Tracey Mead Named Finalist for CRN’s 2025 Women of the Year Awards

Contrast Security’s Vice President of Alliances and Channels recognized as a Role Model of the Year for advancing inclusive leadership and partner success in the IT channel

PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contrast Security, the global leader in Application Detection and Response (ADR), is proud to share that CRN^®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Tracey Mead as a finalist in the 2025 CRN Women of the Year Awards, in the category of Role Model of the Year.

This honor reflects Mead’s 25 years of channel leadership, where she has consistently modeled inclusive, servant leadership and created space for others to succeed. Over the past year, she hosted a women’s leadership breakfast at Black Hat 2025, mentored cross-functional teams new to the channel, and transformed Contrast’s sales approach from transactional deals to true partner alignment. Her impact was recently recognized with her promotion to Vice President of Alliances and Channels.

This is the third annual CRN Women of the Year Awards, which spotlight extraordinary women, companies, and allies who demonstrate dedication to advancing the IT industry through their leadership and initiatives each day. The winners of the Women of the Year Awards will be announced at the Awards Gala on December 9, 2025 in New York City.

With Mead leading Contrast’s channel and alliances program, the company is redefining application security for the age of AI and business acceleration with Application Detection and Response (ADR). This modern approach gives organizations real-time protection and clarity that outdated tools can’t match.

“It’s an honor to celebrate the finalists of the CRN Women of the Year Awards, whose exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication are driving meaningful change throughout the IT Channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP of U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “These remarkable finalists inspire the channel ecosystem with their bold vision, leadership, and commitment to building a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape. We commend their contributions and eagerly anticipate the lasting impact they will make in shaping the future of our industry.”

“I believe it’s important to lift others as you grow,” said Mead. “As AI reshapes business and security, I am focused on building trust, supporting women, and driving results that help our partners and teams succeed while fueling Contrast’s growth.”

The Women of the Year Awards Finalists can be viewed online at www.crn.com/women-of-the-year.

About Contrast Security

Contrast Security is the global leader in Application Detection and Response (ADR), empowering organizations to see and stop attacks on applications and APIs in real time. Contrast embeds patented threat sensors directly into the software, delivering unmatched visibility and protection. With continuous, real-time defense, Contrast uncovers hidden application-layer risks that traditional solutions miss. Contrast’s powerful Runtime Security technology equips developers, AppSec teams and SecOps with one platform that proactively protects and defends applications and APIs against evolving threats.

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 thechannelco.com.

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