Meet the Team

Christine DeJoy

Vice President of Communications

Christine DeJoy is a media industry leader, combining her Clifton Strengths Top 5 Themes - Futuristic, Focus, Achiever, Ideation, and Self-Assurance - to drive innovation. With 22+ years in communications across PR, marketing, and production, she currently serves as VP of Communications at CEDIA, the global association for smart home professionals. Holding degrees in Telecommunications and Entertainment Business Management, she has a wealth of experience in the media industry. Christine’s main focus is on public relations, marketing, production, project management, talent coordination, and event planning, to consistently elevate the CEDIA brand. Her quest for media mastery continues to raise standards and shape narratives in her dynamic career and at CEDIA.

Kory Dickerson

Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations

As the Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, Kory oversees a wide range of critical functions, including the overall financial management of the association, IT, human resources, government affairs, and operations. Since joining CEDIA in 2019, Kory also served as the Co-CEO during 2020 and 2021 and oversaw the certification department.

Kory brings over 20 years of experience working in and with clients in both the public and private sectors ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 25 companies.  Kory excels at implementing sound business and financial practices that align with the organization's goals, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and creating a solid foundation for growth. Kory holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and passed the CPA exam in the State of Indiana.

Daryl Friedman

Global President & CEO

With over 30 years of distinguished experience in nonprofit leadership, Daryl Friedman brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments to his role as CEDIA's Global President and CEO. His career has been marked by an impressive track record in overseeing membership, advocacy, industry relations, and the technical wing for the prestigious Recording Academy, knowns for the GRAMMY Awards, prior to joining CEDIA.

Daryl's areas of expertise include strategic planning, membership growth, branding, entertainment, event management, public relations, digital media, legislation, media relations, nonprofit organizations, operations management, budget management, social media marketing, music production, content strategy, and much more. His skill set has enabled him to guide organizations through complex projects and manage multimillion-dollar budgets.

Daryl's academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and continued with a master's degree in arts management from American University in Washington, D.C.  He currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

Wendy Griffiths

Senior Vice President, Membership & Global Development

Having started my career in the pro-audio/music publishing & events industry over 30 years ago, before joining CEDIA over 20 years ago, I now use this industry experience to develop & run programs that enable our 4,000 plus global members to build and support their business. With members in nearly 80 countries, it is important for our reach to be that same support to members all around the world and my role heading up Global Development enables me to be able to focus how CEDIA can be relevant to the no matter where our members are based.

Matt Nimmons

EMEA Managing Director

With a remarkable career spanning 18 years at CEDIA, Matt Nimmons is a dedicated association management professional in the field of home technology and custom integration.

Matt is known for his exceptional relationship skills and for building high performing teams. His ability to foster and nurture strong connections within the industry has resulted in the organisation’s continued growth and relevance in the region.

He is a valuable team player who plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the association and ensuring its success.

Prior to joining CEDIA, Matt was Marketing Manager at British loudspeaker manufacturer Mission. In this role, he honed his skills in marketing and gained valuable experience in the audio industry.

Stephanie Redman

Director of HR & Operations

Stephanie is a dedicated and accomplished Human Resources professional with a strong background in HR management and a proven track record of success. One notable achievement is her attainment of the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification. This certification demonstrates Stephanie’s commitment to staying current with industry best practices and her dedication to upholding the highest standards of HR professionalism. It also showcases her ability to navigate complex HR challenges and provide innovative solutions. Stephanie is a trusted advisor to both management and employees and her interpersonal skills make Stephanie adept at building strong working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.

Giles Sutton

Senior Vice President of Product & Business Development

Prior to joining CEDIA, Giles spent 13 years as CEO of an award-winning integrator based in London, UK.

Giles has represented the industry speaking at numerous events, including CEDIA Expo, CES, Design and Construction Week, Total Tech Summit, Parks Associates Connections Summit, High Point Market, Designer Experience, and the AIA Conference on Architecture. He has been a judge for the British Home Awards, Connected Design Awards, and C&G Innovation in Design Awards and has been interviewed live on the Today Show in Australia.

