Skills are more valuable when shared. I help build and run technical communities in Chicago. Since 2013 I've organized the Chicago AWS user group, the 3rd largest user group in North America. We maintain monthly educational, user-focused events in downtown Chicago. I run events, organize sponsors and hosts, coordinate with speakers, and order the pizza. In 2017 I joined the wonderful DevOpsDays Chicago organizers. DevOpsDays is a worldwide community conference series for anyone interested in IT improvement. I run sponsorships - so I convince awesome companies to send their best and brightest to Chicago in the summertime. Join DevOpsDays in 2022!
I am a Program Manager at Morningstar and AWS Community Hero. Previously, I was a Solutions Engineer at BreakFree Consulting where I helped teams bring in DevOps practices to organizations and building in AWS. For five years I was the Technical Marketing Specialist at Cohesive Networks where I built technical documentation, product guides, customer campaigns and building technology communities. In 2017 I became an AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Associate.
Before technology, I ran green building LEED certification projects as a Certified LEED AP O+M. I hold a BSM from Tulane University and a Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge. I volunteer at the annual THOTCON infosec conference in Chicago. I am a past president (2014-2016) of the Chicago Tulane Alumni Association.
I am a product of Nashville, a lover of New Orleans, and a proud Chicago transplant. I adore my dog, Peanut.
Drop me a note about my projects, AWS Chicago user group, or just some trivia. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.