After I graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, I started my career at a company that had an IBM Z mainframe. Of course, at the time, it was not called a Z, but it was an IBM mainframe, I had a huge interest in database technology and started in IMS, and then when DB2 was released, I picked that up. IBM Z was always about scalability, security, and dependability, and I was drawn to that. I’ve always liked seeing technology work for customers.

I moved from a DBA/Sysprog role into an integration role that helped tie the mainframe into distributed systems. I see the IBM System Z as being the central component of many company’s architecture. Z continues to grow as more innovations move to the mainframe, and many of the perceived roadblocks fall away. “The ‘it takes too long on a mainframe’ argument falls away when you see new applications that start and finish from idea to production in less than two months.

Twelve years ago I was very involved with Share, and other organizations speaking about my experiences and how-to’s involving IMS and Db2, when a few friends at IBM (Ann Sheridan and Beverly Tyrell) mentioned that as involved as I was that I should be involved with the IBM Champions program. They helped me go through the process and that was the first year I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Champion status. Over the years I was active in Domestic and international groups advocating the System Z (IMS, Db2 and now API’s) many times per year. I was also fortunate to be able to continue in the IBM champion program and able to nominate others into the program.

Last year I was genuinely surprised during the monthly IBM worldwide Champions call when my name was announced as a Lifetime Champion for Z by Libby Ingrassia, program director for the IBM Champions program. Not only that, finding out I was the first-ever IBM Lifetime Champion for Z was amazing.

I was surprised, honored, and humbled all at the same time, but excited. Actually, it was a little surreal to hear my name included in the list of all those amazing people.

I was asked what I would pass on to others staring to think about Z and the IBM champion program. Many of the technologies that I work with today were not there when I started, but I learned things from my alma mater that I carry with me even today: the ability to think; the ability to analyze and solve problems; the ability to adapt; and, finally, the ability to communicate. Many young Z professionals are getting involved with other new Z professionals, zNextGen, and other organizations as they see the opportunities on the [IBM] Z platform.  When asked I say ,be active and be involved, at your company, in user groups, and with SHARE and other organizations. That’s is a surefire way to become champions in your own right.

 
( I would be remiss if I did not thank Beth Flood, Christy-Joy Schroeder, Theresa (Hans) Materise and of course Libby Ingrassia, for all their amazing guidance and support)