Editor’s Note: This post, featuring our 40 Influencers Under 40, Class of 2024, originally appeared on Aug. 19, 2024. We updated it as of Oct. 18, 2024, with further information.
Each year, Commercial Integrator releases its 40 Influencers Under 40 list, an initiative that began in 2014 and has grown steadily in popularity ever since. Now, the 40 Under 40 is without question CI’s biggest, most eagerly anticipated annual offering. It’s an opportunity for commercial AV’s tastemakers to get a glimpse at young, up-and-coming rockstars whose massive contributions to our industry belie their years.
Eligibility for 40 Influencers Under 40 Class of 2024
A couple years ago, our editorial team made a major change in who is eligible to be named to our 40 Under 40; for the first time, we allowed manufacturer and distributor personnel to qualify. Frankly, it just seemed to me that the manufacturing and distribution community was far too rich in talent for us to arbitrarily exclude them from consideration. That change has endured ever since, and this year’s list includes well over a dozen such individuals. They stand alongside association personnel, integrators, programmers, recruiters and so many others in the commercial AV community.
In keeping with the 40 Under 40 theming, we imposed a cutoff of August 1, 2024, as the date on which honorees had to be 39 years old or younger. Ages printed here are as of that date.
And, of course, as beloved as the 40 Under 40 initiative is, we know there have always been a handful of naysayers who feel that an age-centered list is exclusionary. To those who express that concern, I hear you. But my response is twofold: First, there is tremendous value in spotlighting young people who may not be known in the C-suite just yet, but who are in the trenches making a difference every day. I think someone being named to this list could conceivably make the difference if a company is considering staff consolidation, etc. Second, we created our digital-native #AVLivingLegends series to celebrate and honor commercial AV “lifers” who have been contributing for decades. As of this writing, we’re already up to #59 on that list.
We hope the pages that follow fill you with pride and excitement that the commercial AV industry has attracted young talent of this caliber to fill our ranks. Here’s hoping we can create so welcoming, so stimulating and so exciting an industry community that these folks become “lifers” themselves!
Commercial Integrator’s 40 Influencers Under 40, Class of 2024
Without further ado, here’s Commercial Integrator’s 40 Influencers under 40, Class of 2024 (click to read about each honoree):
- Heidi Garrison, 39, Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder, RGR Partners
- Shannon Humphrey, 39, President, SoundTube Entertainment, Inc.
- Fernando Hernandez Voigt, 38, Chief Technology Officer and Project Director, Musitempo SRL
- Jhonneer Restrepo, 38, Senior Project Manager and Business Development Lead, Align Communications
- Dee Dee DeVoe, 39, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, TOTAL 2.0
- Jon Broadbent, 35, Principal, Senticon Design
- Philip Courtney, 33, Engineering Manager, Electrosonic
- Zach Valigura, 34, Vice President of Integration and Delivery, AVI Systems
- Tim Archambault, 35, Sales Executive, Solutions360 Inc.
- Matt Wall, 28, Field Application Engineer, McCann Systems
- E Williams, 34, Audio-Video Designer II, Henderson Engineers
- Jennifer Eagen, 35, UCC Business Development Manager, AVI-SPL
- Morgan Glandorf, 31, Director of Services, Exertis Almo
- James Krumhansl, 38, Audiovisual Systems Design Leader, DLR Group
- Dan Wallace, 39, Director of Marketing, Epiphan Video
- Matthew Taylor, 38, Director of Operations, Johnson AV
- Michael Stammire, 38, General Manager, Avidex
- Kasey Kaumans, 39, Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Listen Technologies
- Mike Walker, 39, Engineering Director, IVCi
- Ciaran Hamilton, 38, CEO, Audio Visual Professionals, Inc.
- Kiersten Gibson, 36, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, REACH Media Network
- Tony Fragale, 28, Key Account Manager, Starin
- Joel Mulpeter, 37, Director, Product Marketing, Crestron Electronics, Inc.
