An electrical engineer in a past life, Alex co-founded SourceCoast Web Development in 2008. Based in Austin, TX, SourceCoast provides custom Joomla development and also runs an extension club with a focus on extensions to grow your site quickly and then help monetize that growth.

Andrea Tarr has been a programmer and IT manager for 30 years and now a Joomla/PHP Architect for Information Analytics & Innovation for Sears Holdings Corporation.

She is currently a member of the Joomla Production Leadership Team and the Joomla Bug Squad and a former board member of Open Source Matters. Andrea was involved in the development of Joomla 1.6 and created the accessible administrator template Hathor.

She wrote the first computerized library circulation system in the state of New Hampshire and holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Marlboro College Graduate School. She is the author of PHP and MySQL 24-Hour Trainer due out in November 2011.

Website: www.tarrconsulting.com
Twitter: @tarrconsulting

Barb has been involved with computers and information retrieval for over 25 years. A former teacher, librarian and computer coordinator for the Wilmington School system, Barb decided it wasn't too late to DO the things she was teaching her students. She completed the Marlboro College Graduate Center's MSIT program in August of 2006, receiving the President's Award for her capstone project, a Joomla! website for a local camp.

From years of teaching, Barb learned how to patiently translate technology into common sense and plain English and helped many colleagues step into the world of computers. Now, through her business,  Iris Lines, she helps her clients make the most of their web presence. Barb teaches the “Designing with Web Standards” course at the Grad Center and is the “go to gal” for all things CSS.

Barb's background in library science supports an approach to web development that combines art, craft and puzzle-solving. She's happiest figuring out how to get database driven websites to deliver just what her clients need.  Currently that means figuring out some powerful new possibilities with templates for Joomla! 2.5, including responsive designs.

Brian Shaughnessy is the principal of Lighthouse Consulting & Design, a small development firm specializing in CiviCRM implementation with Joomla and Drupal. Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 10 years, Brian channeled that hands-on knowledge of the civic, association, charitable, and government audiences into effective, tailored implementations of CiviCRM. He is an active participant in the CiviCRM community, having served on the community advisory group and later the development planning group, contributing code back to the core project on a regular basis, providing end user and administrator training in conjunction the core development team, and helping to co-author several CiviCRM books, including Using CiviCRM by Packt Publishing. He has also been an active member of the Joomla community, serving as a mentor to Joomla's Google Summer of Code projects, and providing online Joomla training through TechnicalLead.com. He is based in Albany, NY.

Elin Waring is a long time Joomla! user and former President of Open Source Matters, the non profit organization that provides legal, financial and organizational support to the Joomla! Project. In that role she led a number of initiatives ranging from writing the translation policy to obtaining a trademark for the Joomla! Brand.

She has made over 7000 posts on the Joomla! forums and wrote most of the Frequently Asked Questions for Joomla! 1.0. She is an active member of the Joomla! Bug Squad and participates in many Joomla! events.

Forest Mars is a hypermedia architect who has been using Joomla & Drupal since 2005, mainly in the space of media and business integration. He is CTO of a hyperlocal startup recently picked by Business Insider as one of the top 3 Silicon Alley companies to watch in 2012 and by Forbes as one of the "10 Brilliant Apps every SMB should be using." Some of his recent projects include architecting a video delivery platform for the world's largest television network, and building New York City's first civic engagement platform for the borough of Manhattan.

In whatever time he has left over he gives talks on open source technology and the future of the Internet, such as "GTFO: Git Theory for OpenSource," "Bongo for Mongo" and "The Horrible Truth about Drupal."

Gary is a dedicated PHP programmer, conversant in both functional and OOP practices and an adherent to finding the optimal solution to an issue. While having a strong preference for MVC design principles, he doesn't believe in re-writing everything just to follow the current fads in "best design practices" - but rather finding the best solution for a particular issue given the business needs - including system performance, delivery requirements, budgetary concerns, and existing technology.

