Just 200 days ago, we unveiled the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA)—and we haven’t slowed down since. From bold initiatives to exciting collaborations, it’s been a whirlwind of progress. At ChannelCon 2025, GTIA executives teamed up with the Board of Directors to share where we’ve been and where we’re headed, all through the lens of four pillars: People, resources, community and advancement.
“We have a privilege—and the opportunity—to reimagine what is possible for GTIA,” said Dan Wensley, CEO, GTIA. “The value we can bring to your career and your business, your teams, and for the future of the IT channel.”
Wensley, who began his role as CEO of GTIA this past spring, noted that his first order of business was to revisit the foundation in the form of GTIA’s mission, vision and values.
“This isn’t just something you put on a slide,” Wensley said. “It’s foundational to setting the direction of who we are and how we bring value to each and every member.”
To lead that work, GTIA turned to executive industry advisor, Nancy Hammervik.
“GTIA has always stood for integrity, connection and impact—but we needed to articulate this for the new era,” Hammervik said. “We built this to be our North Star for how we operate, how we serve our members and how we make an impact.”
GTIA Vision Statement: Where the IT channel connects and grows.
GITA Mission Statement: To advance the people and businesses of the global IT channel with trusted, unbiased resources as an inclusive community that drives growth. Together with our members, we give back through impactful charitable initiatives that shape the future.
These words are our guiding light at GTIA, shaping every initiative we pursue. To bring that vision to life, members of the GTIA Board of Directors took the stage to share how we’re turning those powerful words into meaningful action.
Building Together
Tracy Pound, immediate past chair and managing director at Prizm Solutions Ltd. And the director at Maximity Limited talked about the transition from CompTIA to GTIA.
“We had a choice. What were we going to do with an organization that needed to focus on the revenue generation of the business, but still needed to be a nonprofit and support the members?” Pound asked. “The best outcome we could see was to sell the assets of the organization to generate an amount of money that would keep the association going essentially forever. The net result is this fantastic organization, GTIA. We’re at a starting point of a trajectory for a new future. We have a huge opportunity to make a big difference in the world.”
John Scola, global vice president, partner ecosystem success at SAP gave ChannelCon attendees an overview of how GTIA finances are being managed to fund the association indefinitely.
“How do we make these assets live forever? That’s the philosophy we have with our investment strategy,” Scola said, noting the careful consideration process in selecting investment partners that would help GITA make the most impact.
Scott Barlow, chair and chief evangelist and global head of community at Sophos, Inc joined Rob Rae, vice chair and corporate vice president of communities and ecosystem at Pax8 to discuss the future of GTIA.
“The association part of this has always been the passion,” Rae said. “But now, it’s the only thing we do and I’m excited about what we all have here. We have an incredible opportunity to really change people’s lives. The time has never been better than now.”
Barlow agreed.
“We’re no longer operating from a position of scarcity,” he said. “The membership is no longer just part of the story—you are the actual story. We are dedicated to helping you grow your business.”
New board members also took the stage to share their personal experiences and how GTIA can help create more member value.
“Look around you. Look at the wealth of information and experts in the room,” said Carrie Green, CEO, CanITCon. “If there’s somebody you don’t know, introduce yourself. You never know where you’re going to go by just having that one hello.”
Kimberly Penn, president, Webtropolis, spoke about wanting to improve the value of GTIA membership overall while also considering the next generation.
“I’d like to look at some academic centers of excellence to allow us to work with the next generation of thought leaders,” she said.
Peter Melby, CEO, New Charter Technologies, admitted he wasn’t able to articulate the deep value proposition for MSPs at GTIA when he applied for a board position.
“I wasn’t sure I should even apply,” he said. “But I’m not the only one. We’re missing an opportunity with service providers to provide deep engagement and leadership. ITSPs are in a position to lead more change than we ever have. We have to be nimble and creative, and we need community leadership in that space. Being in the room to talk about what is possible, and what this can be is incredibly exciting.”
Expanding Our Impact
From day one, GTIA has been deeply committed—and outspoken—about its mission to expand charitable giving. At ChannelCon, the first expansion of philanthropic efforts was announced. GTIA’s expanded portfolio of giving programs includes member-directed giving, a new grants program and investments in host cities where major GTIA events are held.
Quy "Q" Nguyen, vice chair and founder and CEO of Allyance Communications Inc. joined Kelly Ricker, chief operating officer, GTIA to announce that GTIA is committing $1.5 million to nonprofits and schools using technology to drive equity and opportunity—especially in under-resourced communities.
“Philanthropy work is not new to us, it’s in our DNA,” Ricker said. “We are a purpose-driven association. As you think about why you’re at GTIA, know that GTIA is the community for the means and the leadership for giving. If that means something to you, you’re in the right place.”
During the presentation, a $50,000 contribution was awarded to Black Lemonde, a Nashville nonprofit that educates and equips underserved youth with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to lead, thrive and transform their communities. The funds will be used to support the organization’s Digital Black program.
“This generous gift from GTIA will make a real difference in this community because when we work together to uplift the most vulnerable, we strengthen the entire community,” said Kaymi Butler, CEO of Black Lemonade. “With this support, we will continue to turn lemons into lemonade for our minority and underserved youth by providing access to digital tools, mentorship and career-aligned training. Digital Black not only prepares students for the future—it creates a sustainable pipeline of empowered, tech-driven community leaders.”
Both Nguyen and Ricker acknowledged that GTIA members play a powerful role in shaping the impact of GTIA giving programs. While the GTIA grant program is not member-nominated, members are encouraged to refer nonprofits and share the opportunity widely. Applications for the current funding cycle close September 15, 2025.
“We’ve awarded over $420,000 to charities nominated and voted by our members,” Nguyen said. “That’s three times what we did in 2024.”
Nguyen also acknowledged the GTIA Board approving its first-ever large-scale grants totaling $800,000 for five inspiring nonprofits that are using technology to uplift underserved communities:
- - Roger Federer Foundation
- - TechSheCan
- - Big Brothers Big Sisters
- - Cohen Children’s Medical Center
- - TechPoint Youth
“These organizations are bold, innovative and deeply aligned with our mission. And now, with GTIA’s support, they’re ready to scale their impact even further,” he said.
Read >> GTIA Announces Expansion of its Giving Programs, Plans $1.5 Million in Charitable Giving in 2025
Supporting Each Other
At GTIA, the true value of membership lies in the seamless integration of people, resources, community and advancement—woven together to drive meaningful progress.
“No matter where you are in the world, you’re supported by a community that understands your challenges and helps you stay ahead of what’s next, with global insight driving local impact,” said MJ Shoer, chief community officer, GTIA.
“One of the most power things about being a GTIA member is that wherever you are, you belong,” Shoer said.
