CARY, N.C. – August 25, 2023 – Zift Solutions, a leading provider of Partner Relationship Management (PRM) and Through-Channel Marketing Automation (TCMA) software, today announced the appointment of Kris Blackmon as the company’s first-ever Head of Channel Communities. In this role, Blackmon will focus on building a strong infrastructure, including strategic content and educational programs, to ensure the success of the ecosystem of vendors and providers that make up the Zift community.
“Kris is a recognized and seasoned channel leader and a great addition to our team,” said Heather Ball, vice president of marketing, Zift Solutions. “Her combination of skills, experience and passion for innovating, growing and maximizing the channel aligns with our organizational mission and values, supporting our growth as we strive to deliver maximum value and impact to our customers and partners.”
Blackmon brings more than a decade of channel experience in content, marketing, research, events, go-to-market strategies and community building. Most recently, she served as chief channel officer at industry consultancy JS Group (JSG). Prior to JSG, Kris ran content strategy at Informa, where she programmed content for Channel Partners events, formed content strategy for the media site Channel Futures and built the MSP 501 program and community. She is a member of CompTIA’s Channel Development Advisory Council, advising and providing insight in all matters relating to the indirect technology market alongside some of the industry’s most influential leaders across hardware, software, services, distributors, telecommunications and technology providers.
“JS Group has a strong partnership with Zift, one that has been critical to the growth of both organizations over the years,” said Janet Schijns, CEO of JS Group. “I couldn’t be happier to see Kris join Zift, adding her strengths to their team. We look forward to continuing to work with her as she tackles this new role, confident that she will continue as an innovator and channel champion.”
In addition to her channel industry experience, Blackmon is a fervent advocate of DEI and sits on the Board of the Xposure Inclusion and Diversity Council. She is a member of the Alliance of Channel Women, a recipient of the ACW LEAD award and was honored with CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology Leadership Spotlight Award in 2022.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a diverse career in the channel, building a network of strong relationships in an industry I love,” said Blackmon. “Zift’s commitment to helping both customers and the channel as a whole evolve to succeed in such a diverse channel ecosystem is inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside a team of thought leaders as we build a community that drives sustained growth and success.”
