#United States #North America #IT Leadership #GTIA #Oak Brook Terrace

Celebrating Excellence in the IT Channel

On March 12, 2025, a prestigious event took place in Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois, where the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) held its annual 2025 North America Spotlight Awards. This ceremony recognized ten outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the IT channel, exemplifying dedication and excellence in their respective roles.

Recognizing Industry Pioneers

The awards were presented to five individuals and five organizations, all of whom demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the IT channel. The gathering, which formed part of the GTIA Communities Councils Forum, attracted members from managed service providers (MSPs), distributors, technology vendors, and various tech service firms. This forum serves as a platform to discuss pertinent topics such as managed services, cybersecurity, tech talent and diversity, and emerging technologies, making it a significant event in the industry.

Honorees of the Night

Among the illustrious attendees were numerous award recipients:

• - Hannah Allpress, Sales Account Executive at The 20, received the Future Leader Award for her innovative contributions and achievements as a rising star in the IT channel.
• - Victoria Bruns, Principal Product Marketing Manager at ConnectWise, was honored with the Advisory Council Leadership Award, recognizing her impactful engagement and collaborative efforts as a council member.
• - Brook Lee, VP of Community and Channel at Liongard, earned the Advancing Women in Technology Leadership Award for her role as a mentor and advocate for women in tech.
• - Jason Slagle, CEO of CNWR, was awarded the Cybersecurity Leadership Award for his professional excellence in supporting GTIA's Cybersecurity Programs.
• - Henry Timm, CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, received the Community Leadership Award acknowledging his dedicated community engagement.

Additionally, recognized organizations included:

• - Encore Strategic, awarded the Associate Member Award for positively impacting the tech ecosystem.
• - Logically, who earned the MSP/Solution Provider Award for showcasing excellence and leadership in its operations.
• - Moovila, recognized with the Innovative Vendor Award for its exemplary innovation driving change within the industry.
• - OITVOIP, which received the Advancing Diversity in Technology Leadership Award for their work in fostering a diverse environment in IT.
• - TD SYNNEX, honored with the Innovative Distributor Award, acknowledged for transformational innovations at both organizational and industry levels.

The Power of Leadership

In his keynote address, GTIA's Chief Community Officer, MJ Shoer, expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, "Congratulations to the 2025 North America Spotlight winners, who continue to drive our industry and our community to greater heights by inspiring and supporting those around them in the IT channel." He further emphasized the importance of active engagement, innovative thought leadership, and their role as catalysts for positive change within both the GTIA community and the tech ecosystem at large.

This event not only recognized the hard work and dedication of these individuals and organizations but also aimed to inspire the next generation of leaders in technology. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the contributions of these honorees showcase the vital role leadership plays in shaping the future of the IT channel.

About GTIA

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), a nonprofit organization, connects and supports members within the global IT channel. Formerly known as CompTIA Community, GTIA aims to provide industry standards, resources, and networking opportunities to enhance the success of its members. With a diverse membership base encompassing over 2,000 companies, GTIA plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation in the technology sector. More information about the organization and its mission can be found at gtia.org.