Digital Heroes 2024
At AppDirect, we celebrate excellence and impact. The Digital Heroes program honors visionary pioneers making remarkable strides in the advisor and platform customer communities.
The Path to Becoming a Digital Hero
Nominees were carefully evaluated based on their alignment with defined award categories, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and other supporting data. In addition to their achievements, the evaluation considered how they conducted their business.
Winners not only excelled in their field, they also demonstrated a commitment to the same values AppDirect holds at its core.
The AppDirect Core Values
![Humilty Icon 24]()
Humility
Humility is about prioritizing mission over ego, and maintaining a willingness to learn and grow, even through occasional missteps along the way. It’s about asking the right questions before coming to conclusions, achieving alignment, recognizing others, and creating an environment of respect and open-mindedness where ideas can thrive.
![PMA Icon 24]()
Positive Mental Attitude
People who embody a positive mental attitude are catalysts for change through proactive, positive thoughts and actions.
![Intensity Icon 24]()
Intensity
Intensity is about the unrelenting pursuit of objectives. This value shines through in the endurance, persistence, and determination to consistently surpass the expected.
![Ownership Icon 24]()
Ownership
Ownership signifies stepping up and taking responsibility. Rather than making excuses in the face of epic challenges, people who take ownership embrace accountability and relentlessly pursue solutions.
![True North Icon 24]()
True North
True North individuals see the big picture, challenge subjective convictions, seek empirical evidence, and align priorities for long-term success. They anticipate future needs and create new ideas that shape future innovation, growth, and success.
Learn more about the award categories
The 2024 Digital Heroes Award Winners
ADAM NEBRICH
BEST INNOVATOR | JEKA Software
Adam is transforming the industry with innovative business strategies and creative approaches that drive remarkable success. His focus on strategic planning and collaboration empowers his team to deliver exceptional value.
BEST INNOVATOR
ADAM NEBRICH
Adam Nebrich, CEO of JEKA Software, brings a unique blend of military, aviation, and operations expertise to the startup world. With a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Adam drives innovation and success at JEKA. Beyond business, he contributes to the community as a board member for the non-profit Help Now and the Cheval West community board, reflecting his commitment to both leadership and service.
STEPHEN HANCOCK
BEST GROWTH STRATEGY | Socium Consulting
Stephen is a master of growth, exemplifying the land-and-expand strategy with his impressive cross-selling and data-driven approach. His dedication and strategic acumen have driven exceptional business expansion, making him a standout advisor.
BEST GROWTH STRATEGY
STEPHEN HANCOCK
Stephen Hancock, President of Socium Consulting, leverages his IT expertise to guide clients through financial operations and support diverse IT services. With a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia, Stephen combines professional acumen with a passion for family life and staying active.
STEVE ANCHETA
BEST MULTI-CATEGORY EXPANSION | Endpnt.io
Steve has transformed his business by successfully closing deals across multiple technology categories. His focus on portfolio expansion and collaboration with industry experts has driven impressive growth, innovation, and market strength.
BEST MULTI-CATEGORY EXPANSION
STEVE ANCHETA
Steve Ancheta, founder of ENDPNT.IO, has rapidly scaled his company from 3 to 37 employees since its inception in 2022. Leveraging his background as a sales engineer and expanding into SaaS, Cybersecurity, and alternative energy, Steve is driving impressive growth and partnering with industry experts to accelerate market share.
JASON CADWALADER
BEST COMMUNITY EDUCATOR | AVAIL Technology Solutions
Reflecting his True North values, Jason is committed to empowering customers and team members by facilitating community involvement and educational opportunities to ensure they’re well-informed on the full range of technology solutions.
As President/CTO of AVAIL Technology Solutions, Jason Cadwalader leads the development and execution of sales, marketing, and operational strategies to boost sales, profitability, and brand recognition. With over 15 years of experience in technology, he brings extensive expertise from engineering to business development and management.
CHRIS WOODIN
BEST INNOVATOR | Softchoice
Chris’ innovative marketplace initiative revolutionized Softchoice’s business strategy, demonstrating his exceptional agility, his commitment to transformation and a world-class customer journey, all backed by data-driven decisions.
Chris Woodin directs Softchoice’s strategy across Cloud, Workplace, and AI solutions, overseeing portfolio marketing, presales, and alliances. With a career at Softchoice starting in 2006, Chris has held senior leadership roles since 2014, driving strategic initiatives and business development. He represents Softchoice on industry councils, serves as an executive sponsor for employee resource groups, and resides in Chicago with his family.
CHRISTIN HANNEKEN
BEST COMMERCE STRATEGY | CANCOM
Christin Hanneken has elevated CANCOM's marketplace with a commerce strategy focused on infrastructure, cloud, and digital transformation. Her client-first mindset has driven an enhanced user experience, making CANCOM a leading one-stop shop.
Christin Hanneken is a passionate leader with over eight years in the B2B IT industry, and is recognized for her ability to tackle complex challenges and uncover strategic opportunities. She excels at leading teams and building strong partnerships. Her expertise includes strategy development, business operations, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making. She enjoys discussions about emerging tech, cloud commerce, and mountaineering. Outside of work, Christin enjoys exploring new cultures, languages, hiking, and biking.
STEWART HAWKER
BEST MULTI-CATEGORY SELLING STRATEGY | Vodafone
Stewart drove the launch and expansion of marketplaces in 14 regions, onboarding 800+ products. Known for his leadership, humility, and focus, he excels in driving results and solving challenges, making him a standout figure in the industry.
BEST MULTI-CATEGORY SELLING STRATEGY
STEWART HAWKER
Stewart Hawker leads Vodafone Business's strategic platforms, managing global digital, ordering, and service management systems. Since joining Vodafone in 2015, he has spearheaded the rollout of 14 Marketplaces, supporting over 800 products across 14 countries. With 20+ years in product management roles within the UK telecommunications sector, Stewart brings extensive expertise to his position.
SHIVANG PATEL
BEST PARTNER ECOSYSTEM | ADP
Shivang has contributed to an exceptional partner ecosystem at ADP with over 400 partners. His strategic approach raises the bar for excellence and his humility and focus on a world-class customer experience set him apart as an industry leader.
BEST PARTNER ECOSYSTEM
SHIVANG PATEL
Shivang Patel is a seasoned product management executive with over 20 years of experience. He excels in leading global teams within agile, customer-centric environments and has a proven track record in multi-product strategies and market expansion. Shivang integrates diverse product offerings, leverages data-driven insights to enhance user experiences, and drives growth through transformative digital-first initiatives, while ensuring alignment with business objectives and security priorities.