- Stephanie Hull (formerly Shomper), 36, National Account Manager, Legrand AV
- Krystle Murphy, 39, Director, Communications, AVIXA
- Paul Wells, 34, Sales Manager, CCS Presentation Systems
- Mike Krejci, 38, Director of Programming, CTI
- Briana Lutz, 39, Director of Human Resources, PTG
- Andie Mace, 27, Senior Product Marketing Manager, HP | Poly
- Samantha (Sam) O’Connell, 36, Senior Account Manager – Channel Sales, Sharp
- Taylor House, 31, Global Supply Chain Analyst, AVI-SPL
- Stephen Jenkins, 37, Chief Revenue Officer, Videri
- Frederick Loucks, 34, Independent Consultant and Educator
- Joe Bohna, 35, Director of AV Operations, Pearl Technology
- Jennifer Glitsos, 37, Product Manager, Client Applications, Mersive Technologies
- Luisa M. Lopez, 33, Pro AV Territory Manager, U.S. West, NETGEAR
- Erich Berger, 27, Junior Software Developer, Control Concepts, inc.
- Thomas W. Holt-Ronczy II, 32, Advanced Applications Engineer, Northeast, QSC LLC
- Megan Tubbs, 37, Chief Operating Officer, SAVI Controls
- Samantha Powell, 38, Manager of Industry Advocacy, AVIXA
Commercial Integrator’s 40 Influencers under 40, Class of 2024, is proudly sponsored by ADI, Clockaudio and TD SYNNEX.
Heidi Garrison, 39
Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder
RGR Partners
As the CEO of RGR Partners, Garrison has been consulting, sourcing and placing the top AV personnel within the U.S. for over eight years. She has built relationships and continues to maintain and service partnerships with more than 200 of the AV industry’s most recognized and reputable organizations and their leaders to ensure they attract and retain the best personnel our industry has to offer.
Shannon Humphrey, 39
President
SoundTube Entertainment, Inc.
Humphrey has been privileged to lead SoundTube Entertainment, Inc., since May of 2020. In that timeframe, the company has become a leader in Dante-enabled distributed audio, enabling its integrators to have unprecedented control and flexibility of their installs. It is also leading the way in re-shoring its manufacturing, and the company is currently capable of producing mass quantities of commercial-grade, UL-approved speakers in its Jacksonville, Fla., facility.
Fernando Hernandez Voigt, 38
Chief Technology Officer and Project Director
Musitempo SRL
Since 2002, Hernandez Voigt has been with Musitempo SRL, an audiovisual systems design and integration firm distributing over 40 brands. As CTO and project director, he develops and executes business opportunities. He specializes in AV integration, mass notification, crisis management, sound reinforcement, acoustical treatment, entertainment venues and smart homes. Key accomplishment: Designing and executing the most airports and cruise ship ports in the Caribbean.
Jhonneer Restrepo, 38
Senior Project Manager and Business Development Lead
Align Communications
As a senior project manager and business development lead specializing in workplace technology, Restrepo oversees the delivery of innovative tech projects that enhance workplace efficiency and drive organizational growth. His dual role involves managing cross-functional teams, developing strategic project plans and ensuring timely, high-quality project outcomes. Additionally, he focuses on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, conducting market research and forming strategic partnerships.
Dee Dee DeVoe, 39
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
TOTAL 2.0
DeVoe’s AV career culminated in founding TOTAL 2.0, following the path of her father, Ron DeVoe, CEO of TOTAL Marketing. Born and raised in AV, entering this incredible industry was inevitable. TOTAL 2.0, a rep agency in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, thrives on forging new relationships and connecting manufacturers with integrators, fostering growth and innovation. Her relationships with integrators and manufacturers have been key to her accomplishments.
Jon Broadbent, 35
Principal
Senticon Design
Senticon Design delivers top-tier AV/telecom design consulting and BIM solutions with a focus on accuracy, speed and innovation. Broadbent leads a team providing efficient solutions for the AEC and AV industry. Key achievements include active roles in growth strategies, networking and business development, while creating new tools and methods and fostering team development to achieve excellence.
Philip Courtney, 33
Engineering Manager
Electrosonic
As an engineering manager at Electrosonic, Courtney has had the privilege of tackling exciting challenges. In his relatively short tenure, he has identified hurdles within the team and spearheaded the implementation of streamlined systems and processes. Collaborating company-wide, Electrosonic has elevated its engineering capabilities. And, just between us, he has been fortunate to work on some top-secret, mind-blowing projects — though his lips are sealed!
Zach Valigura, 34
Vice President of Integration and Delivery
AVI Systems
As the vice president of integration and delivery at AVI Systems, Valigura leads the company’s unified approach to integration services, encompassing standards, processes, engineering and project delivery. He created and scaled the Global Enterprise Program Management team, built a unique operational model for the Velocity brand, and focuses on delivering exceptional operational experiences for both customers and employees. He also steers global standards for the GPA.
