Frank Padikkala (He/Him)

Snr. Technical Sales Architect, Zoom
Peter Schädel - AVIXA

Manager Marketing EMEA, AVIXA Germany GmbH

Sean Wargo -- AVIXA

VP, Market Insight, AVIXA

Helping lead the charge of AVIXA's research efforts into the trends and opportunities in the pro AV industry. When not digging into data, speaking and writing about the trends, or discussing where to focus our research efforts next, I enjoy spending time outdoors on walks, hikes or fishing adventures. Though I also have a soft spot for consuming AV content in my DIY home theater, thanks to a love for good audio I get honest from my Dad! 
Joseph Valerio

Director, Industry Engagement, AVIXA

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.
Lance Feldenkreiss

Director of Engineering, JKL Technologies, Inc.

Tobi Tungl

Chief Marketing Officer, CTI

I believe marketing should do more than make noise. It should make it matter. Whether it’s driving demand, building brand heat, or giving sales teams something real to run with, I’m here to make sure marketing actually moves the needle. At CTI, I lead a team of people who give a damn about results and relationships. From Pro AV to broadcast, mission critical spaces, and beyond, we create campaigns that build trust and drive growth. No cold DMs. No gimmicks. Just work that works. What drives me? The endurance mindset. I’m an athlete, a coach, and someone who believes showing up when it’s hard is what makes it count. Let’s build something that lasts. If you care about people, growth, leadership, or building brands that actually work, I’m all ears.
Barbara Goldstein

Senior Director, Marketing, AVIXA

I head up the marketing for InfoComm, the greatest tradeshow on Earth. InfoComm 2023 will be my 10th show. Chat with me if you want to talk about InfoComm, working at AVIXA, or shoes! Follow me on Twitter @AVshoeQueen. 👟 
Rabindranath Narine

Director, 4 Pair Communications

Lee Dodson

VP, Global Industry Engagement, AVIXA

I am responsible for Global Industry Engagement for AVIXA, including all membership, councils, sponsorships, and engagement programs. Oversee global sales and account management programs including our global partner accounts. Member of Strategic leadership team with involvement in association operational management and product development to meet Member needs and deliver them profitably. This function engages AVIXA ProAV members across all segments and global regions to maximize Association membership growth, member engagement, and revenue.
Jason Jacoby

Project Manager, Diversified.

Jason "Jay" Jacoby (they/them) has spent the last 10+ years, working with integration firms guiding teams through multi-million dollar projects from conception to execution. Jay’s work as a program and project manager includes multiple types of projects ranging from corporate, communication collaboration, experiential, broadcast, digital signage and large venue sound. They recently returned to Diversified after working for a year with Shen, Milsom, & Wilke as an Audiovisual consultant.  Jay is currently based out of New Jersey. #avtweeps
Nicole Verardi

Senior Director of Marketing, AVIXA

When I first started in AV, I remember hearing how AV professionals really care about the human experience, not just the tech. And it's true! I love connecting the dots to help people find the AV resources they need, building communities where people come together and being a part of such a vibrant (and welcoming) industry. 
Sarah Joyce

Chief Global Officer, AVIXA

Tyler Lawrence

Manager, Council Administration, AVIXA

I'm Tyler Lawrence, the Manager of Council Administration here at AVIXA. I work with the AVIXA Councils to support their missions and projects. Please chat with me if you would like more information on our Councils or would like to get involved.
Matt Eckstein

Senior Engineer, CENSEO AV+Acoustics

Mary Landis

Account Executive, Avidex Industries LLC

Mark Hightower

Electronic Services Team Lead, Alexton

Mandie Creed

AV Design Consultant, A4A Designs LLC

Jose Carselle

Application Engineer, QSC

Kent Cawthorne

Vice President of Sales, Solutions & Consultants, Legrand AV

John Cheatham, CTS-D, CTS-I

Engineering Manager, AVI-SPL

Up through May 2022, I managed the AV Engineering & Operations team at the University of North Georgia. We maintained multiple campuses of classrooms with control systems in each and we worked with a team of support technicians who handle work on incident management while we handled incident escalations as well as problem management, change management, and request fulfillment (to use the ITIL vernacular). In May 2022, I became a Design Engineer 1 for AVI-SPL, based out of the Atlanta, GA office. I worked with the Account Managers to design systems for customers prior to sales, then worked with the post sales team once a system is purchased. Over the next two years, I was promoted to Design Engineer 2. In October 2024, I became an Engineering Manager for AVI-SPL, managing the Design Engineers and Project Engineers in the Atlanta, GA office.