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Microsoft · Cloud & AI Platform Specialist · Atlanta, GA

DeAndre R. Cochrane.

Cloud & AI Platform Specialist at Microsoft

I don't just talk about AI. I sell it.

Built for the rooms where the future gets decided.

Where relationships meet results.

Cloud & AI Platform Specialist. Microsoft.

Connect on LinkedIn ↗ See My Work ↓
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Azure Infrastructure Microsoft Copilot IP Co-Sell Motions Generative AI Azure Marketplace AI Adoption Strategy SMC Canada Territory Digital Transformation Cloud Migration Guinness World Record Holder Azure Infrastructure Microsoft Copilot IP Co-Sell Motions Generative AI Azure Marketplace AI Adoption Strategy SMC Canada Territory Digital Transformation Cloud Migration Guinness World Record Holder
The AI Imperative

AI isn't
coming.
It's here.

The organizations winning right now aren't the ones with the biggest budgets — they're the ones with the right partner cutting through the noise. Every week I'm helping businesses understand not just what AI can do, but what it should do for them specifically.

As a Cloud & AI Platform Specialist at Microsoft, I translate the complexity of Azure, Copilot, and AI infrastructure into strategies that drive real outcomes. I don't sell features. I help companies build their future.
🌍
Guinness World Record Holder — Microsoft AI Skills Fest
Part of the record-breaking global AI learning event. April 2025 · Microsoft
🤖
AI Adoption & Copilot Strategy
Most companies say they're "exploring AI." Few have a plan. I build AI adoption roadmaps anchored in Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot, and Generative AI fundamentals — closing the gap between curiosity and competitive advantage.
Copilot · Azure OpenAI · GenAI
☁️
Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
AI runs on infrastructure. I specialize in Azure architecture conversations — helping businesses modernize their stack, migrate from on-prem, and build the cloud foundation that AI actually needs to perform at scale.
Azure Infrastructure · IaaS · PaaS
🔗
Marketplace & IP Co-Sell
Operating within Microsoft's IP Co-Sell motion, I connect ISV partners with the right customers through the Azure Marketplace — driving co-sell revenue and helping organizations discover vetted, Azure-integrated AI solutions.
Azure Marketplace · ISV · Co-Sell
17+
Microsoft
Certifications
5+
Years in
Tech Sales
∞
Commitment to
AI Mastery
1×
Guinness World
Record
3
Kiddos
at Home
Quota attainment percentages only · No confidential financial data · FY26 · In Progress
FY26 · Microsoft · Cloud & AI Platform

Quota
Attainment Record.

Four solution areas. Three completed quarters. One standard — performance that speaks before I do.

