Christina De Bono

President, SAVe, Sustainability in AV

Sustainability in AV (SAVe) is the first industrywide U.S.-based organization to bring stakeholders together to take concerted action to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From climate change and environmental degradation to poverty and inequality, our businesses, our communities, and our very planet face serious and accelerating threats to sustainability and survival. The good news is that we have the talent, resources, and – in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals – a blueprint to make meaningful progress in achieving sustainability. By its very nature, the AV industry is well-positioned to make substantial progress in areas related to responsible waste management, life cycle carbon emission reduction, and reduced energy usage. What’s called for is leadership to steer the industry in the right direction. SAVe is a catalyst to achieve the SDGs, and serves as a bridge to other industries, NGOs and partner organizations. Though SAVe was founded in 2022, it has already developed an assessment tool to help stakeholders identify which SDGs to advance, and develop an action plan that can be implemented right away. Become SAVe Certified, and SAVe will help spread the word that your organization is part of the solution. SAVe also provides a vehicle for organizations to give their AV equipment a second life at the end of its first one by donating equipment through a network that SAVe has established with the Commission on Voluntary Service & Action (CVSA). This program is called SAVe A Second Life and it will have a direct impact on reducing the amount of e-waste our industry generates. Help us achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. You can do so by volunteering, donating to our independent nonprofit organization, and by participating in the programs we have established. Contact us today – because the clock is ticking!
At Newtech Group, we guide our customers throughout their digital transformation and technological adoption journey. Making complex communications and collaborations solutions simple for all types of organizations. We streamline and transform traditional channels into agile and effective ones, allowing for greater efficiency and productivity. We started the business 22 years ago but before those years we inaugurated the first videoconference service though Latam in 1989, leading us today to help the customers in design and deployments of MTR rooms.  Our knowledge on phone system integration evolved from LCS (Live Communications Services) to OCS (Office Communication Services), to Skype for Business, and now to Microsoft Teams. As we continue to grow, we are leveraging our expertise in audio and video, adoption and change management, cognitive services, and software development, we provide a comprehensive view to ensure successful customer outcomes. Partnering with Microsoft in many areas: FastTrack Ready Partner, Microsoft Teams Rooms partner program, JumpStart Employee Experience Viva program and performing as an ISV to develop extensions to the Microsoft 365 platform, positions us to tackle customer issues from different fronts. Besides, we have strategic partnerships with global hardware vendors, like Poly/HP, Logitech, Crestron, Lenovo, Jabra, Cisco, Neat, Yealink, Jupiter and more to complete our offering. We provide services throughout Latin America with commercial offices in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Brasil and the United States.
Dana Jelter - AVIXA

Manager, Digital Content, AVIXA

As AVIXA's manager of editorial content, I bring to the role fifteen years of marketing experience and ten working predominantly in editorial and video content. I've spent many years in the entertainment industry working for Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm, Disney, and even a small theater in the heart of Florence, Italy. I love great stories and finding the right way to tell them. I am also a stop-motion animation aficionado who makes puppets and writes books. And if you have a food-related AV story, I'd love to hear it!
Alissa Haksar

Senior Human Resources Business Partner, AVIXA

I am delighted to be part of the HR Department at AVIXA and an Ambassador of the Jobs Room of the Xchange! I hope to bring my 25+ years of broad-based experience in Human Resources, both in consulting and in-house roles, to our Xchange members as a helpful resource and source of information and best practices. 
Laura Hernandez

Sales Administrator, AVI-SPL LLC

I currently support the AVI-SPL Houston sales team by processing customer purchase orders, preparing sales proposals, tracking sales metrics, and contributing to our team’s goals. AVI-SPL is a global leader in digital workplace solutions, specializing in audiovisual (AV) and collaboration technologies. Our mission is to help customers communicate and collaborate effectively, no matter where they are, by designing, integrating, managing, and supporting systems that enhance communication. With fourteen years of combined experience in office management and leadership across various industries, including my time as a business owner, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the AV sector. I’m actively involved in several professional groups, including the AVI-SPL Culture Coalition, AVIXA Women’s Council Houston, AVIXA Rising Professionals, and the Houston AVIXA Women’s Group. Born and raised in Texas, I’ve lived in Houston for thirty-six years. In 2018, I earned my first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do after five years of dedication. Outside of work, I enjoy competing in billiard tournaments, participating in my APA pool league, playing daily chess games, working on DIY home projects, and exploring with my dog.
Maria Jose Morales Mostacedo

Content Creation Contractor, Avixa

Valeria Rapa

Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA, AVIXA

As Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA at AVIXA I lead the EMEA Member Services Team, collaborating with AVIXA's Global Member Services Team. My regions of responsibility are Italy, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, France and Malta, and together with my Team I give support to AVIXA’s initiatives, courses and events throughout the EMEA region. I also oversee all AVIXA activities in Italy, collaborating also on Italian translation and communication projects. -- In qualità di Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA di AVIXA dirigo il Member Services Team EMEA, collaborando con il Member Services Team Globale di AVIXA. Le regioni di mia competenza sono Italia, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, Francia e Malta e insieme al mio Team mi occupo di dare supporto alle iniziative, i corsi e gli eventi di AVIXA in tutta la regione EMEA. Supervisiono inoltre tutte le attività di AVIXA in Italia, collaborando anche ai progetti di traduzione e comunicazione in italiano.
Diego Torres L.

