Successfully launched and scaled the Oracle ACE program from inception, demonstrating ability to create lasting, impactful initiatives
 
- Strategic Technology Vision: Leadership role at Caprus AI positions me to guide ODTUG through the intersection of Oracle and emerging technologies
 
- Board-Ready Leadership: Volunteer board experience across multiple organizations with track record of building consensus and delivering results
 
- Deep Community Networks: Decades of relationships across the Oracle ecosystem enable effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development
 
Strategic Contributions as Board Member:
- Community Growth & Engagement: Expand ODTUG's reach by developing targeted outreach programs and creating pathways for emerging Oracle professionals to engage meaningfully with our community.
 
- Technology Leadership: Position ODTUG at the forefront of Oracle-AI integration, ensuring our programming and resources help members navigate evolving technology landscapes and remain competitive.
 
- Member Value Enhancement: Strengthen professional development offerings through enhanced mentorship programs, expanded recognition initiatives, and strategic partnerships that deliver tangible career advancement opportunities.
 
My commitment is bringing the same strategic focus and relationship-building expertise that built the Oracle ACE program to help ODTUG to continue to thrive.

Biography

As a founding team member who launched and led the Oracle ACE program, I've been passionate about recognizing and nurturing Oracle evangelists since 2006. I've sent countless ACEs to Kscope, watching them share knowledge, build careers, and strengthen our community. Being honored as ODTUG Contributor of the Year in 2010 reflects my commitment to building authentic relationships.
 
Over 25 years in the Oracle ecosystem, from Oracle through consulting and now as Co-founder at Caprus AI, I see opportunities where AI and Oracle technologies can solve complex business challenges and create innovation possibilities.
 
My volunteer leadership across multiple organizations has honed my ability to build consensus, develop impactful programs, and connect with diverse stakeholders. I believe success comes from emotional intelligence and human connection, not just following trends.
 
I'm committed to growing the ODTUG community by helping members embrace Oracle technology through stronger relationships that drive personal and professional success.

Tim Faitsch | Applied OLAP

Candidate Statement

ODTUG has been a cornerstone of my professional growth, and now I’m ready to give back in a bigger way.

Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been a passionate advocate for community-driven knowledge sharing. I believe that when we openly share our experiences, we don’t just build better solutions, we build lasting relationships and a stronger professional community.

That’s why I’m running for the ODTUG Board of Directors.

I want to help ODTUG continue fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment that sparks innovation and empowers members at every stage of their journey. I promise to bring energy, creativity, curiosity and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

Together, we grow. Together, we get better.

Thank you for considering me for this opportunity. I would be honored to serve.

Biography

Tim began working with Essbase in 1998 and almost immediately became an active member of the developer community. He always enjoyed participating in online technical forums, helping whenever possible. He’s spoken at various technical conferences over the years and won the Overall Top Speaker Award at Kscope23.

Tim currently works at Applied OLAP, a company with a strong commitment to the Oracle developer community. He holds a bachelors degree in Economics from Purdue University and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University.

Abi Giles-Haigh | Capgemini

Candidate Statement

As a candidate for the position of board member advocate, I pledge to bring a spirit of curiosity and collaboration to every discussion, ensuring our organisation flourishes through open-minded engagement. Driven by an inquisitive nature, I will ask critical questions that challenge our assumptions and deepen our collective understanding of pressing issues. By actively seeking perspectives from diverse stakeholders, I aim to foster a culture where fresh ideas are welcomed, debated, and refined.

I plan to prioritise transparent communication and regular knowledge-sharing sessions that empower every voice, from emerging leaders to seasoned experts. I will champion initiatives that break down silos, encouraging cross-technology teamwork and mentorship programmes that accelerate learning. Innovation thrives when we blend respectful dialogue with thoughtful experimentation. I will work tirelessly to create an environment where setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Together, we can build a vibrant community where information flows freely, decisions are informed by evidence, and every member feels valued for their unique insights. If elected, I promise to remain accessible, listen attentively to your ideas, and advocate for policies that reflect our shared commitment to excellence and growth. By embracing inquisitiveness, openness, and knowledge exchange, I will help guide our board towards a future filled with creative solutions and collective achievement. My goal is to create forums and digital platforms that facilitate seamless information exchange.

Biography

I am an experienced professional in designing award-winning enterprise data platforms, from data capture to advanced AI models, enabling actionable insights, driving product development, and uncovering operational efficiencies. I am an approachable leader who fosters collaboration and empowers teams to innovate. I create an environment where engineers and data scientists feel comfortable presenting bold ideas, knowing their voices are valued.

 
I have a proven track record in data science and solution architecture, having designed scalable pipelines, optimised data workflows, and translated raw data into business value. I focus on strategic leadership by building technical teams, hiring top talent, and mentoring engineers to become autonomous problem-solvers. With an open-door policy, I support team members, whether they need help with a difficult algorithm or want to propose a new approach to leveraging AI. In every role, I aim to drive innovation by combining cutting-edge technology with a culture of inclusivity, continuous learning, and shared success.

