Announcing CI’s 40 Influencers Under 40: Class of 2026

When Commercial Integrator first launched the 40 Influencers Under 40 program in 2014, few had an inkling of what it would grow to become: a testament to the rising power of the next generation of AV professionals.

Now in its 13th year, the 40 Under 40 list remains robust as ever, spotlighting the stars who are blazing their way across the galaxy of AV. Moreover, the list recognizes the breadth of skills and backgrounds, underscoring the growing diversity of the AV industry.

This recognition does not happen in isolation. Each honoree has reached the list because each nominator took the time to put their name forward and wholeheartedly advocated their accomplishments. In keeping with the theme, we set a cutoff date of September 1, 2026, by which honorees had to be 39 years old or younger. Ages printed in the article are as of the cutoff date.

So, without any further ado, we give you CI’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2026! You can hover on the individual stars in the interactive layout (in desktop mode) below to learn about each honoree.

Who Made it to the CI 40 Under 40, Class of 2026?

The 40 Under 40, Class of 2026 list is also available below. Read on to learn about these rising stars whose experiences belie their ages!

• Yasser Abdelkader
• Patrick Angielczyk
• Eva Beens
• Brittney Bemb
• Nii Bruce-Vanderpuije
• Brandon Brunhammer
• Vanessa Burke
• Galen Chisholm
• Katherine Donahoe
• Sapan Doshi
• Ellesse Fehlberg
• Nathan Firesheets
• Jay Gough
• Dan Griffin
• Louis Hoxter
• Jesse Humphrey
• Stewart Ives
• Elliot Johnsen
• Irma Karpaviciute
• Judith Kensicki
• Jonathan Langberg
• Bea Lim
• Michael Mancini
• Matt Morgan
• Caitlyn Nasser
• Zach Ortega
• Brandon Lee Paarfus
• Joey Palkowitch
• Garrison Park
• Mitch Parsons
• Al Ragone
• Kevin Rhodus
• Sasha Scherlinsky
• Cara Shannon
• Michael Short
• Kelsey Shutt
• Megan Strom
• Daniel Tapolow
• Kati Thompson
• Makenna Wright

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Yasser Abdelkader

Title: Director of Sales, Solotech

Age: 38

With over 16 years in the audiovisual and unified communications industry, Yasser Abdelkader has built a reputation for delivering innovative technology solutions and leading high-performing sales teams across Toronto and Western Canada. He has successfully led major projects for organizations including McCarthy LLP, the City of Toronto and WSIB, helping clients transform their workplaces through collaboration, AV integration and strategic technology solutions. Abdelkader is an avid basketball fan and former player and when not in the boardroom, you will find him on the hardwood floor.

Patrick Angielczyk

Title: Audio-Visual Technologist, Mohawk College

Age: 38

Patrick Angielczyk is an audio-visual technologist at Mohawk College, where he designs, builds and maintains classroom technology across campus. As Chair of the AVIXA Rising Professionals Council, he leads efforts to expand membership, deliver education and build industry relationships. Angielczyk also serves on the steering committee for the AV User Group’s Toronto chapter and is an active member of HETMA, supporting AV in higher education.

Eva Beens

Title: PR Manager, WyreStorm Technologies

Age: 37

Eva Beens is the PR manager for WyreStorm Technologies, where she leads global PR, media relations, case studies, product launches, product communications and industry award submissions. Her work focuses on transforming complex AV technologies into clear, engaging stories that resonate with integrators, partners and the pro AV community. In 2026, Beens led the entire marketing and PR activity for WyreStorm’s presence at ISE and InfoComm for the first time.

Brittney Bemb

Title: Executive Vice President of Operations, Promotion Technology Group

Age: 39

Brittney Bemb is executive vice president of operations at Promotion Technology Group, where she is redefining operational excellence in commercial AV through automation, process innovation and technology integration. As a transformational leader, she builds high-performing teams, streamlines complex operations, and leads enterprise initiatives that strengthen client partnerships, improve business performance and drive lasting organizational growth. Outside of work, Bemb enjoys playing volleyball, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two children.