Tim Archambault, 35
Sales Executive
Solutions360 Inc.
Archambault is the leading sales executive at Solutions360, dedicated to helping integrators streamline their operations. With a passion for enhancing efficiency, driving profitability and enabling scalability, he leverages innovative software solutions to deliver exceptional value to clients. His background as a national sales director and sales operations manager in the audiovisual industry provides him with a unique insight into the challenges integrators face, allowing him to offer tailored solutions.
Matt Wall, 28
Field Application Engineer
McCann Systems
Wall is currently a field application engineer (FAE) and has been working for McCann for the past five years. As a FAE, he has been involved in many stages of the project — from early design to handing off the project. He has worked on corporate headquarters with hundreds of conference rooms, multi-purpose rooms, boardrooms, live production setups and sports betting arenas. McCann works on a lot of custom projects, and they are his favorite!
E Williams, 34
Audio-Video Designer II
Henderson Engineers
At Henderson Engineers, E. has blossomed into their newest role of designing AV systems for stadiums and other large venues. Throughout their decade-long career, they’ve been passionate about communication and curating environments where people can reach their full potential. This carries over into E.’s DEI work — from being part of the AVIXA Women’s Council to co-leading Henderson’s LGBTQ+ people resource group.
Jennifer Eagen, 35
UCC Business Development Manager
AVI-SPL
In her role at AVI-SPL, Eagen optimizes UCC business outcomes through Cisco Collaboration. She is most proud of serving as co-chair of Elevate, Gender Equity in Tech ERG, championing equity through inclusive environments and leadership support. Another proud achievement includes the first Reimagine Workspace Partner of the Year recognition at AVI-SPL, which brought key initiatives to life by translating business objectives into action. She is committed to advancing technology and promoting inclusion.
Morgan Glandorf, 31
Director of Services
Exertis Almo
Glandorf is part of the team that defines and manages processes for current services such as design, engineering, installation, programming and commissioning. She also leads the very capable team responsible for selling services and some of the team that supports post-sale, such as installation. Last, but certainly not least, she helps to identify and build out new services programs, such as remote installation support and programming consultation.
James Krumhansl, 38
Audiovisual Systems Design Leader
DLR Group
As audiovisual systems design leader, Krumhansl is responsible for the AV discipline and supports projects in coordination with other design team members. In this role, he leads the management of AV design deliverables, scope, fees, team assignments and other operational duties. He serves as the primary point of contact for integrated design team pursuits, proposals, fees and interviews.
Dan Wallace, 39
Director of Marketing
Epiphan Video
Wallace is the director of marketing at Epiphan Video, where he leads creative content strategies and champions cutting-edge video capture, recording and streaming solutions. He’s been a key player in bringing the Pearl series to market through brand engagement, award-winning content and case studies. His leadership, creativity and infectious passion for technology have significantly contributed to Epiphan’s growth and industry recognition.
Matthew Taylor, 38
Director of Operations
Johnson AV
As director of operations, he oversees daily operations, strategic planning and budget management, leading and developing a team of managers and technical experts.
Career highlights include implementing and designing the CN Tower’s Edge Walk AV experience, overseeing Canon Canada’s head office (featured in CI in 2018), and managing the Toronto Stock Exchange’s broadcast studio, Windsor University’s esports arena (2023 GPA Educational Award) and Scotiabank Arena (2024 MONDO Award).
Michael Stammire, 38
General Manager
Avidex
As GM, Stammire has the autonomy to manage the P&L of the Southern California branch, akin to running his own company. He’s responsible for all business aspects. With 125 employees, the team contributed $60 million to Avidex’s total systems revenue last year. Previously, as the VP of procurement, he centralized purchasing for Avidex nationally while developing the Avidex Strategic Partner Program. Today, he still sits on various industry councils.
Kasey Kaumans, 39
Eastern Regional Sales Manager
Listen Technologies
Kaumans’ role is to help educate and engage the industry on the importance of delivering the right messaging at the right time. Everyone deserves an exceptional listening experience in any environment, and that is his goal for everyone! In his 17-year tenure at Listen, he has assisted in the deployment of assistive-listening or interpretation systems in everything from smaller HOWs to the largest stadiums and cruise ships worldwide.
