Jean Plank Honored on the 2021 CRN® Rising Female Stars List

CLEVELAND, July 20, 2021 —CRN_®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Jean Plank, Park Place’s Director of Channel Sales, to its 2021 list of Rising Female Stars. This list honors up-and-coming, talented women in the IT channel for whose contributions are shaping the future of the IT channel through their leadership, tireless dedication and innovative ideas.

Selected by the CRN editorial team, the 2^nd annual Rising Female Stars list is made up of exceptional channel leadership candidates. Honorees are selected for their unique experience, expertise, impact on their partners and dedication to the IT channel. These women are playing key roles in helping their organizations maintain and grow their channel partner programs across a multitude of disciplines, including marketing, program management and partner engagement.

During Jean’s tenure at Park Place, she has held various positions within the Sales organization and received several awards including Channel Operations Team Lead, President’s Club, and been highlighted on WIRED, Park Place’s global intranet, in the Employee Spotlight feature. In her current role, she leads the Inside Channel Sales Team that focuses on creating and nurturing critical relationships with the Tier 1 and growth partners and focuses on strategic sales tactics that help continually develop the channel program.

Jean is a 20+ year veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving her country in multiple capacities and leadership roles during her time on active duty. “Being nominated to the 2021 CRN Rising Female Stars List is an honor,” says Jean. “It is also incredibly humbling to have the privilege of making an impact and serving as a leader for the women I work with each day. I’ve always lived by the motto ‘life is precious so live it to the fullest and always fight for the next rung on the ladder’. Having that fortitude and tenacity to keep growing is something I learned early on in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to pass that mantra down to those I have the pleasure of working alongside,” she says.

“CRN’s 2021 Rising Female Stars list recognizes professionals displaying an unwavering commitment toward channel growth and excellence. These future leaders are driving tomorrow’s innovations for today’s organizations,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “On behalf of The Channel Company, we congratulate all the honorees. What these women are accomplishing today will define the IT channel for many years to come.”

“Jean is the ultimate channel champion. She leads a team that is laser focused on our partners’ success,” says Jeff McCullough, Global Vice President of Channel Sales. “Jean has both the patience and discipline that is needed to create great and lasting partner relationships. From maximizing partners’ margin, to solving conflict, Jean is behind the scenes working for the win-win for Park Place and our partners every day.”​​​​​​​

The 2021 list of Rising Female Stars will be featured online at www.CRN.com/risingstars.