Senior Director of Development for AVIXA in EMEA with over 20 years experience in AV and IT industries. Started off in sound engineering in the late 90s then pursued a career in IT. After working in web development I returned to AV and have not looked back! I do at times pine to work more directly with the amazing technology available today to help create great AV experiences but I do get to see them being shared and celebrated! I look forward to seeing many of those examples on the Xchange!
I've been in the low voltage industry for my entire career in sales management / consulting / business development roles covering a diverse range of solutions and channels.. Over my 30+ year career in AV I've had the pleasure of working with company's such as: Bogen Communications, BOSE Professional, Crestron Electronics, ClearOne, Music Group and Axis Communications where I currently head up Axis network audio initiative in the US.
I’m a has-been geek turned manager, turned executive, turned (hopefully) into leader. I love technology and even more I love people. So what I find really interesting is the intersection of people and technology…and in so many ways, that’s my definition of AV.
Works for Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, London in the Studio Visual and Event IT department.
Long time AV industry member, lover of tech, and wizard.
Frank is an IT/AV Evangelist in the AV Industry. Frank strives to bridge the knowledge gap between Tech disciplines. As a self proclaimed "cert junkie" he holds more than 10+ IT/AV Industry certifications, along with an MS in Cyber-Security/Information Assurance and BS in IT Sec.
Frank is active on social media, is a life-long learner and believes in constant self-improvement. He contributes as an SME to AV publications and IT/Cybersecurity podcasts and events. He also hosts ITFactor, an IT - AV - Tech centric podcast on www.avnation.tv
He volunteers with AVIXA currently serving as the Chair of the Diversity Council where he is constantly mentoring and creating opportunities for community development through open communication.
George "Red" Fournier Jr. CTS
Founder, Director of Technical Services, Laia Technologies North America
I have worked in AV since the early 1980s in various positions ranging from staging to video production. My responsibilities have included engineering, systems design, technical sales, product development, tech support, project management, customer service, CAD Management, drafting, purchasing, and marketing for A/V Integrators and Manufacturers. In 2015 I founded the AV Gives Back initiative on Twitter. Through the use of the #AVGivesBack hashtag on Twitter and LinkedIn, we help people and companies in the #AVcommunity get the information out about fundraisers, community service events, charity events, natural disaster relief, and more. Our motto is ‘helping others help others.’ https://twitter.com/AVGivesBack In the past, as a CAD Manager, I was responsible for managing successful drafting teams in the high-volume NYC Metro Area. While establishing CAD Standards and Drawing packages for A/V & Digital Signage companies I have also worked with the InfoComm International Standards development team that was working on the J-STD-710: Audio, Video, and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols Standard. As a Social Media Advocate, I am active on Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) helping to get out the company message and project information. I have appeared on industry Podcasts including AVNation’s AV Week, ArchiTech, and EDtech. I have presented online webinars for AVIXA's System Integrators Council on Change Orders, and FSR on AV Infrastructure and HDBaseT technologies. I have been a volunteer firefighter in North Jersey since 1985 and currently volunteer as Fire Police in Pequannock NJ. I volunteer with my son's Boy Sout Troop 144 as the Advancement Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor. I also volunteer for the Northern New Jersey (NNJ) Chapter of the Guardians of the Ribbon.
In my role with AVIXA standards and content teams I provide technical advisement and strategic leadership. This primarily includes standards publications and the Exam Guide books.
My interests span the broad spectrum of AV/IT technologies and systems our industry provides. Prior to taking a staff role with AVIXA I worked supporting AV/IT solutions for both public and private education as a "Technology Manager" (roles including repair, installation, design and project management) as well as a longtime volunteer for AVIXA education and standards programs.
Where audiovisual tech, business & foodie fascinations converge.