Our volunteers have done it again. Each year I can’t imagine how more creativity and energy could be brought to the organization, and I am continually amazed at what is accomplished. Because of our volunteers, we have a thriving community of Oracle database and technology professionals that constantly advances and changes to meet the evolving needs of our profession.

As I close out my term as IOUG President, I would like to recognize the 2011-2012 IOUG Board of Directors and all other volunteers who have given their time and expertise this year. Their work benefits all Oracle technology professionals who want to advance the profession. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside such positive and dedicated individuals.

Thanks to all members who voted recently for the 2012-2013 IOUG Board of Directors. This democratic process of selecting our leaders is yet another example of the importance of active member involvement. The incoming board is full of talent, and I am truly excited for the future of our organization with the strong leaders with whom you entrusted the future of the IOUG.

As always, a perfect example of the great things that IOUG members and volunteers can achieve is our annual COLLABORATE conference. Thanks to the creative minds of the conference committee, the 2012 conference was a true success. IOUG’s Deep Dives and Boot Camps provided intensive, focused curricula on hot topics, taking attendees from theoretical foundations to the hands-on business of optimizing day-to-day operations.

Each year, the IOUG recognizes outstanding professionals in our community, and I’d like to acknowledge this year’s recipients: the 2011 Chris Wooldridge Award for volunteer service to the user community goes to Rich Niemiec; and the SELECT Journal Editor’s Choice Award goes to Arup Nanda, for his excellent technical article, “Cache Fusion Demystified.” Congratulations to all of you, and thanks for your service.

One annual award gets a special mention this year. The board voted to give 2011 Ken Jacobs Award to Mark Townsend, VP of Database Product Management. Mark died suddenly on April 13 before the award was given publicly. Here is Mark’s email response to me upon being notified of the award:

Wow. Thanks very much. Not sure I can measure up to the great example set by Ken but genuinely very happy to receive thanks. Please send my thanks to the board — it is a pleasure to work with all of them… We at Oracle appreciate all the hard work you all do on behalf of the Oracle users.

Mark’s award was accepted on behalf of his family at COLLABORATE by his friend and former colleague Ken Jacobs. Mark indeed measured up to Ken’s example. Finally, it has been a tremendous pleasure serving the IOUG community as president, and I am eager to continue my involvement in other ways for years to come.

Sincerely,
Andrew Flower
IOUG President