Start a new program, a channel initiative, a member group—heck, anything that might help MSPs, tech vendors or distributors grow or improve—and Vicky Bruns will be in the middle of it. And if she’s not, she probably doesn’t know about it. Not yet anyway.
To list Bruns’ accolades just within GTIA could fill the rest of this article, so here’s the abridged version: She’s co-chair of the Channel Development Council, the GTIA Advisory Council liaison collaborating with GTIA’s regional communities and other member groups, mentor in the GTIA Mentorship Program, driving force behind the Tech Vendor Guidebook, moderator of… well, you get the idea.
And her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Bruns has been recognized as a winner of a 2025 North America Spotlight Award. She was voted to receive the 2025 GTIA North America Advisory Council Leadership Award by a panel of international GTIA member judges. We asked Bruns, who daylights as principal product marketing manager at ConnectWise, about the value she’s gotten from GTIA and how to accomplish so much yet still find a good work/life balance. Here’s what she had to say.
What does the GTIA North America Advisory Council Leadership Award mean to you?
When I first joined the advisory councils in mid-2022, my goal was simple: To expand my industry knowledge and connect with fellow leaders in the channel. Winning this award feels like a validation of the journey I've been on, from being a newcomer myself to now being able to give back and support others who are just starting out in the Advisory Councils and the overall GTIA community. Serving as the liaison for the Councils to the broader GTIA community also gave me a glimpse into all the inner workings of each regional group and made me realize the impact that we can collectively make by creating globalized versions of the content and education coming out of the Advisory Councils. There are more great things to come from these types of collaborations!
How has being a GTIA member helped your career?
Being part of GTIA has been a game-changer for me professionally. The connections I've made within the organization have opened doors to new insights and opportunities that have helped me stay ahead of industry trends. The mix of experienced professionals and fresh faces in GTIA has created a dynamic environment where ideas flow freely, both at the bar and in the conference rooms, and across competitors in an agnostic environment. What type of magic can happen with this formula? The answer is channel innovation and helping to raise the tide for all!
What should everyone know about the GTIA Advisory Councils and what they do?
Through my involvement in the GTIA advisory councils, I've had the chance to contribute to shaping the future of the channel industry. Collaborating with technology service providers, vendors and distributors, we work together to address key trends and challenges, ultimately striving to collectively elevate the industry. It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact our work has on newcomers entering the channel, helping them navigate the complexities and find their footing.
What’s been the most valuable or rewarding part of the work you do and how do you stay motivated while finding a good life balance?
While balancing work and life can be a juggling act, my family—including my husband, young son and our foster farm animals (Don Juan the donkey and Clementine the mule)—brings me joy and grounding amidst the busyness of it all. They remind me of what truly matters and keep me motivated to continue making an impact in both my professional and personal lives.
What’s next for the Channel Development Council?
Looking ahead, the Channel Development Council is gearing up to provide valuable event guides to MSPs and vendors, offering practical strategies to maximize the impact of their participation in various industry events. As the event landscape grows more complex, our aim is to simplify the planning process and empower businesses to make informed decisions that can drive their success. By sharing our expertise and resources, we hope to support channel businesses in achieving their goals and thriving in this competitive market.
Learn more about GTIA Advisory Councils.
See the full list of 2025 North America Spotlight Award Winners.