Gary believes strongly in the benefits of open source platforms. Re-use of existing platforms/solutions speeds deployment and has the advantage of pre-tested code. As such, Gary is especially well versed in the use of Content Management Systems such as Joomla!, Drupal, and to a lesser degree Wordpress. All are excellent base platforms for websites. The strong object oriented nature of Joomla! has made it Gary's preferred platform - yet the functional design of Drupal still has it's appeal.

Gary founded the NYC Joomla User Group in 2010 based on the belief that while online support was terrific, it was still useful to meet other Joomla! users face to face and exchange ideas, best practices, and criticism. Meetings were organized so as to appeal to all aspects of using Joomla! - including back-end programming, front-end design, implementation with pre-existing components, and maintenance of existing websites. Gary finds that by bring end-users, designers, and programmers into the same room there is an added interaction which is often missing - where users can find out what is 'hard' and what is 'easy' to implement, and programmers can find out what is actually wanted for use - rather than focusing on what is fun to code.

Hans Zaunere is a senior systems and startup architect, providing strategic insight backed by technical expertise for companies and startups worldwide. He started the New York PHP User Group in 2001.

Graphic Designer who boldly moved towards the internet realm in the late 20th Century, currently owns a one-man graphic and web design studio focused on developing websites with Joomla. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been attending Joomla Day New York since 2009 and is passionate about his work and Joomla.

Recently, he has associated with Rio users to found Rio JUG. His work is focused in making the most out of Joomla and loves to make life of Joomla newbies (or not) easier. Runs a blog in Portuguese with tutorials, tips and tricks about the CMS. Attending as speaker at JDay NYC for the second time, is eager to share and increase his Joomla knowledge with others.

Website: www.hlvcdesign.com
Twitter: @helvecio @hlvcdesign
Facebook: HLVC Design

Henk von Pickartz started in 1985 with computers and programming on a 80286 using the few tools available at the time. He is mostly self taught, because “back in those days” there were no diplomas or degrees in computer science. He has used all kinds of languages since, from hardcore assembly to more user friendly Pascal, Delphi and later php. In his free time he prefers to take pictures of nature, culture and wildlife, wherever he finds himself in the world. Currently he works for a Business Building company in Canada, where he is the main developer of new products and ideas.

Hung Dinh jumped to templates business when one of his custom made template for Mambo went viral and was sought after by many. He them went on and founded mambothemes.com (now defunct) and moved onto JoomlArt.com supporting breakaway faction of mambo developers, who founded joomla!. He's got fingers in everyting that happens at JoomlArt and is integral part of design and development activities. Its been a long journey since then, from designing simpler joomla templates to now framework (read T3 framework) driven templates. JoomlArt is one of the top template provider for Joomla! and has been a driving force for creativity in template designs and features, setting higher levels with each improvements. JoomLancers.com is also a brain child of Hung and was evolved to provide platforms for joomla developers and freelancers alike.

Hung Dinh is passionate entrepreneur, an Angel Investor for many varied projects, an avid ScrumMaster and never out of ideas.

An early adopter, his tech passion, along with talents in design and art direction combine to make John a unique and valuable marketing professional. His roles have included a high-level interactive post at a major media company, advertising agency founder (twice) and big-agency art director. John is as familiar with the intricacies of Web development as he is with traditional media. He knows what makes a brand successful, what makes an agency profitable - and what makes clients comfortable because he's been one.

John started in interactive by doing animated Flash web sites, and rich media campaigns. He now animates in HTML5 and incorporates the movement into his Joomla sites.

Jon Neubauer is an experienced Joomla! developer based out of Charlotte, NC. Jon found Joomla! in 2009, started using it immediately, and never looked back. As a developer and project manager for Joomla! websites both large and small, Jon gets the unique opportunity to tackle new problems every day, and find ways that Joomla! can answer them.

