The IT community thrives on collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Some folks don’t just participate—they get deeply involved. That’s why ChannelPro introduced a new MSP industry award, Partner in Excellence, to recognize thought leaders and mentors who drive the industry forward.
The award highlights the outstanding leadership of MSPs, consultants, and peer networking coaches that make the channel stronger, more connected, and more successful.
A New Award for Outstanding Leadership
For 18 years, ChannelPro has been a go-to resource for IT service providers, offering business growth strategies and networking opportunities. Along the way, we noticed something: certain individuals were making a huge impact behind the scenes, and often without the recognition they deserved. That’s where the Partner in Excellence Award comes in.
Bringing this award to ChannelPro’s live events made perfect sense. It’s a way to celebrate genuine leaders in front of their peers, reinforcing the idea that one person can make a difference.
How Winners Are Selected
- ChannelPro’s Advisory Group members consult with well-known leaders in each ChannelPro event city to solicit nominations.
- Our editorial team researches each candidate and assembles detailed nomination packets for review.
- Before each event, Advisory Group members review each of the packets and vote for the winner by secret ballot.
Tampa winner Annette Taber
Annette Taber: A Force for Change in Florida
Annette Taber was the first-ever recipient of the Partner in Excellence Award at ChannelPro LIVE: Tampa, and for good reason. Her commitment to IT advocacy, education, and policy isn’t an add-on, it has defined her career. During her time at CompTIA, she played a key role in shaping the IT workforce, helping countless professionals build their skills and advance their careers.
Now, as the founder and CEO of BoardSWAP, Annette continues to help senior leaders find board positions where they can make an even bigger impact. She’s a champion for the channel, and the Tampa event was a well-earned acknowledgment of her contributions.
ChannelPro Founder Michael Siggins (L) and Dallas Winner Wayne Hunter (R)
Wayne Hunter: Championing MSP Success in Dallas
The winner at this year’s Dallas event, Wayne Hunter, is a visionary leader and a champion of the MSP community. Over the last three decades, he has helmed AvTek Solutions as its CEO and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring MSPs.
In addition, he served on multiple industry advisory councils with the express purpose of improving the IT channel. In addition to delivering cutting-edge security solutions to his clients, he’s a best-selling author on the topic.
Hunter won in Dallas because of his relentless support for the IT community and his influence in shaping best practices.
Lori Tisnai: MSP Leadership in Chicago
Looking ahead to ChannelPro LIVE: Chicago, Lori Tisnai is the next industry great set to receive the new Partner in Excellence Award. Tisnai, the founder of Computer Concepts USA, has been a powerhouse in the MSP space, helping IT service providers fine-tune their operations and deliver better outcomes for their clients.
Chicago Winner Lori Tisnai
Tisinai founded IT Owner’s Compass in 2017, an event series designed to connect IT business owners and vendors. Her leadership in cybersecurity education, peer networking, and vendor partnerships has been lauded by her peers.
Tisnai has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the channel, pushing for more opportunities for underrepresented professionals in tech.
She will be awarded during ChannelPro LIVE: Chicago. MSPs, VARs, MSSPs, and other channel partners are invited to attend and show their support for Tisnai.
Shaping the Future of the IT Channel
Adding the Partner in Excellence Award to ChannelPro LIVE events has already made an impact. It’s more than just an honor—it’s a statement that outstanding leadership, mentorship, and community-driven success matter.
Each recipient is proof that one person’s efforts can ripple across the community, helping MSPs, vendors, and IT professionals build stronger businesses and better futures. As we continue to recognize outstanding leaders at future events, the Partner in Excellence Award will remain a key part of how we celebrate and elevate the IT channel.
Your Chance to Nominate
Do you know a channel professional who deserves recognition for their greatness? Email our editors their name, Linkedin, and why they’re worthy of recognition.
Images: iStock