Nii Bruce-Vanderpuije

Title: Director – Rollouts & Named Accounts, Diversified

Age: 30

With six years in commercial AV and more than a decade in IT, Nii Bruce-Vanderpuije is known for advancing scalable engineering standards, operational excellence and AV/IT convergence. He has led engineering for complex enterprise technology deployments while developing repeatable frameworks that improve quality, efficiency and long-term support. Outside of project delivery, Bruce-Vanderpuije is passionate about mentoring engineers and driving continuous innovation across the industry.

Brandon Brunhammer

Title: Practice Director; Simulation, Enterprise Broadcast and Enterprise Mission Critical, AVI-SPL

Age: 37

Since entering the AV industry in 2006 as a freelance production technician in Orlando, Brandon Brunhammer has built a career spanning live events, systems integration, engineering and business leadership. From major venue projects and global entertainment deployments to leading strategic growth at AVI-SPL, he now directs simulation, enterprise mission-critical and enterprise broadcast initiatives while advocating for industry advancement, workforce development and innovation.

Vanessa (Tolisano) Burke

Title: Program Manager, CTI

Age: 29

Early in her career, Vanessa Burke found that she enjoyed building systems as much as delivering projects. Today, she is building CTI’s first Program Management function and leading the enterprise program strategy, creating scalable processes that support customers and teams. Burke also serves on WAVIT’s Board of Directors, expanding pathways into AV for underrepresented communities. She is also a mom of three (soon to be four) children.

Galen Chisholm

Title: Team Lead System Architect, Solutions360 Inc.

Age: 34

Galen Chisholm started at Solutions360 as a junior developer and has spent 12 years helping shape the ERP platform, now serving as team lead system architect. He was a primary author of the Q360 ERP redesign and the new field tech mobile app, delivering tools that help AV integrators operate more efficiently. Outside of work, Chisholm enjoys cycling and gardening.

Katherine Donahoe

Title: Engineering Manager, Advanced Network Devices

Age: 29

Katie Donahoe is an engineering manager at Advanced Network Devices. Throughout her career, she has developed and led the development of advanced safety algorithms, machine learning systems and software platforms. She is passionate about solving complex engineering challenges and building technology that makes schools safer. Fun fact: Donahoe previously worked at JPL developing software for NASA’s Curiosity Rover mission.

Sapan Doshi

Title: Chief Product and Revenue Officer, Bolin Technology

Age: 29

Sapan Doshi thought controlling lights, audio and cameras was cool when he began volunteering on his temple’s tech team at the age of 10. That curiosity became a career leading technology for international conventions and touring productions, founding a media production company and co-founding a virtual event platform. Now Bolin’s chief product and revenue officer, Doshi brings real-world AV experience and industry relationships into product strategy and development.

Ellesse Fehlberg

Title: Director of Global Marketing, GPA

Age: 37

With almost 15 years in the AV/UC industry, Ellesse Fehlberg has progressed from supporting regional marketing initiatives in Australia to leading global marketing for GPA. Her career highlights include two major industry re-brands, strengthening strategic partner relationships, driving impact with key industry events and helping elevate GPA’s business and brand worldwide. Despite travelling globally for work, Fehlberg still calls Sydney home and loves to get up early to watch sunrises from the beach.

Nathan Firesheets

Title: Director of Technology & Innovation, AV-Tech Media Solutions

Age: 38

Passionate about AV since first sitting behind a mixing console at 9 years old, Nathan Firesheets achieved degrees in Electrical Engineering & Acoustics from Georgia Tech before joining AV-Tech as a Junior Engineer and then working his way up to Director of Technology & Innovation. He now advises on enterprise AV strategy, Intelligent Video, & broader UC applications. In his free time, Firesheets travels the world riding roller coasters.

Jay Gough

Title: Software Developer, Control Concepts, Inc.

Age: 31

Jay Gough is a software developer with a background in higher education AV and enterprise networking. He began his AV career in 2021 at a major Arkansas medical institution, where he built a customizable framework that streamlined programming across multiple classroom installations. At Control Concepts, Gough develops widely used modules, drivers and plugins for various control platforms. Outside of work, he enjoys smart home automation projects.

