Tech4Change, a nonprofit composed of tech channel vendors and partners who have raised more than $2 million for grassroots charities, honored 32 winners of its inaugural Heart of the Channel Awards on April 12 at the organization’s annual charity event during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.
Created to recognize the people who lead with generosity, service and purpose, the Heart of the Channel Awards celebrate individuals in the technology channel whose actions make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. From community involvement and charitable leadership to behind-the-scenes support and everyday acts of kindness, the awards shine a light on those who help make the channel stronger through how they show up for others.
“The Heart of the Channel Awards were created to recognize a different kind of leadership — the kind rooted in generosity, compassion and action,” said Tech4Change President Jasmina Muller. “These honorees remind us that the channel is at its best when people use their success, influence and energy to lift others up. We are proud to celebrate them and the example they set.”
The winners include:
- Michelle Accardi, CEO, Liongard
- Brittany Caito, Partner Development Manager, CyberMaxx
- Theresa Caragol, Founder & CEO, AchieveUnite
- Bryan Cornish, Channel Sales Manager, Crexendo
- Ed Degenhart, Partner & Managing Director, UPSTACK
- Rick Dellar, Managing Partner, Nacimento Holdings
- John DeLozier, Chief Revenue Officer, North America, Ideagen
- Brad Dupee, Head of National Channel Sales, Granite
- Dave Dyson, Founder & CEO, Eclipse Telecom
- Alaine Fulton, Managing Partner, Safe Haven Solutions
- Laura Garner, National Channel Director – Uniti
- Linda Gattis, Enterprise Technology Strategist, Bridgepointe Technologies
- Steve Gerhardt, CEO, D&M Enterprise Group
- Jim Glackin, Chief Revenue Officer, COEO Solutions
- Robert Holley, Head of Channels – New Routes to Marketing, Aeris
- Jake Jansen, CEO, LAVA Technology Services
- Richard McKinnon, CEO, DVBE Technology Group
- Jim McNeese, CEO & Founder, C2XCEL
- Marc Metzger, CEO, Telecom Management Resources
- Mara Nursement, Channel Manager, SpectroTel
- Melinda Ann O’Neill, Director, Strategic Accounts, Island
- Shannon Orr, Senior Director of National Strategic Partners, AVANT
- Chris Palermo, President, UPSTACK
- Daniel Passacantilli, Chief Strategy Officer, Amplix
- Natasha Royer-Coons, Co-President, Advantix Solutions Group
- Sam Ruggieri, Strategic Advisor, Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth
- Janet Schijns, CEO, JS Group
- Ty Smith, President, Optical Diversity Telecom
- Meghan Wilkinson, Technology, Media, Telecommunications Client Relationship Executive, PwC
- Elise Wolcott, Executive Assistant, Bridgepointe Technologies
- David Wright, Founder & CEO, Disruptive Innovations
- Samantha Zuniga, Director, Partner Development, BCN
The Heart of the Channel Awards reflect Tech4Change’s guiding principle that giving back is not separate from business leadership, but an important expression of it. The program was created to honor the individuals who consistently make time to support charitable causes, help others in meaningful ways and bring humanity to the technology channel.
“These awards are about recognizing the people who give their time and effort without asking for attention in return,” said Laura Dashney, Co-Founder of Tech4Change. “So much of the good that happens in this industry comes from people working quietly behind the scenes. We wanted to celebrate that spirit and give it the visibility it deserves.”
Tech4Change plans to continue building the Heart of the Channel Awards as a signature recognition program that celebrates the people who embody service, generosity and community leadership across the channel.
Tech4Change is powered by volunteers from across the technology channel who are passionate about making a difference. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to join us. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or open committee leadership roles, contact info@tech4change.org.