Mike Walker, 39
Engineering Director
IVCi
In his current role, Walker is responsible for all new design and engineering engagements. This requires his team and he to stay up to date with all new trending and emerging technologies for the designs IVCi deploys. Some of his accomplishments include being CTS-I and CTS-D, as well as AQAV CQT certified. He has also been the driving force behind several multi-million-dollar-plus projects across the country.
Ciaran Hamilton, 38
CEO
Audio Visual Professionals, Inc.
As CEO of Audio Visual Professionals, Inc. (AVPros), Hamilton is committed to improving the overall experience for customers by focusing on services that matter most. The company has achieved this thanks to its exceptional team supporting this vision. Prior to launching AVPros, one of his career highlights was working in Cisco’s Collaboration Technology Group, where the team successfully launched multiple immersive videoconferencing products and earned some design patents!
Kiersten Gibson, 36
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
REACH Media Network
Gibson has been instrumental in advancing the SaaS aspect of the business and fostering long-lasting partnerships that enhance REACH’s revenue, customer success and growth strategies. Remarkably, she has topped sales for eight consecutive years. She is actively involved in the DSF community, serving on the Board of Directors as an elected member. A recognized thought leader in the industry, she received the Emerging Talent Award in 2023.
Tony Fragale, 28
Key Account Manager
Starin
Fragale’s current role at Starin is as an account manager for national and central region accounts. He has consistently helped grow and foster these accounts, but his true accomplishment is becoming the key source of information for his vendors and customers. Getting his customers fast and accurate information, while remaining attentive to the project, has been the largest contributor to his success.
Joel Mulpeter, 37
Director, Product Marketing
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Mulpeter runs product marketing for Crestron’s commercial products. His team and he are key in building messaging for new product launches, developing roadmap presentations, running beta programs and building out all content from trade shows to website feature pages. He started his career with Crestron at age 19 in the company’s Sydney office, before spending four years in Singapore looking after pre-sales and marketing across Asia.
Stephanie Hull (formerly Shomper), 36
National Account Manager
Legrand AV
In her current role, Hull helps drive growth and strengthen relationships with national integration partners across all Legrand AV brands. This role includes strategic planning and collaboration with customers and internal teams to deliver tailored solutions, training and support.
Krystle Murphy, 39
Director, Communications
AVIXA
Murphy joined AVIXA in 2016 and now leads communications for the association. She played an integral role in the 2017 AVIXA brand launch and COVID-19 crisis communications. She works with the AV trade press globally to communicate AVIXA’s initiatives. She collaborated with The New York Times to spotlight students with a passion for AV and National Geographic for the story “How Your Eyes Make Sense of the World.”
Paul Wells, 34
Sales Manager
CCS Presentation Systems
Wells, an AV industry expert with seven-and-a-half years of experience, has excelled as a sales manager at CCS for the past one-and-a-half years. Leading a successful sales team of six while managing strategic accounts, he continually exceeds quotas while spearheading exciting projects like Arizona’s first large-format 3D holographic videowall. His leadership continues to drive exceptional results and innovation.
Mike Krejci, 38
Director of Programming
CTI
As CTI’s director of programming, Krejci leads a team of programmers, UI designers and remote-support specialists and has been instrumental in a multi-year plan to roll out a new internal version control platform that went live this year. He helped develop and currently assists in instructing the curriculum for CTI’s Integration Boot Camp. He contributes to the AV industry by advising manufacturers through partnerships, feedback and other beta programs.
Briana Lutz, 39
Director of Human Resources
PTG
Lutz has been in the AV industry with PTG for 14 years, serving as a one-woman HR department for over a decade. She, as director of HR, is responsible for strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance and more. She is SHRM-CP certified and a proud member of the Southeast Michigan MichBusiness HR Peer Group and the Livingston Area HR Association (LAHRA).
Andie Mace, 27
Senior Product Marketing Manager
HP | Poly
Mace manages the launch of new HP | Poly videoconferencing products. Her area of expertise is in USB videobars, webcams and smart camera technology. She has crafted sales-enablement materials and conducted training sessions for internal teams, external partners and resellers. Additionally, she has curated informational video content showcasing innovative product features for external audiences.
Samantha (Sam) O’Connell, 36
Senior Account Manager – Channel Sales
Sharp
O’Connell started as a temporary inside sales rep in 2011 at NEC Display Solutions and was offered a full-time position later that year. Since then, she has managed many integrators and NSPs. And, for the last several years, she has managed the strategy and day-to-day operations of the company’s largest reseller partner. She has launched tools and training to enable better product knowledge and simplified sales processes.
