Michael Hooper, CTS-I

Education Solutions Manager , Biamp
Urmil Vaidhya

Design Engineer, AV Industry

Started Journey as Live sound System Engineer For small AV company in 2007. Then join one Dubbing studio and Done Some Movies Dubbing and Music Mixing Till 2008. After 2008 Started working as Freelancer for Audio Jobs as Recording, Dubbing and Mixing engineer for regional language Music and Movies. From 2010 corporate journey Started with Manufacturer of AV Acessories in India. Till 2012 worked as Technical Marketing team Head for the Product developments and Possible solutions for Pro Audio and Video Industry Acessories. After 2013 Started working for Pro Audio Industry Products as BDM for West India. From 2016 Working as Individual Audio, Video and Acoustics Design Consultant for freelance projects across India and in global market.
Wenhui Jia

Founder, Shenzhen KMTEKLED Photoelectricity Co.,Ltd

Aaron Peterson, CTS-D, CTS-I

Senior Solutions Engineer II, Mechdyne

Currently a Senior Solutions Engineer at Mechdyne Corporation. I started at Mechdyne as an AV Systems Designer from 2013-2018 where 90% of my projects were under-budget and delivered on-time.  In 2020, I was listed as one of Commercial Integrator’s “40 Influencers Under 40”. I started in the AV Industry in 1998, running sound at my church and school in Bloomington, MN , and doing it professionally since 2000. I graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Aerospace Engineering in 2009 where I worked as a local stagehand at CY Stephens Auditorium and Hilton Coliseum, as well as other freelance stagehand work in the Minneapolis area. Since 2022, Aaron has continued to work various events back at CY Stephens Auditorium and at other locations in the central-Iowa area.  
► 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+, 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
Our Community Spotlight highlights some of the most prominent, active users in the AVIXA Xchange community. These quick interviews touch on hot topics within the AV industry right from the minds of experts in their respective fields.
GRIFITHS ZACHARIAH

Associate Vice President EMEAIO Sales & Global Alliances, ClearOne Inc

Grifiths Zachariah, CTS, is an experienced professional in the Pro AV industry, currently serving as the Associate VP for the EMEAIO Sales and Global Alliancesgion at ClearOne Inc. With a background in electronics engineering and nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Grifiths has worked in various technical, training, project management, and sales leadership roles. This extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the latest trends and innovations in the field and a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. Throughout his career, Grifiths has worked with various system integration companies and manufacturers, managing large-scale projects and troubleshooting complex systems. This experience has equipped him with the skills needed to deliver high-quality, comprehensive training to AV professionals, focusing on sharing his experience to empower others to succeed in their careers.
ABU ALI FARMIDI

BROADCAST-PROFESSIONAL-MULTIPLATFORM-STRATEGIST, Weboxyzen

As a broadcast professional and multiplatform strategist with a passion for writing, I bring a unique perspective to content creation. Throughout my broadcasting career, which began in 2005, I have honed my skills in video production, system integration, and live event management. I have also managed interns and performed field marketing projects while maintaining a self-driven commitment to ongoing learning and growth. In addition to my technical expertise, I am also an avid reader and enjoy exploring new avenues for personal and professional development. My work in the digital media and web development sector has given me a fresh perspective on the power of content to connect with audiences and create meaningful change. As a multifaceted individual, I take pride in excelling in various pursuits. From international competitions and sports events to writing and volunteering, I always seek new ways to challenge myself and positively impact the world. If you're looking for a collaborator who can help you bring your ideas to life and deliver results on time, I'm here to help. Let's connect and explore how to work together to achieve your goals.
Sheila Bowman

Sr. Manager, Member Services, AVIXA

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Higher Ed AV aims to be the true voice of the customer, bringing the latest news and insights directly from those who serve in the trenches.
Greg Bronson CTS-D

Director, Standards and Technical Editor, AVIXA

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.
Joe Way

Executive Director, Digital Spaces, UCLA

Dr. Josiah Way is the Executive Director, Digital Spaces at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), known as a revolutionary visionary and innovator in the audiovisual industry. As the leading educational technology thought leader, Joe was recognized as the 2019 AV Professional of the Year, 2023 AV Living Legend, 2008 Businessman of the Year, and is named to multiple top industry and influencers lists, including the 2024 global Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs, 2024 Who’s Who in America, 2023 Top 50 UC Professionals, and 2019 and 2022 Top 30 Higher Ed IT Leaders lists. He is a highly sought keynote speaker and writer, most acclaimed for his innovative design of the technology standard for hybrid instruction and business development within the higher ed vertical. Joe is the cofounder of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Higher Ed AV Media, host of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, and writer of the Business of AV monthly column. Dr. Way authored the bestselling book, Producing Worship, and is a regular contributor to multiple leading AV-industry publications, while also serving on numerous corporate and higher education advisory boards. Joe has over 30 years’ experience in education, technical production and the arts, and organizational leadership and management. He has been featured in Forbes Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, ABC and PBS Television, Yahoo News, and consulted for high profile organizations like the United Nations, US Department of Education, and over forty Fortune 500’s. In his free time, Joe enjoys cruising the lake on his boat with family and friends, golfing PGA West, and perfecting his Traeger meat-smoking techniques. Oh, and he once won his fantasy football league. Joe is available for speaking engagements, media appearances, and business development consulting.
Luke Johnson

Classroom Technology Specialist , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Ahmed Hussien

Senior AV Pre-Sales / Design Engineer, Egyptian Micro Solutions

• +8 years' experience in AV integration and projects, working with the best technology providers worldwide. • Experience in multinational accounts/ projects as an AV integrator. • Experience in COC, CCC, NOC, and SOC solutions. • 3 years of military service as a reserve technical officer in the Egyptian Air Defense Forces. • Academic background: - Major: Electronic Engineering - Minor: Control Engineering
Don Merritt

Director, University of Central Florida

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.
John Sidline

Product Marketing Manager, Biamp

Joshua Kaufman

CEO and Consultant, Back of the Hill Media

Iulia Popescu - AVIXA

Coordinator, Digital Content, Avixa

A University of Central Florida double-alum with a Master’s in Digital Media, I'm a content creator who loves bringing people together over shared interests. As AVIXA's Coordinator of Digital Content, I produce articles on a myriad of technology topics. I've also worked on virtual reality projects, transforming folk tales into VR narratives. 
Krasimir Peykovski

Communication & Marketing Senior Specialist, SpinetiX

At SpinetiX, I drive multichannel comms campaigns and oversee digital marketing, from website management to social media growth. I collaborate in cross-functional initiatives together with the product, support, and development teams to create product documentation. My role also involves directing our digital signage academy with AVIXA-approved courses and developing engaging brand-aligned content, as well as coordinating with internal and external partners to fulfill our marketing strategies. All this, while thriving in a multicultural setting of teammates from across the globe.
Sarah Joyce

Chief Global Officer, AVIXA

Ben Barnard

Regional Manager, UK & Ireland, AVIXA

Get in touch for anything related to AVIXA in the UK & Ireland - we're here to help and waiting to hear from you!