Hello, I'm
James Ferebee
Data & AI Professional. Customer Advocate. Technical Storyteller. Solving complex problems at scale with AI.
About Me
I'm James Ferebee — a passionate and driven data and AI professional with 10+ years across SQL Server, Azure SQL, and the broader Microsoft data platform. I combine deep technical expertise with customer storytelling and advocacy, excelling at go-to-market support and shaping product feedback and roadmap direction. I'm energized by the customer narrative and by implementing technical solutions with AI to fix problems at scale — from MCP-based escalation tooling to fine-tuned SLMs that help customers troubleshoot complex SQL Server environments. I approach every challenge as an opportunity to grow, with meticulous attention to detail and a hands-on, build-it mindset.
Skills & Technologies
Software Experience
SQL Server & Data
Azure & Cloud
Migration & Upgrades
Tools & Debugging
AI & Automation
Experience
Beta Engineer
Microsoft
Serve as the escalation point of contact between support and the SQL Server Product Group, synthesizing customer impact and support trends into narratives that influence product priorities and public docs. Led a 15-person vteam building an AI MCP escalation advisor and a LogScout AI troubleshooting solution using fine-tuned SLMs. Contribute C#, C++, and PowerShell changes to public tools (SQL LogScout, SQL Nexus) with 60,000+ monthly downloads, and built Azure Pipelines for official signing and compliance.
Technical Advisor
Microsoft
Aligned with about 8 engineers to advise on technical resolution and customer management for SQL Server. Drove database design, query optimization, high availability, security, and administration guidance while fostering a growth-oriented, accountable team culture through coaching and regular 1:1 support.
Support Engineer
Microsoft & TekSystems (on-site vendor for Microsoft)
Solved highly critical and complex issues across every SQL Server subcomponent - Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances, Setup, Replication, SSMS, and Query Store - for Premier customers. Trusted with weekend and on-call coverage for US Government workloads, managing customer trust through severity-A, production-down incidents.
Senior Program Manager
Alliant Systems
Focused on project design and implementation for new customer business growth. Led the Q&A session at the annual conference for 300+ customers, customized SQL views, stored procedures, and database design per client, and delivered on-site implementation and training across the continental US.
Technical Service Representative
Alliant Systems
Handled 2-10 support cases daily and was trusted with late-shift coverage despite limited resources. Built experience with Salesforce, SQL, Q&A testing for new features, and internal and public documentation.
Bachelor of Science
Texas A&M University
Earned a B.S. with a focus on technology and problem-solving fundamentals, developing the strong analytical skills and passion for software that anchor my career.
Projects
Personal Portfolio Website
A modern, responsive developer portfolio built with Express, EJS, and vanilla CSS. Features a dark theme, smooth scroll animations, a skills bar grid, timeline-based experience, and a CAPTCHA-protected contact form.
SQL Diagnostic Toolkit
A collection of PowerShell scripts and T-SQL queries for rapid SQL Server health checks, performance baselines, and replication troubleshooting used during escalation engagements.
Certifications & Awards
Certifications
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AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals Microsoft
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764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure Microsoft
Awards & Recognition
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Supportability Spotlight Award
Jan 2026Recognized for exceptional impact by delivering quality at scale, driving clarity, accelerating outcomes, and raising the bar for how we work.
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SQL Server 2025 Unveiled by Bob Ward
2025Credited and quoted in the official Microsoft SQL Server 2025 book for contributions to the product and its release.
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Microsoft Docs Award — Leader, Data Docs
Apr 2023Recognized as a leading contributor to Microsoft Data documentation, with multiple Contributor awards across 2021–2024.
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Giraffe & Tower Award
Oct 2021Recognized by management for going above and beyond the responsibilities of the role to assist colleagues and customers as a front-line SQL support engineer.