Basheer Khan | Knex

Candidate Statement

I’ve been part of the Oracle user group community since 1996 and attending ODTUG conference since 2013. I’m eager to give back by helping members stay ahead – especially in leveraging AI and OCI – through shared learning, community growth, and real connections. As a board member, I will focus on ensuring our members stay at the forefront of Oracle technology by fostering access to high-quality, timely, and practical knowledge that drives real-world success.

Biography

Basheer Khan, founder and CEO of Knex Technology, is an industry-leading expert in Oracle Cloud applications and technology, with over 38 years of experience in information technology and enterprise architecture. He specializes in cloud applications implementation, applied AI, enterprise integration and business process improvement.

Basheer is recognized by Oracle as an ACE Director, for both Oracle Applications as well as Fusion Middleware. Oracle Magazine has honored him as Oracle’s Integration Architect of the Year. Passionate about user groups, he has served on several boards and has founded multiple special interest groups. A frequent speaker on the capabilities of Oracle Cloud Applications & Technology at major conferences including Oracle OpenWorld, he has been published numerous times.

Peter Koutroubis | SMACT Works

Candidate Statement

It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I respectfully submit my application to serve on the ODTUG Board of Directors. Over the years of attending, presenting and networking within the community my desire to give back and contribute to the community had grown steadily. My interest in serving on the ODTUG Board of Directors stems from my life long work and passion in working with people in the Oracle technology arena. 

I have over nineteen years of experience working in Oracle technologies promoting and advancing services in Oracle applications, data warehousing, business intelligence, and big data. I have experience in bringing together multi-sector partners and voices from the community to promote leading practices in Oracle technologies throughout the U.S and Caribbean. Those that have worked with me can attest to both my passion and involvement in technology collaboration at the local, state and national levels. 
 
Through my experience as a hands-on consultant, provider of Oracle consulting services and serving on technology user group boards, I have gained insight and deep understanding of the many challenges and opportunities that user groups face. Moreover, I believe that for user groups to remain relevant and vital, they must be publicly engaged so that they are heard and understood. We must effectively tell the stories of the many people we serve in so many ways that contribute to the quality of content and services that ODTUG has historically provided and that is envied by other technology user groups across the country.

Biography

Peter Koutroubis is a senior level informational technology consulting services professional with twenty plus years of experience. As Executive Vice President of Sales Operations is part of SMACT Works executive team where he is responsible for the leading Inside Sales, Sales, Recruiting, and Branding initiatives. Peter is an Oracle Certified professional specializing in Oracle Cloud, PeopleSoft, Oracle Data Warehousing, and Oracle Business Analytics. Peter has hands-on experience completing four (4) full solution cycle Human Capital Management implementations as Data Team Lead, Functional Lead, and Functional Team Lead. Also, he has served as the Program Director and Project Manager for six (6) Oracle Business Intelligence Applications implementations, six (6) PeopleSoft Campus Solutions projects, and two (2) Fusion Data Intelligence (FDI) implementations among others.
 
Peter is a service-disabled veteran of the U.S. Navy having served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield where he was awarded Navy Achievement, and Armed Forced Expeditionary medals.

Debra Lilley | Inoapps

Candidate Statement

I joined the ODTUG board in 2022 but have been a personal member for much longer. ODTUG is the place that I come to learn. My area is the apps that underpin the applications and the access ODTUG gives me to product managers is priceless.

In my 4 years on the board, I have championed strategy and governance, as a Chartered Company Director I know that being on the board is not just representing members but ensuring the organisation is properly run, money spent wisely and that we deliver the best community and opportunities for everyone involved.

I have also championed invigorating our communities and looking at new areas such as OCI. 

I will continue to support and champion the other initiatives like Women in IT, Leadership program and Focus groups for Oracle. Areas where ODTUG make a difference in the community.

On my career side, I thought I might retire but instead have cut down my work commitments and this gives me more time for the volunteering. 

If you re-elect me for the next term I will do more of the same and build on our communities to ensure we deliver more outside the conference. KSCOPE is amazing but ODTUG is more than just KSCOPE.

Biography

I have worked in the Oracle World for over 30 years and have always been an active community member. I was a board member of my regional UKOUG for many years and have served 4 years for ODTUG.  

When Oracle Fuson was being developed, I represented all usergroups worldwide and ran a focus group that worked closely with Oracle development to ensure usergroups had input and had the information their members needed.

I have always worked with Applications and the technology that underpins them. I believe my biggest skill is translating between business and technology.

I have had many roles in my career that have added to these skills and currently work with customers to explore their Oracle strategy.

