Honored to Be Named a Microsoft Regional Director

Honored to Be Named a Microsoft Regional Director

I’m incredibly proud and humbled to share that I’ve been awarded the title of Microsoft Regional Director , a recognition that celebrates not only technical excellence but also community leadership and global impact.

Last Updated: February 26, 2026

This honor reflects years of dedication to empowering others, driving innovation, and contributing to the broader tech ecosystem. I’m deeply grateful to Microsoft for this recognition and to the amazing community of professionals, students, and organizations I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with throughout my journey.

What Is the Microsoft Regional Director Program?

The Microsoft Regional Director (RD) program is a prestigious, invitation-only initiative that recognizes the world’s top technology visionaries and community leaders. Despite the name, RDs are not Microsoft employees. Instead, they are trusted advisors and thought leaders who provide strategic guidance to Microsoft and the broader tech community. Regional Directors are selected for their:

• Deep technical expertise
• Strong business acumen
• Influence in the tech ecosystem
• Commitment to community engagement and mentorship

There are fewer than 200 RDs globally, making this a truly elite group of professionals who bridge the gap between Microsoft and the real-world needs of customers, partners, and developers.

The Microsoft RD Selection Process

The Microsoft Regional Director (RD) program recognizes a select group of independent technology experts who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the industry.  Here’s an overview of the RD selection process:

1. Nomination: The program is primarily nomination-based, with nominations typically opened once a year, usually in January.
2. Sources of Nomination: Individuals are usually nominated by:
   • Microsoft senior-level full-time employees.
   • Other existing Regional Directors.
3. Criteria for Selection: Regional Directors are selected based on their:
   • Proven cross-platform technical expertise.
   • Strong community leadership.
   • Commitment to business results.
   • Demonstrated business and thought leadership experience through strategic customer engagements.
   • Often holding CxO, senior, and/or board positions within technology-focused companies. 

Important Notes:

• Regional Directors are not employed by Microsoft.
• The RD program and the Microsoft MVP award are distinct programs, though many RDs also hold the MVP title.
• The RD program focuses on business and customer experience, while the MVP award emphasizes deep technical expertise in specific Microsoft technologies. 

Therefore, to increase your chances of being considered for the Microsoft RD program, you should focus on developing a strong reputation as a technology expert, actively engage with the tech community, demonstrate leadership in strategic customer engagements, and potentially build relationships with existing Microsoft senior-level employees or Regional Directors.  Looking Ahead As a Microsoft Regional Director, I look forward to continuing my mission of sharing knowledge, mentoring future leaders, and shaping the future of technology — together. This recognition is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with even greater responsibility and opportunity. I’m excited to collaborate with fellow RDs, MVPs, and the broader Microsoft ecosystem to drive innovation and positive change. Let’s keep building, learning, and growing. 💡 You can learn more about the program here Microsoft Regional Director 2020-2025

---

#MicrosoftRegionalDirector #Leadership #Community #Cybersecurity #MVP #TechForGood #Gratitude Microsoft Regional Director 2020-2025 Thrilled to share some fantastic news! After nearly 5 years, I’m back in the Microsoft Community, this time as a Regional Director. This morning, I woke up to an exciting email from Microsoft that began with… “I am delighted to welcome you to the Microsoft Regional Director program!”  No, don’t let this title confuse you, I am not -at least at this stage- back working for Microsoft as Full Time Employee (FTE) , its a Community Leadership award “The standard for admission to this program is high.  Your selection is a tribute to your broad technical and business knowledge, community leadership, and ability to connect with Microsoft customers, partners, and our product group professionals. “ Now , you might wonder why after 5 years ? The answer is simple , because as soon as you join Microsoft as FTE you will loose the community awards such as Microsoft Regional Director or Microsoft Most Valuable Professional . As I am currently not in Microsoft payroll as an employee, I qualify to be awarded , based on my community contributions. I’m really grateful to have this recognition, particularly because it’s comes as a result of just doing what I genuinely love.

What is Microsoft Regional Director Program?

Microsoft Regional Directors are independent technology enthusiasts who engage in dealing with and evangelizing one or more of Microsoft technologies in a particular region. It may sound like they are someone who is on the payroll of Microsoft, but that is not the case. Just like Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, Microsoft Student Partners or Microsoft Student Associates, they are members of a Microsoft program. Microsoft Regional Director Program

Microsoft MVPs are selected based on their contributions towards a specific technology and are not bound by location. Unlike Microsoft MVPs, Microsoft Regional Directors are independent developers, trainers, or professionals who form a vital link between Microsoft and the developer community. A Regional Director typically is an expert who focuses on software development tools and technologies, whereas a Microsoft MVP can be experts in any of the numerous Microsoft software and services – like Windows for instance. He/She could be an expert who contributes to a particular region, creating a powerful impact in their technical community. RDs also provide valuable feedback to Microsoft on emerging technologies and are invited to seminars and conferences to speak about technologies of their expertise.

Regional Directors represent the best of the Microsoft Developer Community. While we come together in a Microsoft program we work on all platforms and technologies. We believe, however, in Microsoft’s commitment to the developer community and we work directly with the company to help enhance their products and bring the market the best of technology innovation.

During their 2 year term, RDs are expected to engage with the developer community as well as Microsoft customers. This could take the form of Training, delivering talks, speaking engagements, as well as writing books, articles, etc.

How to become Microsoft Regional Director

There is no simple or straight forward method to become a Microsoft Regional Director. You cannot apply to become an RD or Regional Director. The development evangelist of an area recommends a person to his or her immediate superior mentioning the qualities, contributions, and achievements of that person. Based on the recommendations, Microsoft selects the Regional Director. You can learn more about what the Microsoft Regional Director Program is here Thank you for everyone who helped me to get this recognition,:

• Microsoft Corporate Vice President Ann Johnson,
• Regional Director Program Manager Mary Kate Sincero,
• Community Lead Deepak Rejendran,
• Azure Community Lead Tiberiu Covaci and
• everyone in my life who gives positive energy.

we are better together My other awards Keywords microsoft regional director – What is Microsoft regional director? – How to become a Microsoft regional director? What is a regional director? a microsoft regional director accepted into the