As the old adage goes, the only constant thing in life is change. For the past 5 years, I've thoroughly enjoyed working as a Developer Evangelist here at Microsoft. The title always seems to raise eyebrows, especially here in the deep South, where the title of Evangelist connotes recognizable traditional images.
This job has had so many nuances over the years, but the one common thread is that it involves engaging developers wherever they are, from community to enterprise and everything in between. As much fun as this has been, I was approached about a new position, in Seattle, and in the end I just couldn't turn it down.
My new job is called a Content Architect. The position involves building, finding, aggregating, and exposing developer content to the Microsoft folks in the field, to re-present. As an evangelist for many years, I've been on the receiving end of this content, and have had a lot of ideas on how I would do it if I ran the zoo ($1 to Dr. Seuss). Now, it looks like I'll find out if all these ideas are do-able :-)
I'll be working for Thom Robbins - originator of the Code Camps, and clearly one of the thought leaders in our industry. His team, which includes several other visionary people, is another one of the big reasons I wanted to do this job.
I have to say, Microsoft continues to be the most amazing place I've ever worked, and I've worked at some phenomenal places, so the bar is quite high. It's almost like Microsoft tries to find out what you are passionate about, and then adapts your role to your passion. I know that's not exactly how it works, but I love the open-minded thinking that refuses to pigeon-hole a job. People are encouraged to think big, and are empowered to pursue their ideas.
My blog and email will continue to be the same, as will .NET University.
Glen Gordon will be aptly taking over the community side of the DE role for Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Glen has been a DE for some time, but has been more focused on the MSDN Events and online reach like GeekSpeak. and his numerous webcasts. Glen is already fully immersed in his new role.
It has been a privilege to be your DE for the past 5 years. And many thanks to the developer community here, who have made this job so much fun.
My wife, children, and I will be relocating to Seattle. It was a tough decision to leave the South, after 41 years here. But so often, the big rewards in life are preceded by taking a risk. If there were no uncertainty, there would be no need for leadership. I believe strongly in this team, and in the purpose that lies ahead, enough so to take the plunge.
And so, the next chapter begins... :-)
