RALEIGH, NC – The Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) is proud to present the inaugural RSPA NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. The RSPA Rising Stars will annually recognize and celebrate 40 individuals who are driving growth, embracing technological advancements, and delivering exceptional solutions to address the evolving needs of their partners and the retail IT industry.
RSPA NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars was established to acknowledge the contributions of young professionals who exemplify the industry’s next generation of channel leaders. Each Rising Star possesses expertise, innovation, and leadership skills that has propelled them to the forefront of the industry, inspiring their peers and colleagues.
The 2023-24 class of RSPA NextGen Rising Stars includes:
- Sami Alakkam, JRs POS Depot
- John Bachanov, Appspensary
- Thomas Barrineau, OrderCounter POS
- Bobby Bauer, BMC
- Jean Boling, Clearent (Xplor Pay)
- Salem Collins, Macro Integration Services
- Lily Cregeen, Metropolitan Sales
- Jules Cudd, CIMA America
- Matt Dockrell, Pointy by Google
- Christin Dorner, Star Micronics
- Jon Etxeberri, EDGE Merchant Processing
- Whitney Gerrety, BlueStar
- Blake Gillum, DCR POS
- Travis Hare, DCR POS
- Mary Harris, NCC
- Allie Haskell, Custom Business Solutions
- Audrey Hogan, TimeForge
- Kirsten Ingersoll, Electronic Office
- Owen Lucas, Lucas Systems
- Jessica Maroney, Metropolitan Sales
- Shelly Matityahu, Tabit Technologies
- Farrell McKenna, STCR
- Rebecca McPherson, onePOS
- Truman Meecham, Alpha POS
- Brianna Moriarty, Epson America
- Cort Ouzts, POS Nation
- Jaynish Patel, ONUS Merchant Solutions
- Chelsey Paulson, Keystone Group International
- Heather Philpott, ScanSource
- Eiadd Qumsieh, Qlaborate
- Blake Rouse , CardKnox
- Jenna Sandubrae (Slavin), Ingram Micro
- David Sohn, Helpt
- Madeline Stockwell, Heartland
- Alejandro Swaby, Cervion Systems
- Matt Swanson, North Country
- Jenn Thaxton, MAAST
- Tyler Wells, MicroTouch
- Theodore Williams, OrionStarUSA
- Tyler Young, BOLD Integrated Payments/VersiTech
“The retail IT channel has a rich history, and these 40 Rising Stars are evidence our industry is well positioned to continue to thrive in the future,” said Jim Roddy, RSPA President & CEO. “The quantity and quality of nominations we received made selecting this list very difficult. There are so many outstanding young leaders and up-and-coming leaders in the RSPA. We’re excited to work even more closely with them to help the RSPA community adapt to what’s next.”
RSPA NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars is a new effort from the RSPA team in collaboration with the RSPA NextGen Community. The NextGen Community plays a key role in identifying and developing opportunities for future leaders and the rapidly changing technology landscape.
The inaugural RSPA NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars will be honored during RetailNOW 2023, July 30-August 1 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. There will be recognition at the RSPA NextGen Community Reception July 30 and a formal presentation during the RSPA 75th Anniversary Celebration July 31.
Visit the NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars webpage to meet the 2023-24 RSPA NextGen 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. RSPA looks forward to continue celebrating today’s up-and-coming industry innovators!
About RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association)
The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the point-of-sale ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, certification, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW® and Inspire® which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.