These numbers represent attainment across Azure Infrastructure, AI Platform, Data Analytics, and Security workloads in the SM&C Canada territory. Q3 is in progress. Q4 pipeline is building.
Q1 FY26 · October – December 2024 All four workloads exceeded quota · Strongest quarter of the year
Migrate & Modernize (Total ACR)
Core Azure cloud consumption & workload migration
125%
Exceeded
Data Analytics Platform
Azure data, analytics & BI workloads
145%
Exceeded
AI Platform & Apps
Azure OpenAI, Copilot & AI services adoption
103%
Attained
Defender for Cloud
Cloud security posture & workload protection
164%
Exceeded
Workloads at or Above Quota4 / 4
Quarter ResultExceeded ✓
Standout WorkloadDefender for Cloud · 164%
Q2 FY26 · January – March 2025 3 of 4 workloads at or above quota · Data Analytics standout at 132%
Migrate & Modernize (Total ACR)
Core Azure cloud consumption & workload migration
110%
Exceeded
Data Analytics Platform
Azure data, analytics & BI workloads
132%
Exceeded
AI Platform & Apps
Azure OpenAI, Copilot & AI services adoption
94%
On Track
Defender for Cloud
Cloud security posture & workload protection
65%
In Progress
Workloads at or Above Quota3 / 4
Quarter ResultStrong ✓
Standout WorkloadData Analytics · 132%
● Q3 In Progress — Attainment snapshot through mid-quarter. Quarter closes June 2025.
Q3 FY26 · April – June 2025 · In Progress Mid-quarter snapshot · Active pipeline across all four workloads
Data Analytics Platform
Azure data, analytics & BI workloads
85%
On Pace
Migrate & Modernize (Total ACR)
Core Azure cloud consumption & workload migration
54%
In Progress
AI Platform & Apps
Azure OpenAI, Copilot & AI services adoption
32%
In Progress
Defender for Cloud
Cloud security posture & workload protection
TBD
In Progress
Quarter StatusIn Progress ●
Leading WorkloadData Analytics · 85%
PriorityAI Platform acceleration
◌ Q4 Pipeline — Quarter opens July 2025. Quota allocated. Pipeline strategy underway.
Q4 FY26 · July – September 2025 · Pipeline Quota allocated · Building on FY26 momentum
AI Platform & Apps
Primary growth area · Largest Q4 allocation
Pipeline
Quota Set
Data Analytics Platform
Azure data, analytics & BI workloads
Pipeline
Quota Set
Migrate & Modernize (Total ACR)
Core Azure cloud consumption & workload migration
Pipeline
Quota Set
Defender for Cloud
Cloud security posture & workload protection
Pipeline
Quota Set
Quarter StatusOpens July 2025
Priority WorkloadAI Platform & Apps
ApproachBuild on Q1 & Q2 wins
◈ FY26 Overall Attainment · Completed Quarters (Q1 + Q2) Q3 in progress · Q4 pipeline
Migrate & Modernize
117%
Avg Q1 + Q2
Data Analytics
138%
Avg Q1 + Q2
AI Platform & Apps
99%
Avg Q1 + Q2
Defender for Cloud
115%
Avg Q1 + Q2
Licenses & Certifications

Credentials
that back
the conversation.

17 verified Microsoft credentials — built in the field, not just on paper. Every certification reflects a real area I'm selling into and a deeper level of credibility I bring to every customer conversation.

17
AI & Cloud
MCAPS Q4 Skills Challenge: Legendary Learner
May 2025
Microsoft AI Skills Fest — Guinness World Record
Apr 2025
Microsoft AHSI: Higher Altitude (AI Foundations)
Apr 2025
Microsoft 365 Copilot AI Navigator Badge
Mar 2025
What Is Generative AI? (LinkedIn)
Oct 2024
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Jun 2023 · Expires Jun 2026
Nonprofit AI Advisor Series
Nonprofit Advisor AI for Volunteer Management
Apr 2025
Nonprofit Advisor AI for Funding
Apr 2025
Nonprofit Advisor AI for Program Management
Apr 2025
Nonprofit Advisor AI General Skills
Apr 2025
Nonprofit Advisor: AI Usage Policy Volunteer
Oct 2024
Leadership & Skills
Achievement in Accessibility: Disability Hiring Champion
Oct 2024
Accessibility in Action
Oct 2024
Sustainability in Action
Oct 2024
ZoomInfo DaaS Certification
Jul 2024
ZoomInfo Sales Certification
Jul 2024
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Nov 2021
Areas of Expertise

Where I
operate.

Five years of full-cycle sales spanning financial services, cybersecurity, and cloud — culminating in a specialized focus on AI-driven cloud transformation at Microsoft.

01
Cloud Sales
  • Azure Infrastructure
  • Migration Motions
  • IP Co-Sell Strategy
  • Marketplace GTM
02
AI & Copilot
  • Copilot Positioning
  • Azure OpenAI
  • AI Adoption Plans
  • GenAI Fundamentals
03
SaaS & Security
  • Full-Cycle Closing
  • Cybersecurity SaaS
  • SMB to Enterprise
  • MSP Channel Sales
04
Leadership
  • Team Management
  • Sales Enablement
  • Process Building
  • Cross-Functional Work
Career Journey

Every role
earned.

