Scott Cate – Microsoft Regional Director

Prior to joining Microsoft, I served for years as a Microsoft Regional Director. When I first heard the title, I was at lunch with Pete Miller (now with Statera). When he handed me his business card, I noticed the title "Microsoft Regional Director". I asked if he worked for Microsoft (common question), and he said no (at the time, he was working for Cunningham Consulting). He then when on to explain it was an honorary title bestowed by Microsoft upon an individual in a certain geography, and with the title came benefits such as close communication with Microsoft. I didn't think much of it until very soon thereafter I was informed I had been selected to be Pete's replacement (Pete stepped aside to pursue other lofty ambitions) as the "RD" in the Desert Mountain region (AZ, CO, NM, UT, NV) of the USA.

When I attended my first RD meeting, I was in the company of people like Richard Campbell, Carl Franklin, Clemens Vasters, and Scott Hanselman just to name a few. It was an honor to be in company with people that I professionally admired. I made some great contacts via the RD program, and I was in no hurry to walk away from it.

Then I decided to join Microsoft...

So, when I joined Microsoft the latter part of 2010, I had to surrender the title of RD and give up my MVP status as well. This meant that there was an opening for a new RD in Desert Mountain. With all that said, (drum roll) the new Microsoft Regional Director based out of Phoenix, AZ is Scott Cate with EventDay.com . Many developers in the southwest portion of the USA know Scott well. Scott is an MVP, published author, speaker, and community leader. Scott has helped bring major talent to the Phoenix area to share technology tips such at Scott Hanselman and Scott Guthrie! Scott is very motivated to also share what he has learned with others, and will do so with all the more fervor. So with a virtual round of applause, please welcome Scott Cate in his new role as an RD!