Dan Griffin

Title: Pro AV Territory Manager, NETGEAR

Age: 37

Dan Griffin’s career, sparked by a love for playing guitar and tuba, began with attending UMiami’s Music Engineering program and freelancing as a live sound engineer in South Florida. He went on to tour with NASCAR, mixing for national television. Griffin pursued a dream of working for a manufacturer, running SSL’s demonstration truck all over North America. Today, he’s at NETGEAR, passionate about making AVoIP easy for everyone.

Louis Hoxter, CTS

Title: Director of Technical Operations, LinkLab Services, Almo Pro AV

Age: 38

During his eight years at Almo, Louis Hoxter has played a key role in advancing engineering excellence and customer success. As manager of LinkLab Services at Almo Pro AV, he leads the program management, engineering and drafting teams with a steady hand and a solutions-first mindset. Known for his technical expertise and calm leadership, Hoxter has built a high-performing team that consistently delivers, even under tight deadlines and complex project demands.

Jesse Humphrey

Title: SVP of Marketing, Diversified

Age: 39

Jesse Humphrey is an award-winning marketing leader known for connecting brand strategy, demand generation and business growth. As SVP of marketing at Diversified, she has helped strengthen the company’s global market position and elevate its voice across the AV industry. Her honors include WashingtonExec Marketing Executive of the Year and Gartner MarCom Leader finalist. Humphrey was once featured in Seventeen magazine.

Stewart Ives

Title: VP of Product & Solutions, SNA Displays

Age: 38

Stew Ives has built an AV career spanning theatrical multimedia production, retail digital signage, Times Square spectaculars, major sports venues and industry-leading DVLED innovation. Since joining SNA Displays in 2017, he has led the company’s technical strategy, R&D and complex video installations. He also has developed technologies like next-generation processors and diagnostics suites. Ives is a big fan of aviation and tinkering in home automation.

Elliot Johnsen

Title: Service Operations Manager, IMS Technology Services

Age: 36

Like many in AV, Elliot Johnsen didn’t find the industry, it found him. Beginning as an install tech at a startup, he worked his way through operations, project management and service leadership roles across multiple integrators. Johnsen is passionate about developing people, improving processes and helping people solve problems. He also holds a daily chess streak of four years and once played a match beneath a glacier.

Irma Karpaviciute

Title: Marketing Manager, UK&I, AVI-SPL

Age: 39

In four years, Irma Karpaviciute entered AV as digital marketing executive and progressed to marketing manager, UK&I. She delivers major events worldwide, leads AVIXA Women’s Council Ireland, was selected for Inavate’s EMEA 40 Under 40 and joined AVIXA’s first Women in AV Collective panel at ISE 2026. Lithuanian-born, Karpaviciute volunteers through AVI-SPL Gives Back and recently supported a children’s hospice through a meaningful AV project.

Judith Kensicki, DSCE

Title: Business Development Manager, Almo Pro AV

Age: 38

Judith Kensicki is a trusted advisor and primary connection between manufacturers, integrators and sales. During her 14-year career at Almo, she has advanced through roles, building a deep understanding of the business and its partners. Known for her collaborative leadership and passion for mentoring, Kensicki is a multi-year participant in the Almo Coaching Program, where she helps develop talent and empower colleagues to grow their careers.

Jonathan Langberg

Title: Solutions Designer, Electrosonic

Age: 26

At Electrosonic, Jonathan Langberg designs AV systems that enhance interactions between people and technology, with projects spanning across award-winning museum exhibits, airports and immersive art installations nationwide. Drawing on a background in technical theater, he blends an equal understanding of storytelling and engineering to develop creative visions into functional solutions. Jonathan enjoys collaborating with a diverse team of partners to create incredible guest experiences with technology.

Bea Lim

Title: Campaign Marketing Manager, Solutionz, Inc.

Age: 30

Bea Lim entered the pro AV industry in 2022 as a content marketing specialist at Spinitar and now serves as campaign marketing manager at Solutionz. She leads B2B campaigns that align sales and marketing, strengthen customer and manufacturer partnerships, and drive business growth through strategic storytelling. Her work spans integrated campaigns, customer success stories, events and community initiatives. Outside of work, Lim is an avid marathon runner.

