Fairfield, NJ, June 11, 2026 – Acuative is proud to announce that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Joe Forte, Director of Project Delivery, and Jim Pezzolla, Regional Field Service Manager, as 2026 CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders. This CRN list honors solution provider professionals who stand out for their innovative contributions to the growth and success of their organization.
The annual list spotlights rising-star executives, managers and directors who are 40 years of age or younger and already demonstrate strong leadership capabilities in their roles with solution provider organizations, including technology integrators, VARs, MSPs, MSSPs and IT consultants.
Joseph Forte, Director of Project Delivery at Acuative, is being recognized for his leadership in driving operational excellence, large-scale program execution, and strategic customer success initiatives. With more than a decade of channel experience and a career trajectory that progressed from Project Coordinator to Director in less than ten years, Forte now leads multiple business-critical functions, including the PMO, Carrier Services Resale, Structured Cabling, and Customer Success teams. Over the past year, he successfully stood up and led a large-scale program for one of Acuative’s most critical customers, guided the development of a high-value RFP to retain a key account, and introduced AI-driven capabilities and system modernization efforts to enhance visibility, decision-making, and scalable delivery across the organization.
James Pezzolla, Regional Field Service Manager at Acuative, is being recognized for his rapid career growth, innovative leadership, and commitment to operational excellence in field services. Since joining Acuative nearly four years ago, Pezzolla has progressed from Customer Success Manager to leading the Northeast field services team, where he oversees 16 direct reports and supports one of the company’s largest field service clients. By leveraging AI-driven insights, interactive dashboards, and intelligent hiring and dispatch strategies, he has helped improve technician utilization, strengthen customer satisfaction, and maintain Acuative’s standing as a trusted partner, while driving greater efficiency and profitability across field operations.
“We are incredibly proud to see both Joe and Jim recognized on the CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders list,” said Chad Mead, Chief Operating Officer at Acuative. “Joe’s leadership in project delivery and operational execution, combined with Jim’s innovative approach to field services management and AI-driven decision-making, exemplify the forward-thinking talent that continues to strengthen Acuative and deliver exceptional outcomes for our customers. Their recognition is a reflection of the impact they make every day, and we are excited to see their continued growth as leaders within our organization.”
“The leaders recognized in CRN’s 2026 Next-Gen Solution Provider list have distinguished themselves as ambitious innovators early in their IT channel careers,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “Their creativity and impact are already elevating their organizations and the broader channel. We look forward to watching them continue to influence and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.”
Coverage of the 2026 CRN Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders list begins June 10 at https://www.crn.com/nextgen.
About Acuative
Acuative provides the world's leading companies with a complete range of advanced technology and managed services, enabling customers to utilize a single source provider for all of their network requirements. Acuative has a specific focus and expertise in implementing and managing voice and data networks in a highly secure environment. Acuative simplifies the entire process of managing today's technology by leveraging a powerful combination of expertise, round-the-clock availability, and extensive technical resources to deliver faster efficiency gains, speed to implement, and the highest return on investment to our customers.
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 https://www.thechannelco.com.
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The Channel Company Contact:
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The Channel Company
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