Session Goals:
• Understanding the Git ecosystem, the difference between Git and GitHub.
• Using branching and merging as a safety net for isolating change.
• Leveraging GitHub Actions, Webhooks, Issue Templates, and automation.
SQL Server Blog Post
GitHub
Session: The Automation Engine for Modern DBAs and DBREs Using GitHub with Amy Abel
Written by Amy Abel
Event Details
Title: The Automation Engine for Modern DBAs and DBREs Using GitHub
Topic(s): GitHub
When:
Starts on November 11, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Ends at 6:30 pm
Where:
Cost: $1990 for 2-Day event ticket
Abstract
Modern database teams can no longer rely on manual deployments, email approvals, spreadsheet tracking, and undocumented processes. As organizations adopt AI-assisted development and accelerate software delivery, automation has become essential for maintaining reliability, consistency, and governance.
In this demo-driven session, we will explore how GitHub can evolve from a source control platform into an automation platform for database operations. Attendees will learn how GitHub Actions, Secrets, Templates, Issue Forms, and Webhooks can be used to automate deployments, standardize requests, improve security, and create repeatable operational workflows.
Through practical database-focused examples, Amy will demonstrate how these capabilities help DBAs and DBREs eliminate repetitive manual tasks, reduce operational risk, and build self-service processes that scale across teams. We will also uncover a few GitHub productivity features and hidden gems that can dramatically improve day-to-day efficiency.
Building on the governance and safety concepts discussed in the companion webinar, this session focuses on putting those guardrails into action through automation. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for transforming GitHub into a central component of their database engineering platform.
Who Should Attend
Session Prerequisites:
• Basic Tech Skills Familiarity with files, folders, and the command line.
• DevOps Curiosity A desire to automate manual database deployments.
• No Prior Git Experience Required We start with fundamentals then advance to automation.
About the Speaker
Amy Abel is a Senior Consultant at Straight Path with a background in Database Administration, Site and Database Reliability. She has experience supporting critical, high-transactional healthcare systems and specializes in automating complex processes, reducing toil, and resolving database challenges.
Amy is passionate about automation, database reliability, SQL challenges, and continuous learning. She inspires others through speaking, blogging, and mentoring. She is completing her Master’s degree at the University of Denver and holds two degrees in computer science from Weber State University.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys hiking, off-roading in her Jeep, traveling, trying new food, and writing about technology.