Security Risk Advisors Named Finalist in CRN’s 2026 Best of the Channel Awards

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Security Risk Advisors has been named a finalist in the CRN 2026 Best of the Channel Awards, highlighting its role in advancing channel innovation and collaboration.

CRN 2026 Best of the Channel Awards Finalist

Security Risk Advisors has been recognized as a finalist in the CRN 2026 Best of the Channel Awards. The announcement celebrates the organization’s achievements in driving progress within the IT channel. CRN, a division of The Channel Company, unveiled the finalists for the second annual awards, which honor leaders, teams, and companies shaping the industry.

Joe Cicero’s Contributions

Joe Cicero, Chief Marketing Officer at Security Risk Advisors, is among the nominees in the Best Channel Visionary of the Year category. His work includes integrating marketing, alliances, and sales into a unified growth strategy, establishing a partner-led co-sell model with Microsoft that generated over $10 million in services revenue, and expanding partner-sourced pipeline initiatives.

Event Details and Recognition

The winners will be announced at the Best of the Channel Awards Gala in Atlanta on October 13, following The Channel Company’s XChange event. Cicero’s leadership at Security Risk Advisors has focused on aligning marketing, brand initiatives, and partner programs to deliver measurable outcomes. His prior experience at Microsoft informed the development of a cohesive alliance model that strengthened go-to-market strategies for Microsoft Security, Sentinel, and Defender.

Industry Impact and Quotes

Under Cicero’s direction, the firm achieved MISA certification and secured MXDR Verified status while expanding joint solution offerings in enterprise markets. His approach emphasizes technical execution paired with strategic vision to create scalable co-sell frameworks that benefit shared customers.

Jennifer Follett, VP of U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, emphasized the significance of the finalists’ work in shaping the channel’s future. “These individuals, teams, and companies exemplify innovation and leadership, driving growth and fostering partnerships that define the industry’s trajectory,” she stated.

Industry Peer Recognition

Industry peers highlighted Cicero’s impact on channel operations. Tim Wainwright, CEO of Security Risk Advisors, noted his ability to transform disjointed efforts into a unified growth engine. “Joe’s vision extends beyond current market trends, creating systems that enable sustained success,” he said. Maria Thomson, MISA Director, praised his focus on scalable co-sell strategies and integrated go-to-market approaches.

Joshua Shea, Senior Partner Development Manager at Microsoft, credited Cicero with building a security-first partnership model aligned with Microsoft’s priorities.

Finalist Listings and Company Overview

The CRN Best of the Channel Awards finalists are listed online at crn.com/best-of-the-channel-awards. Security Risk Advisors specializes in cybersecurity consulting, offering expertise in Purple Team exercises, threat resilience, and detection engineering to help organizations counter evolving cyber threats. The Channel Company, which administers the awards, supports technology brands by driving channel growth through media, marketing, and strategic initiatives.