Sunnyvale, Calif.— NetApp today announced that Julie Parrish, vice president of Worldwide Channel Sales, and Todd Palmer, vice president of Americas Channel Sales, were both named a 2010 Channel Chief by Everything Channel’s CRN. Channel Chiefs are leaders in creating effective channel programs for solution providers. They consistently defend, promote, and execute effective channel partner programs and strategies.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Parrish was recognized as a Channel Chief by CRN and the second consecutive year that Palmer received the honor. In their roles at NetApp, Parrish is responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision of the worldwide NetApp Partner Program while Palmer is in charge of managing the Americas channel strategy as part of the broader NetApp Partner Program.

For the eighth consecutive year the Channel Chiefs were chosen by Everything Channel editorial based on criteria including policy and program innovations made during the past year, the amount of revenue their company generates through partners, their willingness to speak out publicly on behalf of the channel, and the number of years they dedicated to channel activities.

“Todd and I are very excited and proud to be recognized as two of CRN’s 2010 Channel Chiefs,” said Parrish. “Even through tough economic conditions over the past year, NetApp has remained committed to developing new partner pathways with a focus on investing in all of our partners to help them expand their business opportunities and maximize their revenue.”

“Being named a Channel Chief is one of the most prestigious honors in the IT industry. This year’s Channel Chiefs offer tremendous insight into the who’s who of the channel,” said Kelley Damore, vice president, editorial director, Everything Channel. “Top channel executives consistently ensure that the channel’s voice is heard when strategic decisions are being made and continually nurture mutually profitable relationships. We applaud the 2010 Channel Chiefs for their successful partner programs and strategies.”