Vijay Akasapu is the founder and CEO of Cylerian, a cybersecurity firm focused on delivering MDR and threat intelligence solutions tailored for use by MSPs. With a background in security operations and a passion for helping organizations build practical, risk-aware defenses, Akasapu brings both technical expertise and business acumen to the IT channel. Under his leadership, Cylerian emphasizes proactive threat hunting, rapid incident response, and empowering IT teams with tools that scale effectively.

Jonathan Browning joined ChannelPro as the executive editor in 2023. His goal is to serve the channel community by covering the issues that matter most to MSPs, VARs, technology integrators, and IT consultants. He has successfully served in marketing, sales, and IT leadership positions throughout his career, including roughly six years in marketing director roles for Massachusetts-based managed services providers.

Pete Busam is the founder and owner of Equilibrium Consulting, LLC, a management consulting and outsourced marketing firm specializing in assisting channel and technology services organizations with establishing partner relationships, and directing IT channel strategy, design and execution. He has more than 35 years of experience in the channel, where he began as a technician. Since then, he has operated several successful technology services providers and continues to be recognized by clients, partners and channel publications for his outstanding performance, commitment and contributions to the industry. His thought-provoking insights on the channel have been published by numerous industry-leading trade publications, including CRN, ChannelPro, Channel Futures and Channel Insider. An industry thought leader, he has given presentations and participated in panel discussions at numerous channel events over the years. He has also provided commentary on the industry for The Philadelphia Business Journal, Entrepreneur and the Wall Street Journal. Fully committed to the communities he immerses himself in, Pete is an active member with CompTIA, The Sales Association Sales Leader Council, Forbes

Brad Gross is the founding partner of the Law Office of Bradley Gross, P.A., a law firm that specializes in transactions involving technology service providers, solution resellers, IT professionals and technology companies worldwide. Brad is one of the leading international legal authorities in cloud transactions, having counseled thousands of MSPs nationwide for over 23 years. He has been listed on fifteen occasions to the national list of Super Lawyers in IT & Technology Law. Brad has his own podcast, TechnologyBradcast.com, that covers security, licensing, and contract issues for MSPs, and sits on the Board of Digitunity, a non-profit organization that helps close the digital divide. He is also the founding partner of MSPTerms, a cloud-based document management platform engineered for MSPs.

Nate is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Astoria, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative IT services and cybersecurity solutions. Astoria is based in the Cleveland Ohio Market and has clients in 5 states. Nate also serves as the Presient of the Board of Directors for his hometown Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Nate believes greatly in creating a better world for everyone. Outside of work, Nate is deeply committed to his family and enjoys peaceful, introspective activities like hiking, kayaking and gardening. His leadership, vision, and dedication to both his clients and his community set him apart as a transformative figure in the tech industry and beyond.

Michael Siggins is the founder and publisher of The ChannelPro Network. Since March 2007 the network has been providing targeted business and technology information for the IT channel. Via its print and online properties, the network delivers expert opinion, analysis, news, product reviews, and advice vital to business success. Michael is also president and publisher of ChannelPro: The Insider’s Guide to SMB, the only channel media property dedicated to the needs of channel professionals working in the SMB marketplace. Prior to founding The ChannelPro Network, Michael worked for more than 14 years at IDG, the world’s leading technology media, events, and research company.

Dawn Sizer is a CEO and technologist with security, training, and policy specializations. She can make complex technical information relatable for any audience. This is showcased in her writings, speaking engagements, her MSP (3rd Element), and podcast (Rebel Executives). 3rd Element incorporated in 2005 and has made CRN’s MSP 500 list for the last four years. Dawn has been nominated as one of the top women in the channel for the last three years, holds an MBA in IT, as well as industry standard certifications. She sits on Partner Advisory councils of five of the top distributors, security, and cyber insurance companies in the space, as well as The Channel Company for XChange and Women of the Channel. Dawn has been married for more than 25 years to her husband and partner in everything. They have two boys and two goofy dogs, Pilot and Odin.

Stephen Smith is the CEO and Chief Hunter at Channel Hunters, a visionary behind Channel Hunters, driven by a mission to connect every MSP with their ideal clients. His leadership turns bold ideas into real, scalable results that keep the pack moving forward.