Giles graduated in 2001 with an Honors degree in Sound Technology from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), a higher education institution founded by Sir Paul McCartney. He is a CEDIA-Certified Outreach Instructor (COI), Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT), and Electronic Systems Designer (ESC-D), and is currently completing a Master’s in Legal Studies specializing in technology law, at UCLA School of Law.

Kory Dickerson

Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations

As the Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, Kory oversees a wide range of critical functions, including the overall financial management of the association, IT, human resources, government affairs, and operations. Since joining CEDIA in 2019, Kory also served as the Co-CEO during 2020 and 2021 and oversaw the certification department.

Kory brings over 20 years of experience working in and with clients in both the public and private sectors ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 25 companies.  Kory excels at implementing sound business and financial practices that align with the organization's goals, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and creating a solid foundation for growth. Kory holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and passed the CPA exam in the State of Indiana.

Stephanie Redman

Director of HR & Operations

Stephanie is a dedicated and accomplished Human Resources professional with a strong background in HR management and a proven track record of success. One notable achievement is her attainment of the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification. This certification demonstrates Stephanie’s commitment to staying current with industry best practices and her dedication to upholding the highest standards of HR professionalism. It also showcases her ability to navigate complex HR challenges and provide innovative solutions. Stephanie is a trusted advisor to both management and employees and her interpersonal skills make Stephanie adept at building strong working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.

Darren Reaman, MBA

Director of Government Affairs

Darren, is responsible for developing and directing all government affairs matters on behalf of the association. He directs, administers, and coordinates the government affairs activities of the association in support of the goals, policies, and objectives established by the association’s leadership. Not only that, he is responsible for lobbying, analyzing, monitoring, and tracking state and federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting CEDIA members and the smart home technology industry. And finally, he coalitions with various associations and stakeholders depending on legislative objectives and considerations.

Lisa Audley

EMEA Finance Manager

Lisa is a dedicated professional who has proudly spent the last two decades contributing to the success and growth of CEDIA. Based in the UK office, her journey with the company has been a testament to unwavering commitment and a passion for excellence. 

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Gordon, and Stanley. 

Aimee Flatt

Accounting Coordinator

Aimee is a skilled, detail-driven individual with an avid enthusiasm for all things Excel and a passion for attempting to blend Finance with fun! By night - she's a wife, mother and grandmother who strives to exist in a perpetual state of YOLO-induced peace! Aimee has had several positions within the field, effectively and energetically jugging AP, AR, month-end process and more! Whats sets her apart is her unending commitment to genuine, quality service, loyalty to her colleagues and enthusiasm for her work. 

Claire Mayling

Administrative Specialist

A dedicated administrative professional with over 10 years of experience with a passion for efficiency and a keen eye for detail. Claire is committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism. Her strong organizational skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities make her a valuable asset in any administrative role. Claire is excited to bring her expertise to a dynamic team and contribute to the success of CEDIA.

CJ Nakfoor

IT Manager

CJ Nakfoor is a seasoned IT professional who has masterfully combined a passion for information security with a zest for life's diverse experiences. With a solid educational foundation and a love for exploration and creativity, CJ embodies the perfect blend of technology and living life to the fullest. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Security from Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in Information Security from Boston University, CJ has proven his dedication to mastering the complexities of the digital landscape. These qualifications have paved the way for a successful career in IT management, where he continues to excel in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Beyond his professional life, CJ and his wife, Jenn, share a deep love for travel, exploring new horizons, and immersing themselves in different cultures. Whether it's wandering through historical cities, trekking through remote landscapes, or indulging in exquisite cuisines, CJ and Jenn's adventures reflect a shared love for life's vibrant experiences.At home, CJ's passions mostly surround his love of cooking. 

