CHICAGO, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A veteran information technology (IT) industry executive whose commitment and dedication to advancing industry growth and expanding career opportunities for military veterans was honored here today with a lifetime achievement award from CompTIA, the leading non-profit association for the IT industry.
Gary Gillam, vice president, North American Channel Operations for Xerox® Corporation, received the award at CompTIA's third Annual Member Meeting.
"From leading industry-wide initiatives like managed print services, to chairing the CompTIA Board of Directors to leading our charitable foundation, Creating IT Futures, Gary has given of himself for the good of the IT industry, the IT channel, CompTIA and Xerox," said Bob O'Malley, chairman, InFocus® Corporation, and former chairman of the CompTIA Board of Directors.
"Thanks to Gary's leadership - a common thread throughout his life - CompTIA has evolved from an organization focused solely on certifying IT skills to a valued industry resource for education, workforce development, advocacy and philanthropy," O'Malley continued. "In small ways, many IT professionals owe Gary a thank you. Our association and our industry owe Gary in a big way for our success in growing the entire IT channel."
"Those organizations that have excelled are the ones that are filled with people with passion," Gillam said in accepting the award. "This industry is special because it's filled with people with passion. It's been a joy to work with you."
Gillam first served as a member of the CompTIA Board of Directors in 1996-97. He rejoined the board in 2001, was secretary in 2002 and vice chairman in 2003. In August 2005 Gillam was elected chairman of the CompTIA board.
In 2008, Gillam joined the board of directors of the CompTIA Educational Foundation, since renamed the Creating IT Futures Foundation. He served on the board through 2010. During his tenure on the foundation board, a special program was launched to help military veterans gain the training and certifications needed to launch post-military careers in IT. To date, more than 1,000 veterans have become certified through this program.
"Gary's advocacy and commitment on behalf of CompTIA's philanthropic efforts are unmatched," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer (CEO), CompTIA. "His efforts have been instrumental in expanding career opportunities for many individuals. It's been an honor to know and work with Gary these past several years."
CompTIA had previously presented lifetime achievement awards to Vic Melfa, CEO and founder of The Training Associates, and John Venator, former president and CEO of CompTIA.
The CompTIA Annual Member Meeting, which continues through April 12, offers extensive opportunities for IT channel business owners and executives to network with peers; discuss and strategize on issues affecting their business; and learn about the trends shaping the IT industry.
About CompTIACompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/comptia .
SOURCE CompTIA
