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Matt Ray
Senior Community Manager for OpenCost and Co-Host of Software Defined Talk
Professional Background
Matt Ray is an experienced technical and professional leader known for his deep understanding of the intricate relationship between enterprise software, open source projects, and the businesses that leverage these technologies. With substantial know-how that spans both customer engagement and community involvement, Matt has established himself as a reliable remote worker and a proficient team leader, effectively managing sales, product development, project execution, and technical operations across diverse computing environments.
With a diverse programming skill set, he is proficient in various programming languages, including Go, Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, and React, staying current with technological advancements. His expertise extends across numerous platforms such as Kubernetes, Linux, and a variety of cloud providers, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of technology to best serve his teams and clients.
As a skilled public presenter, writer, teacher, and event organizer, Matt has made significant contributions to the DevOps community. He has presented at high-profile conferences such as KubeCon, Open Source Summits, DevOpsDays, OpenStack Summits, VMworld, and HashiConf, captivating audiences with his insights and expertise. Additionally, he co-hosts the popular Software Defined Talk podcast, which has attracted over 5,000 listeners, further solidifying his status as a thought leader in the tech space.
Education and Achievements
Matt's educational background is impressive, having earned three degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, as well as a Bachelor of Science in both Computer Science and Geology. This combination of studies not only showcases his analytical and technical prowess but also highlights his diverse interests and adaptability to various fields and industries.
Throughout his career, Matt has held several significant positions in leading tech organizations. His journey began at 360 Commerce as a Software Developer, paving the way for critical roles that would shape his career. He garnered considerable experience at BMC as a Senior Product Developer before undertaking multiple leadership roles at Chef Software. There, he served as a Customer Architect, a Regional Manager for Asia-Pacific and Japan, the Director of Partner Integration, a Product Owner and Team Lead: Cloud Integrations, and a Senior Technical Evangelist. These roles enabled him to collaborate closely with both technical teams and clients, delivering value through innovative solutions and successful implementations.
As he continued his professional journey, Matt took on the role of Community Manager at Zenoss and later transitioned to Kubecost, where he was appointed Senior Technical Success Manager and Senior Community Manager, further enriching his experience in customer engagement and technology advocacy. His expertise in developer relations was further honed at TriggerMesh as the Director of Developer Relations, where he worked to bridge the gap between engineering and community needs, fostering collaboration and driving product success.
Most recently, he served as the General Manager for APAC at Software Defined Talk, where he combined his leadership skills with his passion for technology and community.
Achievements
Matt Ray’s professional journey is highlighted by numerous achievements that reflect his commitment to enhancing the tech landscape while empowering communities and businesses alike. His ability to navigate complex technical environments and understand the nuances of customer needs has been an asset throughout his career.
His public speaking engagements at prominent conferences demonstrate his recognition as an expert in software development, cloud computing, and open source technologies. Being a co-host of the highly regarded Software Defined Talk podcast has not only allowed him to share his insights but also engage with a wide audience, making him a well-respected voice in the industry.
In addition to his technical accomplishments, Matt’s diverse educational background equips him with a unique perspective that supports innovation and effective problem-solving in various technological contexts. His success in establishing strong relationships with both customers and partners is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire trust and collaboration.
Overall, Matt Ray is a notable figure in the technology sector whose multifaceted background and expertise in software engineering, community management, and public advocacy contributes significantly to the ongoing dialogues in the tech ecosystem. Whether through his teaching, podcasting, or leadership roles, Matt continues to leave a lasting impact on the fields of software development and open source communities.
