FY2025 Board of Directors Elections

It’s that time of year--again, earlier than in past years--time to vote for the ODTUG Board. Articles IV and VI of the ODTUG bylaws call for an election of two members to the FY2025-2027 Board of Directors. Voting opens on June 5, 2024 and ends on July 1, 2024 at 2:59 AM EDT. Submission of accepted votes of 5% of the membership in an election shall also constitute a quorum.

This year, we have nine candidates to choose from for two three-year positions. The positions will be filled based on ranking from the membership vote. Please note that your vote is for an individual to serve on the board in a general capacity, not as an officer (officers are elected later by the board members). Be sure to read all the campaign statements and candidate biographies to learn about their passion and drive for ODTUG.

One of the many benefits of being an ODTUG member is the opportunity to vote for the leaders of ODTUG. If you are an individual or corporate member of ODTUG, you should have received an email from Association Voting providing you with an email address and Member ID. Please use that information to log in. Can't locate the email? Click here and then click on the help button to request the information be resent.

*To be eligible to vote, your ODTUG membership must have been paid and up-to-date as of May 31, 2024.

Joe Aultman, Argano

Campaign Statement

My volunteer service record with ODTUG goes back to 2009, when Hyperion was first included in Kaleidoscope (as it was called then). I've played a lot of roles in ODTUG—ambassador, Service Day volunteer, Hyperion SIG board member, award-winning presenter, mentor for KScope first-timers, webinar host, content selection committee member, hands-on workshop instructor, game show host, Thirsty Games tribute, Groovy evangelist, and more! It would be my honor to now serve on the ODTUG Board of Directors. ODTUG needs innovative ideas and energetic collaboration to remain the best user group there is and preserve KScope's legacy as *the* must-attend conference in our subject area. I'm eager to apply my efforts to driving these key missions and to any others facing the board. A vote for me is a vote for strategic thinking and teamwork. It is a vote for new directions and for traditional ODTUG values. I've been part of this group for over a dozen years. I know the names and the faces of ODTUG and I've done a lot of good work for it in years past. Today, I would greatly appreciate your support as I seek to join the board. Vote Joe A. with confidence.

Candidate Biography

Joe Aultman began his EPM odyssey when he went to Essbase Bootcamp in the year 2000 and decided it was the coolest tech there is. In a Sliding Doors moment, after moving to Atlanta in 2005, the Essbase version of his resume landed a job before the web development version. There was no turning back. A third life-changing event came in 2009 when his boss sent him to New Orleans for the ODTUG conference. Joe has attended 14 more times since then. Back in New Orleans in 2013, Joe was convinced to join interRel (now Argano) and start advising companies how to use EPM better. Joe currently lives in Roswell, GA with 9 other mammals, 4 guitars, and a 26-volume collection of every Peanuts comic strip ever printed.

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Harsh Dave, The Hackett Group

Campaign Statement

I've had the privilege of serving as a board member of the OATUG EPM Special Interest Group for the past 18 months, during which I've dedicated myself to making meaningful contributions. However, fueled by my passion for this cause, I find myself eager to elevate my involvement in the Oracle EPM community. With more time and energy to dedicate, I am excited about the opportunity to take on a new challenge and join the ODTUG Board of Directors. My career journey gained momentum when I delved into the 'Look Smarter Than You Are' series of books, began following insightful blogs, and actively participated in ODTUG webinars. Aligning closely with the board’s current objectives, my aspirations revolve around perpetuating the organization's educational initiatives and fostering community engagement through local meetups and our flagship conference. I firmly believe that nurturing education and fostering community spirit significantly enhances Oracle EPM's market presence, cultivating a pool of adept talent, facilitating successful implementations, and ultimately fostering career growth for us all. I bring to the table a nearly unlimited gas tank. My track record speaks for itself: I've achieved success in every endeavor I've undertaken through hard work and dedication. Bringing a vibrant blend of enthusiasm, lightheartedness, and fresh perspective—infused with a touch of Canadian flair—I’d love to receive your vote for the ODTUG board!