Gregory Mack

Senior Applications Developer

As the Applications Developer for CEDIA, Gregory is responsible for supporting the association management software used as our CRM and is utilized by all parts of the association from monitoring membership status, tracking user purchases and to power the member portal website. His work also includes integrations with this system as well as investigating new technologies. Gregory has over 15 years of development experience within the Membership Association fields and is proficient in SQL, C#, C++, VB.NET, and Java. He has also worked with virtualization within AMS, AZURE, and EC2 environments.

Jon Rehwaldt

Director of Curriculum

With a deep-rooted passion for both technology and education, Jon crafts comprehensive training programs designed to empower installers with the technical know-how and customer service skills necessary for excellence in the field. Recognized as an expert in training and educational content development, Jon has spent his career building educational programs and curriculum that are engaging, effective, and valuable. He is driven to make learning easy, accessible, and useful to the home automation industry as our homes grow into lasting environments for sustainable living. 

Steven Rissi

Senior Director of Technical Training

Steven Rissi is the Senior Director of Technical Education for CEDIA. He is responsible for the direction and ongoing development of educational content as well as the facilitation and continuous improvement of instructor led and online courses. He has worked in the field of IT and technology integration for over 20 years and has accumulated knowledge of both residential and commercial applications including audio/acoustics, digital video, videoconferencing, IT/networking, media distribution, automation, security, lighting, central vacuum, telephone/paging systems, and general communications infrastructure. As an educator, Steven has facilitated many different types of instructional offerings, from semester long skills training programs to the technology keynote speech at an international tradeshow event. In addition to his work as a director and technical educator, Steven has also participated as a subject matter expert on multiple working groups to identify trends and analyze their impact on the industry in addition to developing industry documents such as white papers, recommended practices, and curriculum textbooks.

Chaz deVerdier

Technical Education Training Specialist

Chaz deVerdier is CEDIA’s Technical Education Training Specialist. With years of award-winning field service as a Smart Home Professional, Chaz is a versatile and dedicated asset with a diverse background in project management, electronics system integration, and technical instruction. He currently serves the association and its members as a staff instructor of CEDIA curriculum content at the headquarters, regional events, EXPO, and more.

Chaz has proudly represented the organization abroad, working with education partners, and instructing large audiences nationwide. His varied skill set includes creative problem solving, technical instruction, project management, and extensive experience in audio signals, video imaging, system calibration, networking, cybersecurity, control systems, and programming. Chaz has supported the creation of multiple internationally accredited certification programs as well as the curation and design of congruent publications.

Rachel Clevenger

Education Coordinator

As Education Coordinator, Rachel plays a vital role in supporting CEDIA Education's ongoing initiatives, excelling in front-line customer care and administrative support. Her skills encompass strong communication, exceptional organizational abilities,  and a remarkable capacity to work effectively under pressure within a team. Prior to Rachel's role at CEDIA, she served as a Risk Management Administrator of Compliance at Royal United Mortgage in Indianapolis, IN.  Her extensive responsibilities included overseeing the Learning Management System (LMS) development and coordinating employee training, showcasing her versatility and dedication to achieving organizational goals.

Emma McMylor

EMEA Education Coordinator

Emma has been an Education Coordinator at CEDIA since April 2019 and brings nine years of experience in training administration to her role. Her daily work involves assisting CEDIA members and managing in-person training courses at CEDIA's UK facility. Emma is a go-to point of contact for all education-related matters, including online and in-person UK training, certification resources, and professional development classes at shows such as CEDIA Expo and Integrated Systems Europe. She thoroughly enjoys helping existing and potential future members with all their education needs and guiding them towards CEDIA certification.

Matt Gang

Instructional Designer

Matt Gang has more than ten years of experience in a variety of industries as an operations trainer and instructional designer. He was also a project director for workforce development, where he oversaw initiatives and programs for adults, displaced workers, and youth that focused on careers and education. He has a master's degree in organizational leadership.