I love to share knowledge and have spoken on what I have learnt for most of my career and have been rewarded by being an ACE Director.

Kurt Mayer | Perficient

Candidate Statement

ODTUG has been a cornerstone of my professional journey – connecting me with a global community of passionate Oracle professionals and providing a platform to learn, grow, and give back. I’m honored to have served on the ODTUG Board since 2022 and currently as Treasurer, where I’ve implemented strategic financial oversight and improved reporting standards to ensure the long-term stability of our organization.

During my tenure, I’ve chaired the Strategic Planning and Finance Committees, where I led the creation of innovative programs and investment policies that continue to strengthen ODTUG’s mission. I’ve also contributed actively on subcommittees spanning Marketing, Women in Tech, Engagement, and more – collaborating to expand our outreach and impact.

I’m proud to have supported new community initiatives within ODTUG and the alliance between ODTUG and Oracle. These efforts broaden our reach and reinforce ODTUG’s role in the evolving Oracle landscape.

As an Oracle ACE Pro, long-time Kscope presenter, former Oracle University instructor, and international speaker, I bring not only technical depth but also a passion for mentoring and community-building. I’ve worn many hats over my 40-year career - developer, consultant, corporate apps leader, trainer, and solutions architect – and I bring that well-rounded experience to every boardroom conversation.

If re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly to grow our community, foster innovation, and ensure ODTUG remains a vibrant space for all Oracle professionals.

Let’s build the next chapter of ODTUG – together.

Biography

Kurt Mayer is a long-time ODTUG volunteer, currently serving as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in 2022, he’s brought strategic focus and a collaborative spirit to ODTUG’s financial planning, community growth, and event leadership.

A committed mentor and Oracle ACE Pro, Kurt has spoken at Kscope and numerous user group events. He supported the expansion of ODTUG’s user base through new initiatives and helped develop an alliance between ODTUG and the Oracle ACE Program. He serves as Board Liaison to the Kscope Conference Committee and the EPM Community.

Kurt’s background spans four decades in Oracle consulting, corporate systems leadership, and user group engagement. His past roles include user group president, speaker, and committee chair.

Driven by a love of learning and the power of professional connection, Kurt brings a deep commitment to building a strong, vibrant ODTUG community - one where knowledge and opportunity are shared.

Nihar Parikh | EPMI - withdrawn

Candidate Statement

As a longtime advocate for Oracle technology and community collaboration, I am excited to bring my entrepreneurial energy and deep product expertise to the ODTUG Board of Directors. My mission is to help foster innovation, inclusion, and real-world impact across the Oracle developer and business user ecosystem.

I bring a unique perspective as the founder and CEO of two firms: EPMI, a leading Oracle Cloud EPM consultancy, and PARIKH AI, an AI services company focused on enterprise automation and analytics. With over a decade of experience driving digital transformation for Fortune 500 clients, I have consistently championed community-driven enablement, forward-looking thought leadership, and deep partnerships with Oracle product teams.

If elected, I will focus on three core goals:

1.Grow community engagement with content and programs tailored for both seasoned practitioners and emerging professionals.

2.Expand ODTUG’s influence by bridging the gap between business outcomes and Oracle technology across EPM, ERP, data, and AI domains.

3.Enhance inclusivity and mentorship by supporting diverse voices and creating new pathways for growth within the Oracle ecosystem.
 
ODTUG has always been a place for passionate technologists, and I’m committed to ensuring it thrives in this next chapter of cloud, data, and AI transformation.
 
I respectfully ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve and give back to the community that has given me so much.

Biography

Nihar Parikh is the CEO of EPMI and PARIKH AI, two innovation-driven firms focused on Oracle Cloud EPM and enterprise AI solutions. He has over 15 years of experience in enterprise software, with a track record of helping global organizations modernize their financial and operational systems using Oracle Cloud technologies.
 
Nihar founded EPMI and grew it into a top Oracle partner before selling the company—and later reacquiring it to lead its next phase of growth. At PARIKH AI, he now advises energy and industrial clients on deploying AI and cloud strategies for measurable business outcomes.
 
A passionate advocate for mentorship, digital transformation, and community leadership, Nihar has spoken at numerous Oracle and technology forums. He lives in Houston, TX, with his family and enjoys aviation, science, and helping others build a lasting legacy through technology.

Hanny Shanar | Accelalpha

Candidate Statement

I’m honored to submit my candidacy for the ODTUG Board of Directors. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of finance and technology, deploying both ERP and EPM Enterprise solution. 17 of those years were leading the Oracle EPM team at Perficient and currently delivering transformational Oracle Cloud solutions at Accelalpha. My journey has been shaped by the support, collaboration, and innovation that communities like ODTUG make possible.