Candidate Biography

Harsh Dave hails from Toronto, Canada, and has been using Oracle EPM tools since 2013. He started with on-prem Planning/Essbase at the Four Seasons, then moved through various administrator, manager, and consulting roles. His skills span across almost all Oracle EPM applications, reflecting a diverse range of experiences. Harsh has been a speaker at four out of the last five KScope conferences and served as a selection committee member for one he could not attend. He has spoken at several other conferences such as OpenWorld and Ascend/Collaborate. Beyond conferences, Harsh contributes to the local Toronto EPM scene by organizing local meetups. Fueling his career advancement, he has gained so much from webinars and the "Look Smarter Than You Are" series. Harsh is very passionate about giving back to the EPM community.

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Eric Erikson, PQR Company

Campaign Statement

Since ODTUG started including the Hyperion products at Kscope and throughout webinars and other resources, I have benefited tremendously from the knowledge, contacts, and experiences. Some of this comes from the group’s unparalleled connections with Oracle but mostly has come from other ODTUG members. Their skills and knowledge and their willingness to share that knowledge has made me a much better consultant for my clients. In the world of TikTok and YouTube sound bites, there is a lot of breadth of information, but not so much in-depth knowledge. I ask for the opportunity to support ODTUG as a board member to extend the wealth of this knowledge to members. I believe that my broad exposure to hundreds of companies, federal and state agencies, and industries and prior experiences on boards will be helpful to the board and the organization.

Candidate Biography

Eric Erikson is an Oracle Ace Pro working with the Oracle Cloud EPM suite, mostly specializing in Financial Consolidation and Close. Eric has BSBA and MS degrees in Accounting and is a CPA. Prior work experience includes implementing financial systems at a bank, working at Hyperion as a consultant and regional manager, and a position as a practice lead at a large consulting firm. In 2007 he began working as an independent consultant to both companies and other consulting firms. Eric has also trained hundreds of administrators and consultants as a part of 123OLAP. At Oracle’s request, he assisted with developing the HFM and FCC certification exams. Along with volunteering on content selection committees and presenting sessions and hands-on training at several Kscopes, he has spoken many times throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. Outside of work, Eric enjoys pickleball and board games.

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Elizabeth Ferrell, The Kroger Co.

Campaign Statement

I love ODTUG, Kscope, and the Oracle community. I credit my membership with creating some of my most cherished friendships and sparking excitement about my chosen career. I have been attending Kscope for over 10 years, have been a speaker for most of those years, served as your Vendor Team Chair most recently, served on the selection committee, and served on the Hyperion SIG board. Besides my career achievements with ODTUG, I have completed six oracle implementations, including the largest cloud implementation in the world that spanned over 30 Oracle products. I lead a large Oracle-focused department at a fortune 20 company and manage large complex budgets. I owe many of my career successes to concepts that were introduced by this community. I would like to serve the ODTUG community now on its Board of Directors.

Candidate Biography

Elizabeth Ferrell has been working with Oracle products for the past 25 years. She has been serving progressively more responsible system administrator functions since discovering Hyperion. Elizabeth is an executive at The Kroger Co., leading Oracle teams across the US. Her current focus centers on Oracle Cloud ERP, HCM, and EPM including 29 cloud products, Essbase, and Dodeca, but she has worked in Hyperion Planning, HFM, FDM, and HFR, and completed over six implementations and upgrades. She has also been working heavily in mergers and acquisitions involving integrating Oracle products at all levels. Finally, Elizabeth has been attending and speaking at the Kscope conferences for over 10 years.

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Jennifer Gammons, Acadia Healthcare

Campaign Statement

With a deep passion for Oracle technologies and a commitment to fostering community growth and innovation, I am dedicated to representing Oracle EPM cloud technology and ensuring ODTUG remains the premier resource for Oracle professionals worldwide. As a member of the ODTUG Board of Directors, I will prioritize initiatives that promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development with a high interest on women career development. Together, I will strengthen ODTUG's position as a leader in the Oracle community, driving forward-thinking strategies that empower members to excel in their careers. With your support, we can shape the future of ODTUG, driving positive change and advancing the interests of our diverse and dynamic community. Let's work together to elevate ODTUG to new heights of excellence.

