Meet Your CTS Steering Committee
The AVIXA™ CTS® Steering Committee is made up of dedicated individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Read on to learn about their journey into the AV industry, their path to CTS, and what they’d like current and prospective CTS holders to know.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I started out working for Live Nation Tours as an A2 for live theatre. In 2006, I started as a ProI started out working for Live Nation Tours as an A2 for live theatre. In 2006, I decided that integration was a better fit for me, professionally, and I strive to bring my knowledge of end-user experience and live production to the AV world.
I am currently a Senior Design Engineer with ProMedia Audio Video (under the Clair Global Integration umbrella), and love working on stadiums, arena, broadcast systems, and anything else thrown my way.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
As a young professional with a live audio education and work history, the basic concepts of integration were a subject I had never broached. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had great mentors but have always been interested in furthering my education. And the CTS accreditation provided both education and a path to further my career, so I got myself certified shortly after getting into the industry.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
The CTS, CTS-D, and CTS-I have certainly opened up professional avenues that wouldn’t have been available without them. And it’s been substantially helpful to my companies as we’re able to go after larger, more complex projects that have higher design requirements. Without my current certifications, I’m not sure what my career would have looked like, but I hope to help others use them to achieve their own goals.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
The AV industry is exploding. With newer generations bucking the trends of professionalism at every turn, it’s never been more important to be able to access the people and information you need. As with any booming industry, the talent pool is varied, so creating some structure ultimately makes everyone’s jobs easier and more satisfying.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
Constant updating of your education is imperative to succeeding in this industry. Always make sure you’re not resting on your laurels and getting too comfortable.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I have worked in the AV industry for 23 years now, starting in Rental and Staging and currently in AV Design and Integration as a Senior Account Manager.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
Back in 2000 I wanted to obtain a certification that could set me apart from competition. I was able to find a study class led by an AV Manufacturer and after completing the classes I set out to the testing facility! I’m very glad that I did.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
I am really happy that I can list CTS as a certification achieved! It was a goal that I am proud I reached, and it has helped my career over the years by showing my dedication to the industry and my overall AV knowledge.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
I love to give back and be involved. I thought this would be a great committee, where I can work alongside others who are like minded helping the CTS community.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
The AV industry has been fun to work in for all of these years. I continue to encourage other candidates who have interest in the industry to educate yourself and set goals for each credential you would like to obtain! You can do it!
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I started my work history in the industry pulling cable through attics and crawl spaces, moved to showing and telling others how to pull cable through attics and crawl spaces, now I am designing what cables to install in those attics and crawl spaces. I mention this not so much as a work history, but as a high-level view of this tight knit and remarkable industry. Most of us here have worn many hats, and at some point or another, multiples. We work closely together toward goals in a field that most of us truly love.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
The answer to both of these questions is yes. Depending on where I was in my career, the CTS certification helped in different ways. As an install tech it helped me to prove that I wanted to move forward in the trade and was instrumental in moving to management. While in management, I continued to take classes needed to remain certified, which had helped with the knowledge base needed to excel in those positions. Now as a consultant I understand, and help my clients understand, the need to use CTS certified integrators to perform the work on their systems.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
I love this industry. There are not many professions with this type of comradery. Of course, competition is intense, but we are all AV geeks at heart. I wanted to serve on the committee because I realize that with all the amazing assets we have in AV, it’s these “geeks” and that communal attitude that is unique and amazing. In order to foster these assets, we need to improve on them. Giving a path for improvement through certification is the best way to do that.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
Our industry is one of the most fast paced and innovative in the world. We tend to skirt that thin line between technology and art like no other. This makes it necessary for us to have unique people who can work in both worlds. Because of the uniqueness of these folks, it is important to make sure that progression is not stunted. I love the fact that the certification path provides a way for us to progress with like-minded individuals in an industry that we are passionate about.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