As an enthusiastic Joomla! Community member, you'll find Jon in many places including the Bug Squad, Joomla! Community Magazine, Joomla! Documentation, and elsewhere including a new focus on bringing Joomla! as a resource to higher education institutions, giving students the opportunity to learn real-world tools before they graduate.

Website: cnpintegrations.com
Twitter: @219jondn
Facebook: Jon Neubauer

Speaker, Sponsor, Organizing Committee

Laura Gordon is a teacher, speaker, and developer who focuses on content management systems, specifically Joomla!. A trainer with JoomlaTraining.com, Laura regularly teaches classes on Joomla!, is a Board Member of the Joomla! NYC User Group, and has coordinated JoomlaDayNYC. She is also a developer and creates sites using Joomla!, Dreamweaver, HTML, and JavaScript.

Laura began as a programmer using Sybase and Unix to build reports and queries for clients. She started teaching at Chubb Institute/Computer Services as a database/Unix instructor. After being introduced to web development with Visual Basic and Dreamweaver, she built some small sites using Dreamweaver and Fireworks, then discovered Joomla!, the open source content management system. Laura has built dozens of Joomla! websites in many different industries, from synagogues and nursery schools to manufacturing companies and public libraries. While building websites she also teaches Joomla! in New York City and to her current clients.

Personally, Laura enjoys being with her husband, her two boys, and their dog. They frequently visit amusement parks around the country. While at home she loves watching her sons' ball games when not building websites. http://www.rytechsites.com

Speaker, Sponsor, Organizing Committee

Marian's first computer experience, in the early 80s, was with a 28 lb Compaq "portable" with 128KB RAM and a 9" monochrome monitor built-in. Endless hours were spent playing Colossal Cave, the first text adventure game. PLUGH!

Marian has taught experimental psychology, child psychology, and fine arts photography at the university level, and coordinated a university self paced learning program. Projects in three decades as a tech guru in Ophthalmology started with computerizing a large clinical department, swapping out IBM Selectric typewriters for Xerox word processors and later networked PCs. Coordinating the implementation of the first North Shore- Long Island Jewish Hospital System online scheduling system, which included wrestling appointment books from secretaries, was accomplished with no lives lost.

Her first major website was for the Department of Ophthalmology at North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health Care System in the 90s. Later, development of dozens of html and asp sites for small businesses and not for profit agencies led to studying Java and Software Engineering for E-Commerce at Columbia University. Thinking there must be a better way of doing things led to her discovery and continuing love affair with Joomla! Marian is the president of Gotham Websites. She also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the JoomlaNYC Users Group.

Mark Simko runs Digifix, a Long Island based IT support business focusing on tech issues confronting local small businesses. Recently, those issues have shifted Internet presence management.

Mark started with computers in the 1970's when he learned languages such as Fortran, Cobol, APL, PL1, assembler and machine language. He was involved with the adoption of computer technologies in manufacturing and retail in the opthalmic eyewear business. He's also run quality assurance and testing at a laser printer cartridge remanufacturing & specialty coatings company.

Mark's built his first web site in 1995. He's been a member of the New York Joomla User Group from its earliest days. He currently helps clients manage their online presence through web site development, social media programs, mobile website optimization, local search optimization, SEO, and pay-per-click management.

Website: http://digifix.us

Matt is founder of betweenbrain™, creator of the Construct Template Framework, and all around Joomlaholic.

His dot-com career started in 2000 when he joined a start-up venture in Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, he founded betweenbrain to aid his colleagues and local businesses in need of unique problem solving and technology services.

After discovering Joomla in 2006, he joined the Joomla community and soon thereafter re-aligned his business efforts to focus primarily on Joomla services and solutions. In early 2010, he formally joined the JBS to continue his efforts of giving back to the Joomla! Community and help empower others with technology so that they can independently maintain and update their websites.

Matt works one-on-one with his clients to carefully develop appropriate solutions complimented by client education. He is an avid evangelist of Open Source software and has been known to “extend” his presentations into mini-workshops when given the chance.

