By Daniel Margolis
In this economy, no small- to medium-sized company should go it alone. A network of peers to share common challenges, problems and solutions with is essential for SMBs in any industry vertical, and information technology (IT) is no exception. A quick and easy way to find such a network – in any segment of IT – is to join one of CompTIA’s 10 member communities. CompTIA, a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, has communities built around women in IT, cloud and software as a service, security, tech support, print, mobility, managed services, unified communications and the UK channel.
CompTIA’s member communities bring together thought leaders from across the IT industry to collaborate and consult on best practices, education, research and other initiatives to advance industry growth. The association continually changes out the leaders of its communities to ensure they’re infused with fresh thinking and ideas. CompTIA has just announced the 2013 leadership roster for its member communities. This year, they will be led by the following individuals (chair listed first, vice chair second):
Advancing Women in IT: Sandy Ashworth, global director of channel relations and warranty, Unisys Corporation, and Jean Mork Bredeson, president, Service 800.
Cloud/SaaS: John Rice, senior director, partner community, Intermedia, and Ted Roller, vice president, channel development, LogMeIn.
IT Security: Scott Barlow, vice president, sales and marketing, Reflexion Networks, and Grant Johnson, principal-IT consultant, Array.
IT Services and Support (Canada): Christopher Adamson, director, IT and professional services, Ricoh Canada Inc., and Brook Douglas, director of sales, Parts Now Canada.
IT Services and Support (U.S.): Michael Schuler, vice president, U.S. sales, Zylog Systems Inc., and Aaron Woods, director, NARS Program, Xerox.
Mobility: David Sobel, director of partner community, Level Platforms, and Heather Murray, director, mobility, Tech Data.
MSP Partners: Jay McBain, co-founder, Channeleyes, and John Tippett, chief operating officer, EDTS.
Managed Print Services: Barney Kister, senior vice president, Supplies Network, and Ian Berger, regional account executive, Parts Now.
UK Channel: Lee Evans, managing director, Vital Technology Group, and Jim Harrower, UK & Ireland sales manager, GFI Software.
Unified Communications: Guy Yasika, regional sales manager, Alteva, and David Gilbert, chief executive officer, SimpleSignal.
Visit CompTIA Communities to learn more and join a CompTIA community today.
Daniel Margolis serves as manager, membership communications editor at CompTIA. He has worked as a professional writer and editor for over 13 years, covering a range of industries