Michael Mancini

Title: Field Engineering Manager, IMS Technology Services

Age: 37

Michael Mancini started as a tinkerer and is never short on hobbies and projects, including making branded corks for a local distillery. Mancini has worked in other branches of technology but fell for systems integration. He enjoys how every day is different with different challenges. Mancini expresses his pride on making the transition from field engineer to manager.

Matt Morgan

Title: VP of Business Development – Corporate AV, EVS

Age: 37

Matt Morgan began his career in live production before transitioning into Pro AV, earning his CTS and other industry certifications. In 2022, Morgan began working to establish the Broadcast AV category by bridging broadcast and AV through industry education, collaboration with AVIXA, and the InfoComm TV Studio. Today, he serves as VP of business development, corporate AV at EVS, advancing innovation across the pro AV industry.

Caitlyn Nasser

Title: Director of Business Enablement, FORTÉ

Age: 39

Caitlyn Nasser’s career has spanned many areas of the AV industry, shaping her focus on business connectivity and scalable growth. She is driven by helping teams work more effectively, improving margin and profitability, and building processes that support long-term performance. Nasser’s experience includes launching forecasting programs, developing leadership teams and operating structures, and improving operational outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and traveling with her family.

Zach Ortega

Title: Key Accounts Manager, TeleDynamics

Age: 30

Zach Ortega says his AV journey has been nothing short of spectacular. For him, the technology, the challenges, the support and most importantly, the people make this journey all worth it. Ortega expresses that he is deeply fulfilled by truly helping others with the highest standard that he can possibly operate at. He extends his gratitude to everyone for every conversation, all the wonderful memories and the most rewarding relationships along the way!

Brandon Lee Paarfus

Title: Regional Warehouse Manager, AVI-SPL

Age: 34

After serving in the Army, Brandon Lee Paarfus transitioned into the industry as a regional warehousing manager, bringing mission-focused leadership to a forward-thinking global supply chain team. His proudest accomplishment was supporting critical locations with defense assets through optimized supply chain strategies in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star and Warrant Officer of the Year. Paarfus applies those same strategies across AVI-SPL warehouses to ensure seamless deliveries to customers.

Joey Palkowitch

Title: Director of Commercial Audio Sales, AtlasIED

Age: 37

Joey Palkowitch’s 20-year AV journey started in the 12-volt industry at Best Buy before moving into pro AV, working for manufacturers ranging from start-ups to the industry’s largest names. He progressed from entry-level sales to regional sales management and finally sales leadership, now serving as director of commercial audio sales at AtlasIED. Palkowitch is also a father of three kids, all under the age of four.

Garrison Park

Title: Sr. Distribution Account Manager, Sony Electronics

Age: 35

Garrison Park is a senior distribution account manager at Sony Electronics with more than 12 years of pro AV experience. He drives innovation across the channel by leading strategic initiatives for Fortune 100 organizations that accelerate growth and deliver measurable outcomes. Guided by integrity, collaboration and continuous learning, Park is committed to advancing the pro AV industry while creating lasting value for customers, partners and colleagues.

Mitch Parsons

Title: Sr. AV Solutions Engineer, Bug I’D Inc.

Age: 35

As senior AV solutions engineer at BugID (Bug-Eye’d), Mitch Parsons designs unified communications systems — conference rooms, all-hands spaces and collaboration technologies — now serving 3,000-plus spaces across multiple Fortune 100 companies. He came to AV after a decade in IT consulting, where he built technology standards for capital management firms and supported over 10% of the Forbes Midas List. A car enthusiast, Parsons spends his free time dreaming of racing.

Al Ragone

Title: Regional Applications Engineering Manager, McCann Systems

Age: 38

Al Ragone manages McCann Systems’ NY/NJ team of field applications engineers, combining hands-on technical leadership with responsibility for the growth and development of the team and department. He remains actively involved in project delivery while collaborating closely with sales and managed services to help drive successful project execution. Ragone’s portfolio features five award-winning deployments, with projects at Wrigley Field and Capital One Arena among them.