Website: betweenbrain.com
Twitter: @betweenbrain
Github: https://github.com/betweenbrain

A long-time training expert in vertical markets, Mike Carson is the CEO of Integrated Technology and Design Inc (itdwebdesign.com), and the well-known online storefront called JoomlaShowroom.com where they develop and distribute their Joomla extensions.

Mike has been designing Joomla websites and developing very popular Joomla extensions since the infancy of the Joomla project (the Mambo days). Mike cannot even think of developing a website using any other framework other than the Joomla! Platform. Mike also speaks at various Joomla CMS related events and has a real passion for teaching people about this award winning content management system we call Joomla! Mike's unique entrepreneurial experience, combined with his uncanny ability to listen to the market and deliver winning solutions on a consistent basis make him a "must-attend" session for business people and developers alike at the conferences he speaks at.

Mike is also an active member of the Joomla Events Team, the Joomla Capitol Committee, and the Joomla Regional Community Coordinators team.

Paul Orwig has over 15 years of professional web experience, along with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He has been working as a general purpose freelancer for the past three years.

Paul's first volunteer role in the Joomla project was as a Webmaster for the Joomla Community Portal. Not too long after that he got involved with the Joomla Community Magazine (JCM). After that he accepted an invitation to join the Joomla Community Leadership Team (CLT). In October of 2010 he accepted an invitation to join the Open Source Matters (OSM) board of directors as Treasurer, and in February of 2012 he accepted the new role of OSM President.

Peter Laudati, the "JrzyShr Dev Guy," is a Developer Evangelist with Microsoft, based in the New York/New Jersey area. One of his roles is supporting and educating developers working Microsoft technologies. Peter supports the developer community in the NY/NJ Metro area by speaking at user group events, Code Camps, and various tech conferences. Peter has long been focused on connecting Microsoft technology with non-Microsoft technology. Today he spends a lot of time on Window Azure and right now wants to help YOU get your app into the Windows 8 Store! His blog can be found at http://www.peterlaudati.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Jrzyshr.

Randy is the web architect at Careytech Studios. In 2012 he launched the iCue Project (improving the CMS user experience) with the goal of developing best practices and Joomla extensions that will improve the CMS user experience from the client's perspective. With a background in software engineering, Randy appreciates Joomla! for its infrastructure which leverages object-oriented design and the MVC design pattern. Having worked also on the business side of the web equation, he is quite conscious of the importance of business goals and of the perspective of the CMS end users. 

Sam Richard is a front-end developer focused on responsive design, modern best practices and standards, and cross device user experience. He has worked for the New York State Senate, digital agencies, and the World Economic Forum. He maintains several Compass extensions, is the organizer of the New York City Responsive Web Design meetup, the co-organizer of the New York City Sass meetup, and one of the organizers of the upcoming Sass Conference.

Twitter: @sungug

Stewart Newfeld designs websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations.  He loves learning what organizations do and communicating their message with econonmically produced, attractive, easy-to-navigate Joomla websites. He also shows companies how to use Constant Contact or MailChimp platforms for managing their email lists and marketing campaigns.  He often uses remote screen-sharing sessions during all phases of a website's life cycle, from determining the sites goals, requirements, doing the design, to maintaining the site after launch, or training clients to support their sites. 

Stewart loves to teach both one-on-one and in the classroom. As an adjunct professor at NYUs Information Technogies Institute he has taught courses in Microsoft Windows Networking, and web design.  His hobbies include table tennis, kayaking, social dancing, playing piano, and building electronic projects with Arduino microcontrollers.

www.zebrasystems.com

With many years working in the management consulting areas focusing on event marketing and digital project management, Toni Taylor launched her digital marketing business in 2009 helping her small business clients clarify their branding to better support them in focusing their digital presence with the right combination of social media and email marketing and developing/distributing content in support of their brand, using Joomla! as the primary platform.