Taylor House, 31
Global Supply Chain Analyst
AVI-SPL
House supports AVI-SPL’s Global SC (GSC) team through leading interdepartmental kaizen events and focused improvement workshops, focused on areas such as freight and storage costing, project management work balancing, freight billing with AP, and developing processes for the company’s regional fabrication and warehouse centers. She also serves as IT product owner for GSC to help ensure that digital tools support AVI-SPL’s short- and long-term goals.
Stephen Jenkins, 37
Chief Revenue Officer
Videri
As CRO at Videri, Jenkins leads profitable growth through a strategic shift to a channel-first strategy and global expansion in key markets. He oversees global sales, marketing, revenue operations, engineering and support. In Jenkins’ first year, the company has expanded global channel resellers to over 100, significantly increasing distribution. Its pipeline has grown over 1,000%, exceeding nine figures, with a projected 300% year-over-year revenue increase.
Frederick Loucks, 34
Independent Consultant and Educator
An alumnus of two Fortune 200 enterprises and two SCN Top 50 integrators, Loucks has become a leading industry expert on monitoring for AV systems. By day, he’s a product manager at Zoom. By night, he offers consulting, education and software services centered on monitoring and open AV. Loucks builds and teaches a series of industry-leading courses on monitoring, including a three-day course done in partnership with AVIXA.
Joe Bohna, 35
Director of AV Operations
Pearl Technology
Bohna leads a team of talented AV professionals who provide nationwide audiovisual integration services to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Last year, he formed several employee-led committees focused on improving service quality and efficiency. Last year’s initiatives fostered new client partnerships and helped surpass profit goals by $1.25 million. Currently, he’s focused on cultivating industry interest among K-12 and higher-education students, expanding awareness and opportunities.
Jennifer Glitsos, 37
Product Manager, Client Applications
Mersive Technologies
Glitsos leads the development of innovative wireless sharing and AV routing solutions that improve collaboration and learning in both enterprise and education settings. Her focus on user-centric design streamlines the process of onboarding devices and connecting to and presenting on displays. Her work on hybrid-meeting solutions ensures remote participants are integrated using in-room peripherals to enhance collaboration between onsite and remote users.
Luisa M. Lopez, 33
Pro AV Territory Manager, U.S. West
NETGEAR
Lopez began her career in 2016, working for a residential manufacturer rep firm; later, she moved into sales for a commercial AV distributor. She joined NETGEAR AV in summer 2023, leading U.S. west coast sales efforts. She spearheaded an AV-over-IP training initiative with the support of NETGEAR’s Pro AV Design Team to drive industry education. A proud Mexican American female, Lopez aims to inspire women to take on leadership roles.
Erich Berger, 27
Junior Software Developer
Control Concepts, Inc.
As a junior software developer at Control Concepts, Berger manages the support for the company’s plugins, modules and drivers. Along with this, he develops Extron control systems using Global Scripter. In between these, he has begun learning CCI’s methodologies for software development.
Thomas W. Holt-Ronczy II, 32
Advanced Applications Engineer, Northeast
QSC LLC
As a technical liaison for QSC’s integration partners and their end users, Holt-Ronczy helps design solutions, review existing drawings and write custom code to solve complex AV design problems. For the last two years, he has worked on the company’s InfoComm build team, and being a part of building an experience that continues to wow and amaze year after year has been really special to him.
Megan Tubbs, 37
Chief Operating Officer
SAVI Controls
Tubbs serves as COO of SAVI Controls, a growing control and automation platform developer. Previously, she was vice president of operations at Diem Digital. She began working with enterprise clients in 2009. Then, after significant growth on the integration side of the business, the team launched SAVI and began bringing it to market in 2010. She guided and shepherded the organization’s transition from technology integrator to manufacturer and developer.
Samantha Powell, 38
Manager of Industry Advocacy
AVIXA
Samantha Powell, AVIXA’s manager of industry advocacy, plays a crucial role in developing educational content and hosting on AVIXA TV. With three years in the AV industry, she has helped amplify prominent voices in the industry and championed diversity. Her insightful work on AVIXA TV and engaging in difficult topics on Beyond Visual Podcasts significantly enhances industry knowledge-sharing and inclusivity, fostering a more inclusive pro AV community.
Don’t forget to think about whom you’d like to nominate to our 40 Influencers Under 40 list next year! In spring 2025, we’ll begin announcing how to participate by nominating your favorites.