Candidate Biography

Jennifer Gammons is Senior Director of Financial Systems at Acadia Healthcare, the largest pure-play provider of behavioral health services. She is dedicated to making a significant impact in the Oracle EPM space, where her passion lies in transforming manual, time-intensive processes into streamlined, automated solutions. Her expertise lies in the technical aspects of system implementation but also in the art of translating business needs into effective, automated processes that empower organizations to thrive in an increasingly complex business environment. With a deep passion for mentoring, Jennifer encourages others to embrace confidence in their unique skill sets. She firmly believes in the individual's power to be their own advocate, emphasizing the importance of continual learning and maintaining a curious mindset. Jennifer was recognized as ODTUG's Woman of the Quarter in August of 2023. In her free time, she can be found pursuing her passion for learning new makeup techniques and traveling.

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Abi Giles-Haigh, Capgemini

Campaign Statement

With a deep-seated passion for analytics, AI, and Machine Learning, I am committed to driving our community towards innovative and effective solutions. My journey in the tech industry has been fueled by the belief that data can transform businesses, unlock potential, and foster growth. My dedication to empowering women in technology is not just a career choice; it is a personal mission that I have actively pursued. I have initiated and led numerous programs that have directly impacted the lives of young women entering the field, equipping them with the necessary tools and confidence to succeed. This commitment is not just about achieving gender balance but about enriching our community with diverse perspectives that drive richer, more robust technological advancements. I am eager to bring this same dedication and impact to the ODTUG Board of Directors. In my work, I have consistently leveraged the latest advancements in AI and ML to drive data-informed decision-making. These technologies are not just tools but catalysts for innovation and efficiency. By integrating AI and ML into our analytics processes, we can uncover deeper insights, predict future trends, and make more strategic decisions. For me, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are the guiding principles of my professional ethos. I firmly believe that a diverse ODTUG community is not only more robust but also more innovative. My experience has shown me that when we bring together people from varied backgrounds and experiences like analytics, we ignite creativity and enhance problem-solving capabilities.

Candidate Biography

Abi Giles-Haigh has over 15 years of experience in Analytics and AI and is a Director of Oracle Analytics and Innovation at Capgemini, where she helps businesses harness the power of data and navigate the impact of AI. She has a PhD in Computing Science and Medical Engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with computational modelling of the human heart. As a passionate speaker and advocate for data and technology, Abi has received multiple awards for her contributions to the field. Her work has not only advanced the field of analytics but also paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, especially for women and girls. She uses sports as a unique and engaging way to communicate complex data stories to diverse audiences. Abi’s mission is to empower businesses and individuals to thrive in the data-driven era, a vision that has inspired many in our industry.

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Amarnath Kothapalli, Twist Bioscience

Campaign Statement

ODTUG is one of the longest-standing Oracle user groups. When I started my career in 2007, I was on a project which was in Essbase v6.5 and I didn’t know anything about it. I had searched for help online and came across the Network54 Essbase forum and that is how I came to know about ODTUG. I have been a member since then and it has taught me the value of user groups and that it hosts the only conference for technical experts. The most surprising thing was no one in India working in EPM knew that such user groups existed. When I had the opportunity to go to the US I gladly accepted it, as it brought me a step closer with ODTUG. Expert presentations from past conferences and webinars have helped me in various situations and also helped me to connect to the experts. I wouldn’t be at the career stage where I am now without ODTUG. So it’s my turn to give it back to this community. I would like to serve on the ODTUG Board of Directors and request your help and support. My primary goal is to cultivate the sense of community learning and to continue to harbor the same level of expertise. I would do this by helping to fill the gap of the loss of experienced leaders in the EPM community and by fostering the younger generation like me to continue the tradition and to bring more young professionals all across ODTUG.