JUL 2025 — PRESENT
Cloud and AI Platform Specialist
Microsoft · Remote
Upgraded from Digital Sales Specialist to Cloud & AI Platform Specialist — expanded scope into AI platform strategy, Copilot adoption, and deeper technical conversations. Driving Azure IP Co-Sell and Marketplace motions across SMC Canada territory.
Cloud & AIAzureCopilotIP Co-Sell
OCT 2024 — JUL 2025
Digital Sales Specialist — Azure Infrastructure
Microsoft · Atlanta, GA
Entered Microsoft through the Elevate program focused on Azure Infrastructure. Supported SMB, Mid-Market, and Corporate accounts in Canada. Collaborated on IBM Maximo on Azure motion, driving on-prem to SaaS migration narratives across 800+ accounts in territory.
AzureMarketplaceIBM MaximoElevate Program
OCT 2024 — PRESENT
Nonprofit Advisor: AI Usage Policy Volunteer
Microsoft · Freelance · Atlanta, GA
Advising nonprofits on responsible AI adoption and usage policies — applying Microsoft's AI framework in community and mission-driven contexts.
AI PolicyNonprofit
APR 2024 — AUG 2024
Lead MSP Inside Sales Representative
Conceal · Augusta, GA
Led a team of MSP sales reps. Set direction, performance benchmarks, and took on VP-level responsibility after leadership transition. Managed key account relationships and outbound strategy for Managed Service Provider channel.
MSP ChannelTeam LeadershipConcealBrowse
AUG 2023 — APR 2024
Inside Sales Representative — Managed Services
Conceal · Richmond County, GA
Exceeded quota every quarter selling ConcealBrowse into MSP and Enterprise segments. Promoted within 9 months to Lead ISR.
Cybersecurity SaaSOutbound Sales
MAR 2023 — AUG 2023
Business Development Representative
Conceal · Richmond County, GA
Exceeded daily metrics from day one. Built pipeline through outbound prospecting across SMB to Enterprise. Promoted to ISR in 6 months.
JAN 2022 — MAR 2023
Business Development Manager
Elle Prestige, LLC · Grovetown, GA
Secured commercial cleaning contracts across Georgia. Built client relationships from outreach to signed agreement — developing the consultative sales muscle that defines my approach today.
JAN 2021 — JUL 2022
Financial Representative
Northwestern Mutual · Atlanta, GA
Where it started. Set records and won national awards as a college intern. This chapter ignited a love for sales and proved that performance — not seniority — is the only currency that matters.
National Award WinnerRecord Setter
Education

The academic
foundation.

Augusta University
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Business Administration & Management
2020 – 2022
Albany State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biology, General
2014 – 2017
PURPOSE
Philosophy
"AI is the most powerful lever in business right now — and I show up every day to make sure the companies I work with know exactly how to pull it. That's not just a job. That's a calling."

— DeAndre R. Cochrane

01 Faith Foundation before any title
02 Family Husband. Father of three.
03 Growth Mindset 17 certs and counting
04 Customer Obsession One Microsoft. Always.
05 Impact Results that outlast the quarter
Get In Touch

An opportunity
worth exploring?

Whether you're a partner exploring Azure co-sell, a leader looking to accelerate AI adoption, or someone building something worth talking about — reach out.

💼
LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/deandrecochrane
→ 🏢
Microsoftdcochrane@microsoft.com
→ ✉️
Personalcochrane.deandre12@gmail.com
→ 📍
LocationAtlanta Metro · McDonough, GA
→
Beyond the Role
CBMC Member
Christian Business Men's Connection — connecting faith and marketplace leadership since Jul 2023. Evans, GA.
Founder & Principal Consultant
Cochrane & Co — self-employed consulting practice focused on business development and strategic advisory since May 2020.
Community & Service
Devoted Church member. Faith-driven approach to leadership, service, and building things that last beyond the workday.
Family Man
Husband to Valencia. Father to Violette, Judah, and Esmé. Everything else is the reason why.