September 3, 2026

Blue Acorn iCi Celebrates Four Adobe Champions

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Blue Acorn iCi is proud to announce that four members of the organization have been named Adobe Champions for the 2026–2027 class.

Adobe Champions represent some of the most passionate and knowledgeable practitioners in the Adobe community. These individuals go beyond their day-to-day roles to share their expertise, help others succeed, and strengthen the Adobe community. We’re incredibly proud to see Jelica Ariganello, Gary Howell, Katie Klein, and Nick Walter recognized for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing what’s possible with Adobe technology.

Adobe Champion Program Explanation

Starting over a decade ago and originating from a grassroots effort to recognize top Adobe Marketo Engage customers, the Adobe Champion program now expands to include Adobe Analytics and Adobe Experience Manager. Each year, a cohort of expert practitioners submits applications for selection to participate in the Champion Program. Chosen individuals are afforded a prestigious opportunity and platform to learn and grow from fellow product experts and internal Adobe product leaders.

In Their Own Words: What It Means to Be an Adobe Champion

We asked each of our four 2026–2027 Adobe Champions to share what this achievement means to them, what they’re most excited about, and how they hope to make an impact within the Adobe community.

Jelica Ariganello - Adobe Commerce Champion

Jelica’s second recognition as an Adobe Champion reflects her ongoing impact within the Adobe Commerce community and her passion for using Adobe technology to push the boundaries of scalable, modern digital experiences.

“Being selected as an Adobe Commerce Champion for a second consecutive year is incredibly meaningful to me. I see it not only as recognition of the work I’ve contributed to the Adobe Commerce ecosystem, but also as an opportunity to keep learning, sharing knowledge, and helping shape what comes next. The Commerce community is constantly evolving, and I’m proud to continue representing Blue Acorn iCi alongside such a talented group of experts. I’m excited to build on the relationships and experiences from my first year as a Champion and contribute even more in 2026–2027.”

Gary Howell - Adobe Experience Manager Champion

This marks Gary’s fourth consecutive year as an Adobe Champion, a testament to his contributions to the Adobe community and his active role in the conversations, events, and initiatives shaping the future of Adobe technology.

“The Adobe Champion program has been instrumental in my personal development and career growth. Being part of this incredible group allows me to collaborate with a network of the most innovative minds in the industry, along with keeping me motivated and on my toes each and every day. I'm so grateful to be selected another year and want to thank Adobe and Blue Acorn iCi for all their support.”

Katie Klein - Adobe Experience Platform Champion

Katie’s fifth recognition as an Adobe Champion is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the consistent expertise, leadership, and impact she brings to the Adobe community year after year.

“My four years as an Adobe Analytics Champion have been some of the most rewarding of my career, and I'm so grateful for that community. The people I've learned from and alongside there have made me a better practitioner and a better advocate. What excites me most about joining the AEP Champions is the multi-solution focus: it gives me the chance to stay deeply tied to analytics while thinking about how the broader ecosystem connects around it. With everything advancing across Adobe Experience Platform right now, I can't wait to keep learning, sharing, and growing alongside this incredible community.”

Nick Walter - Adobe Analytics Champion

Nick’s third recognition as an Adobe Champion reflects his deep expertise in analytics and his continued contributions to advancing the Adobe community.

“The Adobe Champion Program is a community like none other I have ever been a part of. Through this program, I have been able to learn not only from some of the brightest professionals using Adobe tools but also from the teams within Adobe that bring them to life. Many of those I have met have become friends, colleagues, clients, and mentors to me. I hope to continue to develop my expertise and give back to the analytics community in any way I can through the Adobe Champion program. I am very thankful to have been included in the Adobe Analytics cohort for the past two years and am excited to see what is to come in my third year.”

We’re excited to see what our four Adobe Champions will accomplish in the year ahead and look forward to the continued impact they’ll make for our clients, colleagues, and the broader Adobe community. If your organization is looking to maximize the value of your Adobe investment or determine the right products and solutions for your business, connect with the Blue Acorn iCi team today.

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