Dear OATUG Members,
As I begin my term as President of OATUG, I do so with deep gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility to this community that has given me so much over the years.
I joined OATUG in 2006. In 2009, at Collaborate, I gave my first presentation at an OATUG event. Like many of you, I stood at the podium not as an expert with all the answers, but as a practitioner eager to share, learn, and contribute. That moment marked the beginning of a journey defined by generosity, mentorship, and community, values that continue to define OATUG today.
Figure 1: Collaborate 2009 - A young version of me
Over the years, Oracle has transformed technology from every angle: cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, automation, user experience, integration, security, and extensibility. These advancements have made powerful capabilities more accessible—but also more complex to navigate. The pace of change is real, and so is the need for clarity, context, and trusted guidance.
That is where OATUG matters most.
Our community exists to help members navigate change with confidence. We turn innovation into understanding, roadmap into reality, and individual experience into shared knowledge. Whether supporting long-standing Oracle investments or embracing what’s next, OATUG helps ensure no one has to navigate that journey alone.
OATUG is powered entirely by its people: members who ask thoughtful questions, volunteers who give their time, presenters who share real-world lessons, and leaders who step forward to serve. It is a community built on trust, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help one another succeed.
I also want to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of our associates and sponsors who support OATUG’s educational initiatives throughout the year. Your continued investment enables us to deliver high-quality content, events, and learning opportunities that directly benefit our members and strengthen the community as a whole.
In the same spirit, I extend my deep appreciation to Oracle and to the many Oracle executives and leaders who actively support OATUG by sharing valuable insights, presenting at our events, engaging in open dialogue, and building relationships that often go well beyond professional collaboration. These connections, grounded in trust and mutual respect, are a vital part of what makes OATUG a unique and thriving ecosystem.
I am also honored to serve as President while being an Oracle ACE Director—the first time an ACE Director has held this role at OATUG. I see this not as a personal milestone, but as a reflection of how deeply practitioner leadership, community advocacy, and Oracle partnership are connected. It reinforces the importance of independent voices, real-world experience, and continuous learning in shaping our collective future.
As President, my focus is straightforward:
· To keep OATUG a trusted guide through Oracle’s evolving landscape
· To strengthen the bridge between strategy and execution for our members
· To ensure both long-time practitioners and emerging leaders feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute
We will continue supporting the technologies our members rely on today, while helping you prepare for what comes next—whether that is cloud adoption, AI-enabled processes, modernization strategies, or new operating models. Most importantly, we will do this together, grounded in real experience and practical outcomes.
I am optimistic about the future of OATUG, not simply because technology is advancing, but because this community continues to grow, adapt, and lead with purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to listening, learning, and serving alongside all of you in the year ahead.
With appreciation,
Gustavo Gonzalez
President, OATUG
Oracle ACE Director