As a seasoned Group Operations and Technical Director, I have built a strong track record in the audio/video and collaboration technologies industry. My expertise includes Operations Management, Sales, A/V Systems Design, and Technical Resource Management, allowing me to bring a comprehensive approach to any technological challenge.
I hold various manufacturer certifications and have maintained my AVIXA CTS for 20+ years complementing my strong engineering skills. My commitment to excellence and innovative solutions has consistently driven success across complex projects and initiatives.
A higher education technology leader well versed in AV, broadcasting, live and recorded video production, and teaching. Experienced in the study of virtual environments, video games, and accessibility.
Don is the current President of the Educational Technology Collaborative (ETC, etcollaborative.org), The mission of ETC is to provide leadership and a forum for information exchange to the providers of media content, academic technology, and support for quality teaching and learning at institutions of higher education.
Don is also the Director of UCF’s nationally recognized Office of Instructional Resources, which is responsible for AV design, consultation, integration and engineering, project management, end-user support and training, and planning for the university.
I am a production and AVL expert dedicated to bringing creative visions and concepts to life. I left my production home of 16 years in November 2021 and am currently building my own consulting business while keeping my options open for the right opportunity. Since 1994, I have had the opportunity - both as a freelancer, small business owner, and an executive team leader - to work in delivering solutions on a scale that most people rarely see while up against timelines that seem impossible. My diverse, well-rounded background allows me to understand almost any organization or project's technical, creative, time management, and team building needs. I pride myself on the ability to creatively overcome challenges while creating an enjoyable experience for both my team and our clients along the way. I believe the job of a true leader is about more than creating and executing a strategic vision or strategy. It is about being a trusted team member, mentor, and leader. It is about creating a culture of earned respect and mutual trust where everyone believes they are a vital member of the team. It is about a firm commitment to the complete satisfaction of every customer, stakeholder, and employee.
George "Red" Fournier Jr. CTS
Founder, Vice President of Technical Services, Laia Technologies North America
George “Red” Fournier, CTS, serves as Vice President of Technical Services for Laia Technologies North America, leading the company’s technical strategy, partner enablement, and product‑integration initiatives across the U.S. and Canadian markets. With over 40 years in audiovisual engineering, systems design, and unified communications, Red works closely with Laia’s global product and development teams to ensure the company’s camera and software ecosystem delivers seamless, reliable, and customer‑centric experiences. His ability to blend deep engineering expertise with real‑world integrator insight makes him a trusted voice in translating emerging Laia technologies into practical, scalable solutions for corporate, education, and government environments.
Red is also known for his leadership and advocacy across the AV industry. He founded AV Gives Back in 2015, uniting the AV community around service and support efforts under the #AVGivesBack banner. He has held several roles within AVIXA’s councils—including the Manufacturers, Diversity, and Women’s Councils—and served as Chairman of the Systems Integrators Council from 2020 to 2022. Throughout the pandemic, he helped guide integrators through unprecedented disruption by establishing collaborative forums, partnering with the ITS Council, and advancing initiatives on contractor best practices, workforce development, and new‑hire onboarding, reinforcing his long‑standing commitment to industry standards and community resilience.
Beyond his professional impact, Red is a lifelong volunteer dedicated to service, mentorship, and community support. Since 1985, he has served North Jersey communities as a volunteer firefighter, fire police officer, trainer, and hazardous‑materials emergency responder. He remains deeply engaged in youth development with the Patriots Path Council of Scouting America in New Jersey as a District Commissioner at Large, Unit Commissioner, merit badge counselor, and advancement administrator for both Troop & Crew 144. Red and his wife Beth, celebrated as the first female firefighter and first female captain in the 190‑year history of the City of Paterson Fire Department, are especially proud of their son, Seán, who will enter NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing as a first‑year student academically classified as a junior, pursuing Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and AI after completing his A.S., 61 credits, Security+ and ISC2 CC certifications through the County College of Morris/Morris County Share Time Program in Pequannock HS.
Strategic Executive and Engineer with over 30 years of experience leading pre-sales engineering and the delivery of high-complexity integrated systems (AV, BMS, and Fire & Life Safety/SDAI). My career is defined by technological convergence, leveraging a solid background in Computer and Industrial Automation Engineering to design mission-critical solutions that meet rigorous global standards. AVIXA volunteer in the CTS-D exam review. Amateur (and frustated) guitarist and mountain biker.