CEO, TLE Distribution

Audio, Video and IT Specialist / CEO @ TLE Distribution SA de CV
Erin Budnik

Manager, Market Intelligence, AVIXA

Rhea Horlock

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Kinly

Austin Hinners

Design Engineer, BranchPattern

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.
Sanju Khatri

Consulting Director, Omdia

Shintaro Noguchi

Product Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America

Dahlia Abrams

Director of Sales, ClearTech

As Director of Sales at ClearTech  (www.cleartechav.com), a recognized leader in transforming collaboration in today's active workplace and learning environments, I leverage over 10 years of sales & strategy experience, legal & cybersecurity compliance, and ITIL certification to create and deliver innovative multimedia solutions and services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our clients.  With a passion for delivering mission-critical AV lifecycle solutions, I specialize in helping large to midsize enterprises, universities, and K-12 institutions enhance their operational efficiency and productivity through cutting-edge AV technologies. At ClearTech, we offer a comprehensive range of services including design, build, break-fix, installation, remote monitoring, virtual helpdesk, asset management and our innovative ClearTech as a Service (CTaaS) subscription model. Our proactive managed services ensure minimal downtime, reinforcing our belief that every minute in meetings and classrooms counts. A key part of our mission is our unwavering commitment to sustainability. ClearTech's visionary President, Christina De Bono, founded SAVe (Sustainability in AV (www.saveav.org)) in 2022. SAVe is the first and only organization of its kind in the US, dedicated to reducing e-waste through reuse and reputable recycling practices. Our sustainability initiatives align with the 2030 SDGs set forth by the UN, and we strive to support our clients with eco-friendly and responsible AV solutions. My role at ClearTech allows me to foster meaningful connections and partnerships, driven by a shared passion for innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. I'm always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborate with like-minded professionals who value sustainability, operational efficiency, collaboration and leading-edge technology. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in discussing how ClearTech can support your organization with state-of-the-art AV solutions or if you’d like to learn more about our sustainability initiatives. Let’s connect and explore the possibilities together! Specialties: AV Lifecycle Solutions Design and Installation Remote Monitoring and Virtual Helpdesk Asset Management AV as a Service AV Maintenance and Service Sustainable Practices E-Waste Management
Mark Collins

Senior Specialist, Yamaha Corporation

Kelly Bousman

SVP Marketing, AVI-SPL

Megan Kuhman

Manager, Council and Committee Programs, AVIXA

► WHAT I DO: Results-driven professional with extensive, real-world experience in Audio Visual (AV), Information Technology (IT), and Cybersecurity. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams, implementing robust security measures, and optimizing technology infrastructure. Adept at leveraging advanced certifications, including Avixa CTS-D, ISC2 CISSP, CompTIA Security+, ISACA CISM, a certificate from Harvard, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech. Committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, and leading by example.   ► MY LEADERSHIP STYLE: • Manages issues and solutions with poise and confidence. • Leads and demonstrates the ability to gain support at all levels of the organization. • Maintains a strong sense of urgency to get things done thoroughly, not quickly, and delegates responsibility to others in a personable way. • Plans for the big picture while adapting to shifting gears to achieve goals, using strong foresight and organizational skills. ►WHAT SETS ME APART FROM THE REST: • Audiovisual + IT + Cybersecurity + Architectural + Marketing experience • Seasoned engineer / architect with broad and in-depth technical, analytical, and conceptual skills • Proven track record of effectively communicating with business leadership and other vendors • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to drive security messages to teams • Extensive knowledge of subcontracting, construction projects, labor estimates, privacy, control system protocols, and integrated audiovisual systems ▶ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 🔹 Cybersecurity: • Developed and executed cybersecurity strategies to safeguard critical systems and mitigate potential threats. • Conducted vulnerability assessments and advanced hunting techniques to identify and address security vulnerabilities. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices. 🔹 AV and IT: • Successfully managed and supported AV and IT operations, overseeing the implementation and maintenance of technology solutions in military facilities, and audio visual integrators nationwide. • Led the design and deployment of integrated AV systems, enhancing collaboration and communication across the organization. • Implemented cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data and mitigate security risks. #GeorgiaTech #Harvard #RiskManagement #SecOps #SecurityOperationsCenter #CloudSecurity #DFIR #SecurityAuditing #Cybersecurity #Confidentiality #Integrity #Availability #IncidentResponse #InfoSec #NetworkSecurity #DataPrivacy #ThreatIntelligence #CTS-D #CISSP #CISM