I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted to the Microsoft MVP program! My award category is Azure Application PaaS. I was in the inaugural Azure MVP group nearly 16 years ago (awarded in October 2010). I “retired” from the MVP program in January 2015 when I joined Microsoft as an employee (employees aren’t eligible). While I no longer work at Microsoft, I remain an avid user and proponent of many Microsoft developer technologies. I’m thrilled to once again join the MVP program and this amazing community.
Community
I love being part of the Microsoft tech community. Whether I’m leading a local user group, speaking at conferences, blogging, or just engaging with folks on social media, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Sharing what I’ve learned and helping others succeed is just as rewarding. I’ve found there’s no better way to learn a technology than to try to teach others.
I also learn so much from others in the community. The exchange of ideas, perspectives and lessons learned helps to strengthen my own efforts. Having that network is incredibly valuable.
Microsoft MVP
Sure, the MVP program perks are great, but the relationships are what last. When I first joined the program in 2010, I met several MVPs who became lifelong friends. I’m incredibly grateful to them and the MVP program for fostering those connections.
After leaving Microsoft in early 2025, I set a goal to earn my way back to the MVP program. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I got back into local user groups, including leading my local Azure user group, Azure Columbus. I helped organize several local events too. I also picked up the pace of speaking at local and regional user groups. While I’ve had this blog for a while, my posting frequency dropped. So, I started posting more, sharing what I’ve been working on and learning along the way. (I do need to post yet even more; I enjoy the writing process.)
The hardest part for me was the time. The first time around (2010-2015), my oldest son was about a year old when I “retired” in 2015. I had a lot of free time. Now, I have two school-aged sons. It’s a constant balancing act, juggling work, family and the tech community, but I love it. ❤️
I’m back
On the evening of August 31st, 2026, I received the email that I’d been anxiously awaiting:
I’m incredibly honored to once again be a Microsoft MVP. This wasn’t a solo effort. There have been many friends and colleagues who’ve helped, providing feedback and guidance along the way. They’re part of my community and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them. Thank you!