As a board member, I will focus on three core priorities:

• Enriching education and mentorship opportunities for all skill levels
• Building stronger collaboration with Oracle to align roadmaps with member needs
• Expanding outreach to engage the next generation of EPM, analytics, and emerging tech professionals

I’ve seen firsthand how ODTUG events, webinars, and networks can accelerate careers and spark innovation. I’m currently presenting at Kscope25, where I’ll share a custom utility developed to help organizations migrate from BlackLine to Oracle Account Reconciliations, an example of how ODTUG helps professionals share real-world solutions.

I believe ODTUG is more than a user group, it’s a launchpad for thought leadership and community growth. If elected, I will bring a deep understanding of Oracle technologies, a strong consulting perspective, and a commitment to transparency and service.

I would be grateful for your support and your vote. Together, we can ensure ODTUG remains the vibrant, forward-thinking organization it has always been.

Biography

Hanny Shanar is a seasoned Oracle EPM expert with over 20 years of experience delivering enterprise performance management and financial transformation solutions. He spent 17 years at Perficient, where he led Delivery Excellence and Team Development of the Oracle EPM practice as Director, General Manager and Principal. He currently serves as a Solutions Director at Accelalpha, an IBM Company, focusing on Oracle Cloud EPM implementations. Hanny has presented at multiple Oracle user conferences and is an active contributor to the Oracle EPM community. He is known for building strong client relationships, mentoring junior professionals, and developing innovative utilities. He is a passionate community mentor and thought leader.

Keegan Walker | Standard Aero

Candidate Statement

It was a nice surprise and an honor to be nominated for the Board of Directors and after learning more about it, I'm happy to put myself up for consideration.  

I attended my first Kscope in 2017 as a relatively new developer using Oracle APEX.  At the time, I was learning APEX on my own and looked to online forums for help which ultimately led me to ODTUG and the community connections I've developed over the years at Kscope and beyond.

Over the past two years as the APEX Content Chair for Kscope24/25, I've had a great time working with this awesome community to build a conference and program that's relevant, diverse, and fun!  It's been a rewarding experience being on the other side of the conference; seeing how it all comes together through volunteers. 

My background in project and program management has given me the skills to work well in ambiguity and bring structure to implementation of new ideas. I look forward to the opportunity to bring that same energy and experience to the ODTUG Board of Directors.

Thanks for considering me. I'd love your support!

Biography

Keegan has worked in software development for over a decade with 5 years of experience as an Oracle APEX Developer.  She is an ODTUG member and has been attending Kscope since 2017. Keegan is currently an IT Director at StandardAero; managing a portfolio of IT projects in software development and solution architecture. She is also a graduate of the 2020 ODTUG Leadership Program and has participated in the Women in APEX community.

Most recently, Keegan has served on the ODTUG Conference Committee as the APEX Content Chair for Kscope24 and Kscope25.

Danielle White | Donyati

Candidate Statement

ODTUG isn't just an organization to me: it's home. For years, Kscope has been the highlight of my professional calendar, where I've interacted with brilliant minds, built lifelong friendships, and every year, I've learned even more about the great evolution of Oracle solutions. This community has given me so much, and now I want to give back.

My passion lies in bringing people together and creating experiences that matter. While I may not write code or build databases, I understand what makes communities thrive: connection, collaboration, and celebration of shared purpose. Having served on the Kscope conference committee for four pivotal years, I've seen firsthand how the right vision and flawless execution can transform an event into something truly magical.

As your board member, I'm committed to strengthening the bridge between our traditional Oracle communities and our exciting emerging technologies. Whether you're deep in EPM, crafting with APEX, analyzing data, managing databases, exploring OCI, or implementing NetSuite, your voice deserves to be heard and your needs met.

I envision an ODTUG that embraces innovation while honoring our roots, where every member feels valued and inspired to grow. Together, we can make Kscope an even more dynamic experience and ensure ODTUG remains the premier destination for Oracle professionals worldwide.

Your vote is a vote for creativity, tactical excellence, and unwavering dedication to our shared Oracle journey. Vote Danielle White, and you're voting for a bright ODTUG future!

Biography

For nearly two decades, I've been communicating to the world the amazing power of Oracle solutions, helping my customers strategically transform with the power of EPM and Analytics. My Oracle journey has taken me through three incredible organizations where I've championed innovation and driven results:

•  interRel (2006-2020): Where I first discovered my passion for Oracle technologies and began building lasting client relationships
• Argano (2020-2024): Expanded my expertise while leading transformative projects that changed how businesses operate 
• Donyati (2024-present): Currently pioneering next-generation Oracle strategies and solutions

But my heart truly belongs to ODTUG. Since becoming an attendee in 2007, this community has shaped who I am professionally and personally. As Kscope co-chair in 2011 and 2012, I learned that magic happens when brilliant people come together with shared purpose. Now, as Attendee Experience Conference Chair for 2024 and 2025, I'm dedicated to creating unforgettable moments that inspire and connect our community.