International. Cedia's Board of Directors has announced the promotion of Tabatha O'Connor to act as President and Permanent CEO of CEDIA Global.
"Tabatha has proven to be an incredibly effective leader, working to make some of CEDIA's most important projects a reality," said David Humphries, President of CEDIA. "From the global lineup at the show's sale to our new venue, Tabatha has been the one carrying the torch across the finish line."
O'Connor joined the CEDIA team in 2002. During his tenure, he has led many different departments, including membership, finance, human resources, operations, and volunteer development. In 2015, O'Connor was promoted to COO, a role that allowed her to create structures and processes to manage the association's activities. She has extensive experience in association management and governance and has served as acting EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT and CEO since May 2017.
"I am honored to be named global president and CEO. I am passionate about building this industry and providing our members with the tools they need to succeed. The organization is at a very exciting pivot point as we implement our new strategic plan, build our new global headquarters that will serve as a resource for our members and our industry, and to expand CEDIA's educational programming around the world," said O'Connor.
O'Connor is the treasurer of the board of directors of Integrated Systems Events, the CEDIA and AVIXA management company that produces ISE, the world's largest trade show for professionals in the audiovisual and AV systems industry, among others.
She also serves as treasurer of the board of ESPA (Electronic Systems Professional Alliance). In 2016, Dealerscope chose her as one of its Powerful Women in Consumer Technology. Prior to CEDIA, O'Connor worked in the administration of associations in the construction and utilities industry.
Three-year strategy
The Association also announced the results of its new strategic plan that will prioritize the work of the association over the next three years. Developed jointly by CEDIA staff and board of directors, with input from members and guidance from strategy expert Rebecca Homkes, the plan points to significant progress and leadership in three key areas: education; increase professionalism through standards, guidelines and best practices; and a deeper commitment and partnership with the design and construction community.
"The strategy process provided an unparalleled opportunity to align the values, interests and contributions of all of CEDIA's key stakeholders," said David Humphries, president of CEDIA. "We have been able to build a consensus on what CEDIA's success should look like at the end of this strategy and how we will get there as an organization."
Tabatha O'Connor, President and CEO of CEDIA Global, added: "CEDIA is committed to members and their success, and this process created clarity around priorities that provide the most significant benefit to them individually and to the industry as a whole.
For 2018, CEDIA has scheduled more than 50 regional training events in 12 countries. CEDIA's education offerings will be available in the US, Canada and Europe, as well as India, Colombia, Australia and China.
The second area of focus is the creation of standards, the development of best practices and the definition of guidelines to raise professionalism and achieve the success of members and the industry.