My dad started Electro Acoustics in 1984, having worked for his father doing residential audio. I was six years old when we completed the sound system for the Texas Rangers’ Ballpark and my dad took me on a site visit. That day I realized that our industry provides the experience and the magic to the public, more than any other trade. After graduating with a degree from Texas A&M I started out as an installer: pulling wire, hanging speakers, and learning the fundamentals of install. I eventually grew to become a lead installer, project manager, customer support manager, and my current roles as an account manager and vice president and co-steward of Electro Acoustics. Learning the AV industry from the ground up has helped me solve problems and mentor others, passing on the expertise and care shown to me.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
My company identified that the CTS program was potentially valuable and urged me to get my CTS accreditation early in my career. After a few months of studying I attempted, and failed, my CTS. I doubled down on my efforts and applied myself, pouring over coursework and gaining valuable on-the-job experience. My second attempt was successful and by the time I had gained my CTS-I, I’ve learned an enormous amount. As a result, we adopted certifications as a prerequisite for promotions with no regrets.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
My goal from the beginning was to be the best version of myself. Having taken the technical track in the industry learning best practices, physics, and AV design was imperative. The surprising result of getting certified was the confidence that came along with it. Not the confidence to design and install AV system, though I was certainly more prepared than where I started, but the confidence to claim what I wanted out of life. Once someone decides to gain knowledge and pass a certification, they open up a world of career opportunities, but also begin to understand that learning is the key to a new life. That person will teach their children the value of education and create a generational cycle of value and growth. Seeing this effect in our company has been deep and rewarding, and all from teaching folks how to solder an XLR and size a display.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
Some of my strongest advocates in my career have served on the committee and been a driving force in communicating the importance of certification, education, and personal growth to the AV industry. The opportunity to influence others and return the favor was attractive and spending the time to connect with those seeking their CTS has been humbling.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
There’s no time like the present! There will always be work, hobbies, family, faith, friendships, and plenty of other worthwhile pursuits. However, making the time to gain knowledge and better oneself is the foundation that drives everything else. Find a mentor, join a study group, and be fearless about getting started.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
Started as a shipping assistant for a regional AV distributor, worked my way up to technical sales and support. After my initial CTS certification, my career started to pivot more towards design and engineering work – more thinking and less working with my hands. And while I still occasionally strap on my tool belt and pull wire, dress racks, and troubleshoot myriad hardware and fabrication concerns, my work is now more focused on understanding client needs and offering solutions tailored to fit.
What did your pathway to the CTS credential(s) look like?
My employer put a lot of emphasis on AVIXA (back then it was still InfoComm) certification. Once I got CTS® certified, I got a small raise and, after a year, a small promotion. When I got my CTS-I®, I found myself providing mentoring and leadership to other tech, helping them understand the value of standards and consistency. And finally, as I decided that I liked solving design issues, I finally passed my CTS-D® and commenced with customer-facing need analysis. With each new credential, my career advanced because my employer(s) but a high value on demonstrating understanding through the certification process.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
Definitely. My goal has been consistent improvement in abilities and understanding, and each AVIXA certification has advanced that agenda. My hope was to gain comfort with audio-visual integration from the bottom up, and today I can have confidence in all phases of the design, bid, build, and delivery process of complex AV systems.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
Industry leaders who I admired were serving, and I was encouraged by those who came before me. When the opportunity arose to be part of serving the industry that made my career, I made a decision to at least try to be part of the bigger picture. It worked out well and I am humbled by the chance to participate and contribute.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
Certification is the best pathway to advancement – I’ve seen it work for others and for me. Certification gives legitimacy to all aspects of any AV team, because is shows dedication and professionalism to overarching industry standards.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I’ve been working in the AV/IT industry for last 17 years. I completed college and started my career in AV/IT as an AV Engineer for a System Integrator company and continue to study for my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Since then, I’ve held a variety of roles – Design/Installation Engineer, Pre-sales Manager, Technical Program Manager and Deployment Manager with large scale integrators and end customers in India.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
I started exploring the AV certification in 2011 and started working on the OEM certification. Then, I came across AVIXA's CTS Certification program, and its Design and Install credentials. I made a commitment to achieve dual certification. However, at that time AVIXA training was not available in India. I continued to self-learn but major change came in 2015, when I was able to attend a CTS training in India. I was a proud CTS holder within a month of the training. I continued my education and earned my CTS-I in 2016 and my CTS-D in 2018. I also wrote a LinkedIn article on my journey to dual certifications.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