As a CEDIA Instructional Designer, Matt manages CEDIA Academy and collaborates with others to continuously create engaging and pertinent online learning opportunities and improve current courses. He enjoys the variety in his work and the privilege to help others learn through innovative adult learning strategies.

Mary Ann Paris

Instructional Designer

Mary Ann Paris is an accomplished Instructional Designer with a wealth of expertise that extends across various domains, including marketing, graphic design, and brand management. Her journey in the realm of education and training has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for creative communication. In her role as an Instructional Designer and training content developer, Mary Ann harnesses her diverse skill set to craft engaging and forward-thinking online training materials and educational resources. With a keen eye for design and an understanding of effective educational activities, she transforms complex concepts into accessible learning experiences that resonate with CEDIA members.

David Whitney

Senior Director of Certification

David is an experienced non-profit and association management professional with experience working for international organizations. He has been at CEDIA for more than 10 years and currently oversees the certification program. He is a Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP) by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.

Brian Fullenkamp

Certification and Project Specialist

Brian is a certification and project specialist who works within the certification department. He has been with CEDIA for 5 years and monitors all daily certification related activities including: the CEU Program, meeting ANAB standards, and exam development, proctoring, and management.

Tommy Tabor

Director of Workforce Development

Tommy sets strategic direction and oversees administrative operations for CEDIA’s workforce development initiatives.  Prior to joining CEDIA in 2018, he held leadership positions with several nonprofit organizations, including a nearly 9 year stint with a workforce development organization that provides jobseekers with employability skills, occupational skills, and work-based learning experiences that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment; and an 11-year tenure with two community development associations that represent and support community-based organizations that provide human services, develop affordable housing, create economic opportunities, and revitalize communities.  Tommy is an Indianapolis native and a graduate of Indiana University - Indianapolis, where he majored in Urban Affairs and Nonprofit Management.  He holds a Master of Public Affairs, a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Ken Erdmann

Director of Technical Education Programs

Ken has been a licensed Utah State electrician since 1978 and has been a member of CEDIA since 1993. Ken has served as an instructor and subject matter expert for the association since 1994. He was selected as CEDIA Volunteer of the Year in 2003 and later in 2012 was recognized with CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and as a CEDIA Fellow. He is a past CEDIA board chair, having also served as a member of CEDIA’s board of directors for 12 years. Ken instructed at Utah Valley State College as an adjunct faculty member teaching in the Electrical Automation and Robotic Technology department for 15 years.  Recently after 45 years in business he made the decision to retire from full time involvement in his company. In February of 2020 he accepted a fulltime position with CEDIA as the Director of Technical Education Programs. Currently Ken is also a member of Code Making Panel 3 of the National Electrical Code helping to ensure industry representation as the code adapts to new and changing technologies. 

Walt Zerbe

Senior Director of Technology and Standards

Walt Zerbe is the Senior Director of Technology and Standards for CEDIA and host of The CEDIA Podcast.  Walt has over 30 years of experience in the industry working primarily in product development and product strategy for audio manufacturers such as Legrand (Nuvo, OnQ) and Russound and in volunteering roles in standards and technology councils.  Zerbe oversees the joint CEDIA/CTA R10 Standards Group and CEDIA Technology Council.  In addition, Zerbe has volunteered in many roles over the years, including the CTA Audio Division Board (chair), CTA Division Executive Board (DEB), CTA TechHome, CTA Multi-Room Audio Video Council, R3 standards group (chair), CTA Technology and Standards Council (chair), CTA Board of Industry Leaders (BIL).  Zerbe is also a co-founder of the CEDIA/CTA R10 Residential Systems Standards body and past chair.  Before joining the manufacturer side of the industry, Walt was president and founder of a custom low voltage integration firm.   

Recognizing his years of involvement in standards development and his leadership within the industry, Zerbe was awarded the CTA Technology Achievement Award and the CTA TechHome Division Mark of Excellence Leadership Award.   

