About Me

Hello and welcome! I’m genuinely glad you’ve landed here and whether you’re deep in the tech world, exploring your next career move, or just starting your journey in this wild, ever-changing industry.

I’m Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman, an Advocate and Engineer at Redgate Software, recently stepping into this role after serving as Director of Data and AI at Silk. Before that, I spent five years at Microsoft, where I was the lead SME for Oracle on Azure within Cloud Architecture and Engineering Infra, and a Principal CSA.  In the past I’ve worked for some fantastic employers, including Delphix and Oracle.

I’ve been writing on this blog since 2009, documenting my work, lessons learned, mistakes made, and the evolving world of cloud, databases, AI, and data-driven innovation. As I move into this next chapter at Redgate, this space will continue to grow with my experiences and the ongoing conversations shaping the future of our industry.

Technical Background

I bring almost three decades of experience in multi-platform database architecture, data optimization, and infrastructure design for high-IO workloads on-premises and in the cloud.  My database background was focused on Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL, but I’ve managed a plethora of other database platforms in the last couple decades as well.

In recent years, I’ve also found myself pulled, quite accidentally, into several fascinating AI projects. Like many of us, I’m a firm believer that being unafraid to fail creates the biggest opportunities.  I serve as an AI Advisor part-time, outside of my role at Redgate and Silk, glad to assist organizations that are taking their next big step in technology.

I’m committed to helping organizations succeed long-term in their cloud and data journeys. I currently serve on the DZone Community Board, and I’m an alumna of the Oracle ACE Program. I also moved from being a Redgate Ambassador to a full-time role, and I’m still proud to have been in the Oak Table Network, (great blog post about what was from Cary Millsap).

Outside of tech, my husband Tim and I now enjoy life in a beautiful floating home on the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon, which is an adventure all its own.

Volunteerism & Community Work

I continue to advocate heavily for Women in Technology (WIT) and DEI initiatives across the Microsoft and broader data communities. We’re already seeing the impact of insufficient STEM education, and I believe strongly in building pathways into tech for underrepresented groups.

I’ve shifted toward more focused, one-on-one mentoring since the pandemic. I typically support 4–5 mentees at a time, so if you’re looking to grow your technical career, feel free to reach out about availability. I also continue to mentor for Tulane’s Women in Technology Program, working with one student per semester.

I’m a co-organizer for the PASS Data Platform DEI Group, with a particular passion for supporting neurodiversity and minority representation in technical fields.  I am co-organizer and the owner of PDXWIT Meetup in Portland, Oregon, furthering my support of women in tech.

Books & Writing

My various technical books over the years can all be found on Amazon, Apress and other book publishers.  There are eight books in all, with topics ranging from Oracle to SQL Server, DevOps and Women in Tech.

In the diversity, inclusion, and Women in Tech space, I’ve authored several books and yes, Amazon thinks Kellyn Pot’Vin, Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman, and Kellyn Gorman are three different authors. I promise we’re all the same person.

Presentations, Podcasts & Publications

I regularly keynote and present at conferences including:

• PASS Summit

• Microsoft and Data Platform Conferences such as SQL/Data Saturdays

• Oracle Conferences and Events

• Open Source Conferences

• PowerShell and DevOps Summits

I’ve written numerous technical and mentoring books, publish articles through Redgate, and Redgate, DZone, Microsoft, and Oracle, and deliver webinars throughout the year.  As with books, I have several profiles that list me under different variations of my maiden and married name, (the crux of a woman in tech like myself that has been around so long!)

You can find most of my presentation slide decks on GitHub, and many white papers are there or on vendor sites like Microsoft’s.

In the last few years, I’ve also jumped more actively into podcasting, a format I love for its candid conversations about career, tech, and personal growth. I’ve added a page on the blog where you can find all of them.

Disclaimer

All content on this site and anything posted to social media, represents my own professional opinion, not that of any past or current employer.

Also, every database environment is unique. Test any technical recommendations thoroughly before applying them to production. Many scripts and examples shared here have not been vetted by vendor support channels.
Use at your own risk, as your data deserves your diligence.