Voice of the DBA

Tag: PASS

  • A Week Before Networking at the PASS Summit

    It’s a week before the Networking Dinner at the PASS Summit. Andy Warren and I are hosting the event next Monday, October 26th, at the Yard House in Seattle. The address is at 4th and Pike, just a few blocks from the convention center.

    Register here if you can come.

    There’s no cost, other than you covering your own food and drink expenses. We would like registration just to try and ensure we have enough staff at the restaurant.

    This is a great chance to network with fellow data professionals. If this is your first or second time at the PASS Summit, please come and meet some people.

  • Congrats to Jen, Tim, Ryan, and Argenis

    Last week we received the results of the PASS Board of Directors elections for 2015. Jen Stirrup and Tim Ford were re-elected to new terms. They’ve served for the past few years as members of the BOD. Ryan Adams was elected for the first time, and I supported his candidacy, so I’m glad he won.

    Argenis Fernandez didn’t get elected, but I still applaud his decision to run. He was one of only four out of the thousands of PASS members that did so. However in reading Andy Warren’s notes, perhaps Argenis will end up being on the board anyway.

    If that’s the case, I’m glad. I think Argenis brings a fresh, new, different view, which is needed.

    In any case, I’ll publicly thank them here, and in person when I see them, as their volunteerism should be appreciated and acknowledged.

  • Costumes at the PASS Summit

    tl,dr; We’re raising money for Doctors without Borders. Donate and a few of us will dress up at the Summit. You don’t have to attend the Summit to have some fun here.

    Last year a bunch of us agreed to get silly to raise money. We ended up getting over $13,000 for Doctors without Borders and it was fun. Quite a few people had laughs along at the Summit.

    Photo-Nov-06-1-50-47-PM.jpg

    This year we’re doing it again, with Argenis Without Borders v2. Donate money and Argenis will be in a Ted suit at the Summit. I haven’t decided, but I’ll pick out something entertaining, and colorful.

    It’s a great cause, and it if speaks to you, donate.

  • Argenis and Ryan

    It’s the time of the year when PASS holds its annual elections for the board of directors. This year we have four candidates for 3 slots: Jennifer Stirrup, Tim Ford, Argenis Fernandez and Ryan Adams. Jennifer and Tim have been serving on the board the last few years, with newcomers, Argenis and Ryan, seeking to join the organization.

    I haven’t been too involved the last few years with PASS formally, though I do try to support the SQL Saturdays as best I can throughout the year. I’m still amazed at how well Karla does in facilitating so many events each year. I can only hope that continues.

    This year I’m writing to endorse two of the candidates. Argenis and Ryan are both members of the community that support both events and people, giving to others where they can. They have strong, and thoughtful opinions, both of which I value. I also like change, and I’d like to see the focus and mission of PASS change a bit to consider its membership more than its profits.

    This isn’t to say that I think Jennifer and Tim haven’t done a good job. They are also fine candidates, well qualified, and thoughtful. If either, or both, of them are elected, the organization will do well.

    I just like change in leadership. I like new ideas and fresh perspectives.

    I do urge all of you to take a few minutes of your time and look at the candidates. Read what they’ve written and then spend a few more minutes voting when elections open. This is a small request that can help us our professional organization continue to thrive.