David Meyer

Technical Research Consultant

Dave has worked in the home technologies industry for around 30 years and now works as a full-time technical consultant to CEDIA in Technology & Standards. He is a professional member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), contributor to the CEDIA/CTA joint R10 Standards Working Group, is a prolific educator and subject matter expert in video and connectivity, and author of many internationally published articles and white papers.

Christine DeJoy

Vice President of Communications

Christine DeJoy is a media industry leader, combining her Clifton Strengths Top 5 Themes - Futuristic, Focus, Achiever, Ideation, and Self-Assurance - to drive innovation. With 22+ years in communications across PR, marketing, and production, she currently serves as VP of Communications at CEDIA, the global association for smart home professionals. Holding degrees in Telecommunications and Entertainment Business Management, she has a wealth of experience in the media industry. Christine’s main focus is on public relations, marketing, production, project management, talent coordination, and event planning, to consistently elevate the CEDIA brand. Her quest for media mastery continues to raise standards and shape narratives in her dynamic career and at CEDIA.

James Bliss

EMEA Brand & Communications Manager

James is a seasoned brand manager with over ten years of experience in both consumer and b2b marketing. He has a deep understanding of branding, and developing successful and engaging campaigns for consumers and b2b audiences alike. James is an experienced manager of marketing analytics and MarTech, delivering in-person brand activation, and marketing strategy.

Outside of work, James is an avid rugby union player and coach, DJ, and musician, and can often be found out on long walks and hikes with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Archer.

Allison Hemphill

Director of Marketing

Allison Hemphill is passionate about every aspect of marketing, with a stacked portfolio featuring campaigns for global, national, and local businesses in the technology, finance, real estate, education, and nonprofit sectors. Allison earned both a Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in Emerging Technologies from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Houston - Clear Lake, and she completed graphic design training from the Art Institute of Houston. 

At CEDIA, Allison primarily focuses on creative direction and branding. She loves to “geek out” over design trends, and one of her proudest accomplishments was being selected to rebrand her hometown in Texas. Outside of work, Allison spends her time hiking the mountains in Western Montana where she now lives with her husband and son.

Felix Cunningham, MCIM

Digital Marketing Specialist

Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing with over 9 years experience in Marketing, Analytics and Sales. Felix brings a wealth of experience and knowledge across multiple areas of marketing with a proven performance in delivering high end success. At present with CEDIA, Felix is responsible for driving the digital marketing performance, in creating a strategy that will grow CEDIA’s digital engagement and brand awareness to a wider audience.

Jessica Guyon

Content Manager

With five years of industry experience, Jessica is a driving force behind CEDIA's external communications strategy. She expertly crafts and disseminates press releases, ensuring CEDIA gains recognition in various publications and platforms. In addition to her PR prowess, Jessica is a versatile wordsmith. She contributes insightful articles to CEDIA's bi-annual magazine and collaborates with third-party publications to share the association's expertise and insights. She also uses her copywriting skills to craft compelling content for various marketing initiatives, from email blasts to promotional materials to social media content.

Keaton Leiter

Graphic Designer

Keaton is a skilled graphic designer, with a rich portfolio spanning six years in the industry. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Advertising with a minor in Marketing, earned at Ball State University. Keaton has demonstrated her expertise in elevating the CEDIA brand, having crafted numerous print materials, social media graphics, advertisements, and various collateral for the company. Furthermore, she actively contributes to the production of Home Tech Pro magazine.

Jennifer Roth, CMP

Director of Meetings & Events

Jen’s career with CEDIA has spanned more than 20 years, all within the Meetings & Events team.  She is a highly skilled planner and holds her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.  Jen leads a team of three who are responsible for overseeing all meetings and events CEDIA produces including CEDIA Expo, Integrated Systems Europe, and CEDIA Tech Summits.  With impeccable attention to detail, she constantly strives to enhance the attendee experience.

