I am an experienced and highly capable database administrator with excellent communication and a proven talent for helping others improve their skills. While I have nearly three decades of SQL Server experience, I am still on a ruthless quest to solve interesting problems at scale, while automating everything else.
Staff Database Reliability Engineer
Stack Overflow Nov 2021 - current
Stack Overflow Nov 2021 - current
- Ensure high availability and sub-second performance of one of the world's most popular websites
- Manage query tuning, upgrades, failovers, and migrations for SQL Server 2022
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize paths to the cloud (Azure/GCP)
- Interface with the broader community to discuss platform issues and improvements
Most Valuable Professional
Microsoft MVP 1997 - current
Microsoft MVP 1997 - current
- Recognized by Microsoft as an outstanding contributor to the technical community for 27 consecutive years
- A prolific blogger throughout most of my career
- Spoken at dozens of conferences, user groups, and SQL Saturdays
Database Reliability Engineer (L4)
Wayfair Nov 2019 - Nov 2021
Wayfair Nov 2019 - Nov 2021
- Helped deliver high availability and performance of SQL Server databases behind this leading retailer's web properties
- Optimized and standardized configuration of dozens of database servers handling massive swings in customer volume
Technical Product Manager
SentryOne Oct 2010 - Oct 2019
SentryOne Oct 2010 - Oct 2019
- Managed technical changes, backlog, and release schedule for one of the most popular free tools for SQL Server, Plan Explorer
- Contributed in many ways to paid monitoring tools (SQL Sentry)
- Ran the sqlperformance.com blog, including managing authors and their contracts
Senior Data Architect
Bluestreak Apr 1997 - Oct 2010
Bluestreak Apr 1997 - Oct 2010
- Built schema and highly available databases for a world-class ad server from the ground up, using SQL Server 6.5
- Built web application for ad campaign management using classic Active Server Pages
- Led upgrades to SQL Server 2000, 2005, and 2008
Bacholer of Business Administration
Nipissing University Sep 1993 - Apr 1997
Nipissing University Sep 1993 - Apr 1997
- As a consultant between classes, ran a desktop publishing company and built websites for the university library, Harley-Davidson of Toronto, Laurasia Resources, and an e-commerce site for Brushy Mountain Bee Farm