Leading channel title CRN named Staci Rodriguez, VP of Channels and Alliances, as one of its 2026 Channel Chiefs
Here we talk to Staci about the announcement and how she and her team are structuring Airlock Digital’s channel program to empower partners and customers.
Congratulations on being named as one of CRN’s Channel Chiefs for 2026! What does this mean to you?
I’m extremely grateful to the channel community for their trust and I’m encouraged to continue learning while driving better partner experiences. Being named as a Channel Chief reminds me that leadership is about service and I’m proud of our team’s commitment to our partners. The announcement also validates Airlock Digital’s investment in people, programs and philosophy to drive an effective channel strategy, and motivates us to expand the program to improve partner enablement.
CRN Channel Chiefs are described as executives who drive exceptional outcomes for their organizations and the global IT community. How are you doing this?
At Airlock Digital, we’re adhering to the well-established channel program principles of partner profitability, strong enablement, simplicity, and trust. This means executing the fundamentals well while adjusting as needed to support partners’ specific circumstances.
What is the value of the channel to Airlock Digital?
The channel is the engine that allows us to scale globally while staying deeply connected to customer outcomes. Our partners bring trust, insight and expertise to help organizations adopt enterprise-class protection against cyber threats. The channel is more than how we go to market; it's how we listen, innovate, and grow responsibly.
How do you plan to continue developing the channel program at Airlock Digital?
We’ve made significant progress building the program and this is an ongoing journey. We will continue to invest in deeper enablement and certification programs, expanding partner benefits like earned MDF and higher margin discounts, and growing our partner organization to better support scale.
In parallel, we’re expanding our alliance program to create more opportunities and value across our ecosystem.
What have you learned about working with channel partners?
First, I’ve learned that listening to partners and the channel community is non-negotiable; you are never done learning. Second, a successful partner strategy requires true organizational alignment; it can’t live in a silo. And third, execution and consistency matter more than vision alone, as partners remember follow-through.
What personal principles and values guide your engagement with the channel?
I lead with empathy, collaborate openly, and execute consistently. Above all, I believe trust comes from doing what you say you’ll do. Those principles shape how I engage with partners and how I expect our programs to be delivered.