Keren Billig

Meeting & Events Manager

Keren is a seasoned event professional with a decade of experience planning a wide range of events spanning from weddings to large scale corporate meetings. Over her past five years at CEDIA she has planned several different meetings and events, including both Latin America and US-based CEDIA trainings, global webinars, legislative meetings, and North America CEDIA Tech Summits.

With a background in logistics management, a knack for adding creative elements to events, and a keen eye for detail, she approaches every CEDIA event with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. She continually strives to provide seamless and memorable experiences for all event attendees

Holly Shreeve

EMEA Meeting & Events Planner

Holly is a dedicated event planner with a passion for orchestrating seamless and impactful events. With a background in Media Planning for one of London’s largest advertising agencies, she brings a strategic and laser sharp focus to logistics management and budget planning, not to mention a very keen interest on UX, design and maintaining contractor/client relationships. Holly works across various events, primarily in the EMEA region, including the CEDIA Awards, Tech Summits & ISE.

Kayleigh Graham

Meetings & Events Planner

Kayleigh is a through and through events professional with a proven track record of delivering large scale, in-person and virtual events over the last 7 years. Having worked on all types of events, ranging from conferences to Christmas parties, Kayleigh left the freelance events world to join CEDIA. As one of our dedicated event planners, Kayleigh’s role focuses mainly on CEDIA’s portfolio of events over in the US and Canada, where her logistical talent for planning and execution are undoubtedly second to none!

When not at work, Kayleigh enjoys spending quality time with her husband and young son, exploring the outdoors and making all sorts of arts and crafts on rainy days. She also knows a thing or two about growing her own veg!

Wendy Griffiths

Senior Vice President, Membership & Global Development

Having started my career in the pro-audio/music publishing & events industry over 30 years ago, before joining CEDIA over 20 years ago, I now use this industry experience to develop & run programs that enable our 4,000 plus global members to build and support their business. With members in nearly 80 countries, it is important for our reach to be that same support to members all around the world and my role heading up Global Development enables me to be able to focus how CEDIA can be relevant to the no matter where our members are based.

Matt Nimmons

EMEA Managing Director

With a remarkable career spanning 18 years at CEDIA, Matt Nimmons is a dedicated association management professional in the field of home technology and custom integration.

Matt is known for his exceptional relationship skills and for building high performing teams. His ability to foster and nurture strong connections within the industry has resulted in the organisation’s continued growth and relevance in the region.

He is a valuable team player who plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the association and ensuring its success.

Prior to joining CEDIA, Matt was Marketing Manager at British loudspeaker manufacturer Mission. In this role, he honed his skills in marketing and gained valuable experience in the audio industry.

Giles Sutton

Senior Vice President of Product & Business Development

Prior to joining CEDIA, Giles spent 13 years as CEO of an award-winning integrator based in London, UK.

Giles has represented the industry speaking at numerous events, including CEDIA Expo, CES, Design and Construction Week, Total Tech Summit, Parks Associates Connections Summit, High Point Market, Designer Experience, and the AIA Conference on Architecture. He has been a judge for the British Home Awards, Connected Design Awards, and C&G Innovation in Design Awards and has been interviewed live on the Today Show in Australia.

Giles graduated in 2001 with an Honors degree in Sound Technology from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), a higher education institution founded by Sir Paul McCartney. He is a CEDIA-Certified Outreach Instructor (COI), Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT), and Electronic Systems Designer (ESC-D), and is currently completing a Master’s in Legal Studies specializing in technology law, at UCLA School of Law.

Jenn McGuire

Global Services Manager

With a background in events management & hospitality, Jenn has been part of the CEDIA team for over 8 years. Accountable for managing the operational needs of the global membership team along with the successful running of CEDIA membership through the development and implementation of programs, campaigns, and activities. Jenn is dedicated to increasing member engagement, retention, and growth across all territories and is passionate about the member experience.