Kevin Rhodus

Title: Manager – Platform Integration Team, Q-SYS / QSC

Age: 36

Kevin Rhodus believes technology should do more than function — it should create experiences people remember. As the leader of Q-SYS’ platform integration team, he brings that philosophy to technical enablement of strategic accounts and development of experience centers, evolving AV systems into immersive engagements. Rhodus carries that mindset home each holiday season as co-founder and technical architect of the 12-acre Lucy Depp Park Light Show.

Sasha Scherlinsky

Title: Key Account Manager, Solotech

Age: 32

After receiving her BFA in Theatre Design & Technology from Penn State, Sasha Scherlinsky began her career at Clearwing Productions (Milwaukee), working on some of the largest events in the country. Post-pandemic, Scherlinsky transitioned her skillset to the install side of the industry, finding a home at Solotech (Orlando) as key account manager where she blends her AVL skillset with her love of theme parks and experiences.

Cara Shannon

Title: Senior Manager, Product Marketing, Crestron Electronics

Age: 38

Cara Shannon began her AV career 12 years ago at 1 Beyond, helping launch intelligent video innovations including Automate VX. Following Crestron’s acquisition of 1 Beyond, she leads product marketing for Crestron’s collaboration solutions, enabling organizations to deliver more engaging and inclusive hybrid experiences. Passionate about helping people connect, Shannon brings technology to life through demonstrations rooted in real-world collaboration.

Michael Short

Title: VP Marketing Operations & Residential, Crestron Electronics

Age: 39

Michael Short’s AV journey has taken him around the world. He started in EMEA marketing at Crestron, moved into global residential channel and product marketing, and now serves as global VP of marketing, overseeing PR, social, creative and operations for all Crestron’s channels worldwide. For over 10-plus years, Short has launched hundreds of products, run global events and led sponsorships with major brands. He is also an avid scuba diver with wild stories to tell.

Kelsey Shutt

Title: Audiovisual Programmer, Iowa State University

Age: 28

In a newly established role as the dedicated audiovisual programmer at Iowa State University, Kelsey Shutt designs, programs and commissions control systems to meet user needs across campus. She has revamped the standard classroom interface to meet ADA guidelines, refined documentation for existing systems and implemented an intuitive, modern programming approach. Shutt also enjoyed troubleshooting theater equipment while directing musicals with her husband, Bryce.

Megan Strom

Title: Senior Manager, Global Partner Marketing, QSC

Age: 31

Megan Strom first joined QSC as an intern and has grown into a marketing leader through her work advancing the Q-SYS platform. Today, she spearheads partner marketing across more than 100 technology and developer partners and supports partnerships with industry leaders including Google, Microsoft, Zoom and ServiceNow. Strom also developed the marketing strategy for the Q-SYS Technology Partner Program, Q-SYS Communities for Developers and Q-SYS Library.

Daniel Tapolow

Title: CTO, i-AVPRO

Age: 39

Daniel Tapolow began his AV career at the age of 17 selling TVs at Best Buy and has spent more than 22 years turning that passion into a profession. As chief technology officer of i-AVPRO, he leads with integrity, embraces innovation and believes every successful project starts with doing what’s right for the client. Tapolow is also passionate about mentoring the industry’s next generation.

Kati Thompson

Title: Senior Education Brand Manager, Midwich US

Age: 34

As senior education brand manager, Kati Thompson has spent a decade supporting education by pairing firsthand classroom experience with a passion for helping schools find the right technology. She has built lasting partnerships with manufacturers, integrators and the AV channel while promoting solutions that improve teaching and learning. Thompson unwinds by painting watercolor landscapes, accompanied by a playlist that’s heavier than the artwork suggests.

Makenna Wright

Title: Customer Support Coordinator, Solutionz Inc.

Age: 34

Makenna Wright joined Spinitar in 2018 as a resource coordinator. In 2022, shortly before Solutionz’s acquisition, she transitioned into service as a customer support coordinator. Wright works directly with clients nationwide on scheduling technicians, ensuring quality service and timely responses while strengthening communication between CSMs, Help Desk and senior leadership. Outside of work, she is a proud mom, a passionate Wicked fan and frequent concert-goer!

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