Henry Timm is a technology executive, cybersecurity advocate, and community builder focused on one clear mission: build stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger IT industry. As CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, Henry leads a performance-driven Managed IT Services Provider supporting compliance-focused SMBs across the Midwest. His firm partners with manufacturing, healthcare, and other regulated organizations to modernize, stabilize, and secure their technology environments with solutions designed for long-term reliability and accountability. He is also the cofounder of Rocket Fuel Factory, a business accelerator and incubator built to help MSPs, vendors, and IT consultants scale through community, coaching, and disciplined execution. Through education, strategic partnership, and practical enablement, Rocket Fuel Factory equips leaders to grow with intention rather than drift with the market. Henry is one of the original cofounders of The Tech Degenerates, a global community of MSPs, IT operators, and technology leaders committed to honest conversations, peer accountability, and raising operational standards across the channel. The community is known for cutting through noise, rejecting hype, and creating a space where experienced professionals can challenge each other, share lessons learned, and strengthen the industry from the inside out. With more than two decades of experience spanning IT leadership, cybersecurity, support, and software development, Henry operates at the intersection of technology strategy, operational discipline, and community engagement. He is known for addressing hard truths, guiding teams through meaningful change, and helping organizations build resilience that holds up under pressure. Henry serves in leadership on the GTIA Cybersecurity Executive Council and on the GTIA Global Leadership Committee. He is also an active member of FBI InfraGard. He advises vendors, nonprofits, peer groups, and event organizers committed to raising the bar for professionalism and security across the IT channel. He regularly cohosts MSP Community Live, a livestream series dedicated to elevating the broader IT community, and is a frequent podcast guest and industry contributor sharing insights on leadership, cybersecurity, compliance, and channel trends. His recognitions include CRN MSP 500 and Pioneer 250, Michiana Forty Under 40, the GTIA Community Leadership Award, a nomination for the GTIA Cybersecurity Leadership Award, and nominations for both the CompTIA Community Leadership Award and the Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award. Outside of his professional work, Henry remains active in initiatives supporting economic development, veterans, disaster relief, and civil rights advocacy. He welcomes opportunities to collaborate with leaders who are serious about building well, serving others, and moving the industry forward with integrity.

Scott Verbus is the co-founder of Linear 1 Technologies, an award-winning Midwest MSP and telecom provider recognized as a Top 25 MSP by ChannelPro Networks and winner of the MSP Titans of the Industry for the Midwest in 2025. With nearly three decades of hands-on IT and cybersecurity experience, Scott leads Linear 1’s growth and innovation strategy, with a focus on operational maturity, cyber resilience, and scalable infrastructure. Known for translating complex technical challenges into actionable, business-driven solutions, Scott is also a contributing author and Amazon Best Seller for Maximizing Business Potential with AI. He speaks regularly to MSPs and business leaders on cybersecurity strategy, operational growth, and leading through transition. Scott credits Linear 1’s success to the EOS framework, a relentless service mindset, and his partnership in both life and business with co-founder Lesley Verbus.

Matt Whitlock is responsible for the strategic direction and technical content of ChannelProNetwork.com. He brings more than 20 years’ experience working in the technology industry to his reviews, analysis, and general musings about all things gadget and gear. Matt’s decade of experience in online media, community management, and web development has been instrumental in propelling the ChannelPro brand into the digital future. Matt also lends his vocal talent (and sense of humor) as host for the ChannelPro Weekly Podcast, a weekly audio program specifically tailored for resellers, VARs, MSPs, and system builders. His spare time is devoted primarily to his wife and two wonderful children as sports cheerleader, amateur chauffeur, opener of jars, target for NERF bullets, maker of coffee and sandwiches, changer of AA and AAA batteries, and fixer of computers.

David Wilkeson has been a serial entrepreneur from the early 90’s until today, building and selling four very successful technology companies. The last endeavor took a Youngstown Ohio based IT company from a small 12-person professional services company to an 85-employee managed services powerhouse. In 2013, he sold his stake in the MSP to pursue consulting opportunities. Currently as CEO of MSP Advisor, he consults with managed services companies throughout North America, UK, Europe, and Australia on their business and financial operations as well as service design and delivery, and facilitates various MSP peer groups. Dave also co-founded an MSP focused financial services company called Instrumental, providing outsourced accounting and specialized CFO services to the industry. He co-authored a thought-provoking new book called Profit and Growth for MSPs: Dragonboats, Catamarans, and Superyachts. He holds various industry and security certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CCNA, and Microsoft MCP.