Jody Larsen

Director of Business Development and Sales

Over her 20-year tenure at CEDIA, Jody has held multiple positions at the organization. She has continued to be challenged and grow professionally with each role. As Director of Membership, she doubled the number of new members in her first year and continued to increase participation over the next few years, never seeing a decline in numbers.

Her passion for working directly with the members in the industry led her to accept her current role of Director of Business Development and Sales at CEDIA. Originally Jody worked with trade suppliers on exhibit sales for EXPO and sponsorships to capitalize on their investment. After CEDIA sold the tradeshow, she used her extensive experience in the channel to adapt her engagement with the trade suppliers and manufacture reps. Jody utilized her long-term relationships in the community to grow the involvement of trade suppliers and reps. These relationships have benefited both the association and the membership.

Steven Carter

Senior Manager, Business Development EMEA

With over three decades of dedicated industry experience, Steven’s role involves engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of the products and services offered by CEDIA.

In the last nine years with CEDIA, he has been maintaining relationships within our community, we believe that the key to lasting success is building and nurturing connections and ensuring that we have ongoing relationship with our members at all levels.

He enjoys the cinema and long walks with the family.

Patty Manning

Member Engagement Specialist

Patty Manning brings her high energy, professional and positive point of view into all aspects of her current role as Member Engagement Specialist. With over 15 years of experience in the industry and certificates in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah and UC San Diego, Patty uses this knowledge to relate how CEDIA’s educational programs will bring member companies to the next level, comfortably, in English or Spanish. Formerly, as the Latin America Regional Consultant, Patty developed strong relationships she continues to maintain with members, manufacturers, international universities, and major architect associations who participated in various programs. Patty strives to continually improve the members awareness of the value of CEDIA education.

Tara Guertin

Business Development Representative

Tara brings to CEDIA extensive years in sales and management within the retail and educational industries and is excited to use that experience to make a difference within the CI channel. With a passion for communication and creativity, Tara's role within CEDIA is to drive connections and industry engagement.

Amanda Cannon

Member Services Manager

As Member Services Manager,  Amanda brings more than 17 years of experience in association management.  Amanda thrives most when she is focused on our members.  Currently Amanda is primarily focused on our membership renewals and new member onboarding.

Kara Wysocki

Project Manager

Kara has over 10 years’ experience in Project Management and received her Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute in 2022. She has been with CEDIA since early 2023 as a member of the Business Development team and works to keep the train on the tracks. Outside of work she can often be found reading or immersed in Harry Potter.

Imogen Dent

Member Program Specialist

With a key interest in the synergy between the smart home industry and design & build professionals, since joining CEDIA in 2018, Imogen has taken the CEDIA Outreach Instructor programme from strength to strength. Responsible for the global development and implementation of all CEDIA Industry Relations curriculum and content, along with building meaningful relationships  with industry partners, subject matter experts & CEDIA volunteers. 

Paul Skelton

Regional Development Consultant, Australia and New Zealand

Paul Skelton currently serves as CEDIA's regional development consultant for Australia and New Zealand. With over 17 years’ experience in the industry, he has extensive knowledge of the latest trends and innovations in home automation, AV systems, and home cinema. Prior to joining CEDIA, Paul was the group editor of Connected magazine, where he played a key role in educating and informing readers about the latest developments in smart home technology. With his expertise and passion for the industry, Paul is committed to promoting and advancing the smart home industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Sanket Sawant

Regional Development Consultant, India

With an illustrious two-decade career in the Audio Visual industry, Sanket Sawant stands as a seasoned professional with a multifaceted skill set. His expertise encompasses Business & Market Development, Project Management, and delivering top-tier sales and technical support, making a profound impact on the global marketplace.

His accolades include the InAVate 40 Under 40 (Class of 2019) for the APAC region.

Presently, he spearheads CEDIA’s efforts in India driving memberships, education, tech summits, and propelling the smart home industry forward in the region.