Channel program leader honored for the fourth time
PLANO, Texas, Feb. 3, 2025 — Critical Start, a leader in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) cybersecurity solutions, today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Dwayne Myers, VP of Channels and Alliances, to the prestigious 2025 CRN® Channel Chiefs list, which recognizes the IT vendor and distribution executives who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for their companies.
Myers brings over two decades of channel and business development experience from organizations of all sizes, including Palo Alto Networks and Cisco. As a four-time Channel Chief honoree, Myers has been instrumental in the success of Critical Start’s partner program and continues to lead the company with a fresh go-to-market approach.
“Our partner-first strategy, coupled with a robust reward program, has enabled us to forge deep, strategic alliances with industry leaders,” said Scott White, CEO of Critical Start. “These partnerships are a testament to Critical Start’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and our dedication to innovation in a highly competitive market. Together, we are extending our reach and significantly reducing cybersecurity risks for our clients.”
Throughout the past year, Critical Start has prioritized implementing new programs based on partner feedback, including launching its first Partner Advisory Council. Additionally, the company introduced its Partner Tiering Program, which drove significant growth with high-potential partners aligned with its ideal customer profile and offering complementary services to its MDR offering.
The Channel Chiefs list, released annually by CRN, showcases the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers.
“This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They’ve set a high bar in the channel, and we’re thrilled to recognize their standout achievements.”
CRN’s 2025 Channel Chiefs list will be featured in the February 2025 print issue of CRN® Magazine and online beginning February 3rd at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs.
About Critical Start
Critical Start believes effective Managed Detection and Response (MDR) requires a balance of proactive and reactive security measures. Our Cyber Operations Risk & Response™ platform enables organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats with 24x7x365 expert-led investigation and tailored response. Through proactive capabilities—such as comprehensive asset inventories, identification of endpoint coverage gaps, asset criticality ratings, preventative safeguard recommendations, and optional vulnerability management—Critical Start MDR goes beyond detection and response to stop business disruption and prevent breaches.
Unlike traditional MDR providers, Critical Start’s holistic approach delivers Complete Signal Coverage. By continuously identifying and resolving unmonitored infrastructure, we ensure our MDR service receives the signals needed for optimal performance. Backed by over a decade of experience, our SOC leverages human expertise, supported by AI-assisted technology, to ensure precise threat investigation and effective mitigation. Critical Start empowers security leaders to build resilience and stay prepared in an ever-evolving threat landscape with flexible deployment across IT and OT environments, contractual SLAs, and a transparency-first service delivery platform.
For more information, visit www.criticalstart.com. Stay connected with Critical Start on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @CRITICALSTART.
About The Channel Company
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.
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The Channel Company Contact:
Kristin DaSilva
The Channel Company
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