Candidate Biography

Amarnath Kothapalli is an EPM leader with 18 years of experience implementing Enterprise Performance Management solutions. He started his career with Tech Mahindra (India) and worked on an Essbase project with no formal training. He is an Oracle ACE Associate Alumni and an ODTUG Leadership graduate. Amarnath has worked on many complex projects and built innovative and sustaining solutions. With a strong expertise in and functional knowledge of the Oracle EPM suite of products, he has earned wide experience via involvement in various projects working directly with C-Suite executives. Amarnath has contributed in the past in Oracle and Network54 forums and also has a blog where he shares technical solutions at https://amarnath-analytics-blog.blogspot.com/.

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Jackie McIlroy, United Codes

Campaign Statement

My tenure on the ODTUG Board of Directors for the past three years has been a testament to my unwavering commitment to this organization. When I joined the board in 2022, the world was emerging from the grip of COVID and ODTUG, like all user groups, was faced with uncertainty and monumental challenges. However, the collective efforts of my fellow board members, dedicated volunteers, and the resilience of our communities ensured that ODTUG and Kscope not only survived but flourished. The challenges we've overcome together and the fighting spirit of our members have only strengthened my resolve to serve. ODTUG has been a source of immense personal and professional growth for me, and I am eager to continue this journey by continuing to serve on the board of directors. I am deeply passionate about ODTUG and its mission. I believe in the power of our community to drive innovation, share knowledge, and foster professional growth. I would love the opportunity to ensure that ODTUG continues to thrive by attracting new members and maintaining the quality of content, education, service, and networking we all know and love. I am asking for your vote for the ODTUG Board of Directors. ODTUG Experience:

Kscope18 - 24 Presenter
2019 ODTUG Leadership Program Graduate
Kscope20 Abstract Reviewer, APEX
Kscope21 - 23 APEX Content Chair and Conference Committee Member
2022 - 2024 Director
2023 Vice President
2024 Liaison for the APEX Community
2024 President

Candidate Biography

Jackie McIlroy is a Chief Operating Officer at United Codes, a company that provides innovative solutions for APEX development. She is also an Oracle ACE and an active member of the Oracle community, serving as the ODTUG President. With almost 20 years of experience in software development and consulting, Jackie has led multiple projects and products that leverage the power and flexibility of Oracle APEX. She is currently responsible for managing client relationships, driving customer success, and overseeing the development and delivery of United Codes' products. Jackie is passionate about Oracle APEX and its potential to transform business processes and user experiences.

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Markus Shipley, RSM

Campaign Statement

As a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience with Oracle and formerly Hyperion products, I am excited to offer my candidacy for the ODTUG Board of Directors. My extensive background includes prominent roles in accounting, finance, IT, and SEC reporting, supplemented by a certification in Data Science and Analytics from Georgia Tech. Throughout my career, I have been a featured speaker at numerous conferences, led various webinars, and am currently co-authoring a book on Profitability and Cost Management (PCM) in the cloud alongside an Oracle Ace Director. My ongoing work also includes developing a podcast that extends beyond Oracle EPM to encompass broader Digital and Data Services. My leadership style combines decisive action with diplomatic acumen, enabling me to effectively build alliances and navigate conflicts within diverse teams. I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and ensures the successful development and implementation of policies and programs that will steer ODTUG toward a flourishing future. As a board member, I shall fulfill the obligations to actively participate in all required meetings, contribute to monthly progress reports, and lead at least one active committee or subcommittee. My goal is to leverage my comprehensive expertise to enhance the general direction of ODTUG membership, conferences, publications, and communications. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to our community’s growth and success, ensuring that ODTUG remains at the forefront of technology leadership.

Candidate Biography

Markus Shipley has a robust blend of 30 years in accounting, finance, information technology, data science, and data analytics, so he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. He holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Masters of Accountancy and Information Science, coupled with certifications in Data Science and Data Analytics from Georgia Tech. Markus’ career encompasses extensive expertise in advanced accounting practices, external financial statements preparation, and SEC reporting. He has also spearheaded the implementation of numerous Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) systems, enhancing organizational efficiency and data integrity across sectors. Markus’ technical acumen and strategic vision equip him to drive innovation and maintain high standards in financial and IT operations.

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