Epson America Inc. has announced that ENX Magazine has selected two Epson leaders as 2023 Difference Makers. Debra Merritt, group manager for commercial channel marketing, and Dan Misilewich, product manager for business imaging, are recognized by ENX Magazine for making strides to elevate their teams and channel partners.

"The ninth annual ENX Magazine Difference Makers recognition program identifies the movers and shakers across the office technology spectrum who are integral elements to the success of an organization," said Erik Cagle, editorial director, ENX Magazine. "These two leaders from Epson have proven to have left a positive and lasting impression on their customers and partners."

Debra Merritt has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and is responsible for the development, management and execution of channel marketing strategies along with fully integrated commercial marketing efforts in support of channel partners. She is the liaison and point person for all business printer commercial channel partner marketing needs. She leads cross-functional team building and relationship management, and her team of field marketing specialists, who provide sales enablement tools and plan events, supports the activation of sales for Epson partners.

Dan Misilewich has more than 10 years of experience in the business printing industry with a focus on supporting the independent dealer channel. He recently helped lead the business imaging team with one of its biggest launches yet and was on the core team responsible for planning the 2023 InkBoldly Partner Conference. A notable highlight, which exemplifies Misilewich as a Difference Maker, was leading a team to successfully bring industry-disruptive PrecisionCore advanced printing technology to office printing with the introduction of the new Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM Series — compact, A3 line-head MFPs designed for large workgroups and departments.

"Debra Merritt brings passion and energy to everything she does and Dan Misilewich is a talented, collaborative leader," said Joseph Contreras, head of sales and channel marketing for office print, Epson America Inc. "Their work ethic offers a refreshing glimpse of how to foster long-lasting relationships with partners and team members alike. The recognition for Debra and Dan among office equipment industry difference makers is a great reflection of their hard work and achievements."

The ENX Magazine Difference Makers program is designed to honor individuals across the entire office technology landscape, from dealers to manufacturers and every segment that helps service the reseller community. Individuals were nominated based on their invaluable contributions toward advancing and championing the causes of not only their companies but for their clients and partners as well. This all-inclusive program recognizes not only top-line executives, but also sales, admin and staff members within an organization.

In other news, Epson has announced that CRN has named Linda Sudderth, North America sales manager for business systems, Epson America Inc., to the Women of the Channel list for 2023. Every year, CRN recognizes women from vendor, distributor and solution-provider organizations whose expertise and vision are leaving a noticeable and commendable mark on the technology industry.

Sudderth is a retail and hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. A great example and motivation to her team, especially over the course of the last few years, she is responsible for the strategy and direction of the OEM, VAR and ISV channels focused on retail, hospitality and financial markets in North America. She has worked in a variety of channel management roles at Epson and participated in the first global contract negotiated by Epson America with the coordination of Epson Europe, Epson Singapore and worldwide headquarters Seiko Epson Corp.

"Linda exemplifies Epson's commitment to our channel partners and customers with her world-class service, collaboration and an eye toward how to best support our customers in real-world ways," said Juan Carlos, director of the commercial channel, Epson America Inc. "Linda has gained the trust of our partners and customers through consistent communication and is dedicated to fostering existing and new relationships, and educating on the value and benefits of implementation to drive sales."

The CRN 2023 Women of the Channel honorees bring their creativity, strategic thinking and leadership to bear in a variety of roles and responsibilities, but all are turning their unique talents toward driving success for their partners and customers. With this recognition, CRN honors these women for their unwavering dedication and commitment to furthering channel excellence.

"We are shining a light on these women for their significant achievements, knowing that what they've accomplished has paved the way for continued success within the IT channel," said Blaine Raddon, CEO, The Channel Company. "The channel is stronger because of them, and we look forward to seeing what they do next."