Yes, the CTS credential gave me insight and perspective to do things differently not only in AV but in life as well. It feeds into my hunger for continual learning and helped me build a learning habit. Additionally, it improved my design skills not only for AV but for IT as well. I picked the best practices for need analysis to capture customer's problem and solve them with innovative but frugal solutions. It helped me deliver results by eliminating waste to improving efficiency and earn my customer’s trust.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
I am always excited about learning new things and building strong relationships with people. I feel energized by connecting with people. I cultivate trustworthy and transparent environments to listen their challenges and provide suitable solutions while eliminating biases. I always try to learn new things and move out from my comfort zone for the opportunity to contribute towards betterment of organization, industry and society. Being a committee member provides me the opportunity to connect with people, learn new skills and contribute to the betterment of the industry.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
I would suggest all CTS candidates build a habit for continual learning and once certified they should advocate that learning to new generation of AV professionals and CTS candidates. I also advocate for persistence in the approach and never give up!! I failed the CTS-I exam on my first try but I was determined to have dual certification. I tried harder the next time and was able to pass my exam.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I have been working in the AV industry for the past 8 years. After completing my bachelor's degree in Engineering I started my career in 2013 with organization named Dynamix Media. My specialization in the AV industry is in live events, and I also did few projects in installation. I've done AV work in corporate conferences, summits, auto expos, car launches, and projection in monuments and buildings. My role was as a Project Manager and Lead Tech Operator in video. I'm always willing to learn more and new things. This leads to knowledge and creativity that’s what we need in the industry.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
In live events my main role was a Video Engineer and Project Lead in Video. In terms of my skill and professional growth, CTS is the perfect answer. My organization guided me to earn my CTS, to sharpen my skills, and extend my knowledge , I completed my CTS last year and looking forward to earning my CTS-D.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
Yes, the CTS credential is helping in achieving my goals. It broadens my view and perspective toward the AV. From being a Tech Lead, the CTS credential has helped me to be a Team lead or Project Lead. It's sharpened my leadership and client interaction and communication skills.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
It's a great opportunity to serve for an AVIXA committee; we have learned a lot from AVIXA. Being a member of committee, we can spread awareness and contribute to the AV industry. It's great opportunity to work with such great team of people and to learn and share ideas.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
CTS holders should always seek to learn new technology as well as up knowledge and skills over time. CTS candidates should have intense listening and communication skills to understand client needs and serve efficiently in the AV industry.
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
I started my career as a consultant with Talaske, a Chicago-based consultant in the performing arts. After a decade in consulting, I moved to the integration side of the industry to be at ground level of the projects I was interfacing with. I also currently serve as an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College and as part-time faculty for AVIXA’s 3-day course program at InfoComm.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
I got my CTS before I got my college diploma! I was anxious to learn more about the “V” of AV, since the degree program I was in taught audio only. The AVIXA online coursework (then ICIA) was my education in video and AV, and I achieved CTS my sophomore year. CTS-D and CTS-I came roughly a decade later.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
I’m excited to be able to create and chase numerous opportunities for my company as a CTS holder – from fulfilling project requirements to successfully pursuing APEX certification. Beyond this, CTS has helped me realize my love of education – if it weren’t for CTS, my opportunities to help train the next generation of industry professionals would simply not exist.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
The CTS and AVIXA™ – in its various forms – have been part of my career since before my career began. I was excited for an opportunity to help serve the program and the organization in a deeper way. The CTS program is also one of the very few ways to get an education in what we do as integrators – it’s critical that we create awareness of the program with the next generation.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
Wear your certification proudly! Looking back at how certification has impacted my career and my life, I can’t wait to start hearing others’ stories!
Can you tell us a bit about your work history?
Currently employed as a Vice President and partner of Mulvey & Banani Audio Visual Inc., I am a long-standing member of both the AES and AVIXA; holding a CTS-D for the past several years. With 18 years of experience in the AV industry, my main area of expertise lies in the creation of commercial and experiential installations combining light, sound, and video. Not content with a superficial or siloed system approach to AV Design, my focus has now expanded to the integration of AV with all related electrical and electronic systems (electrical/ power, IT/Comms, security, lighting and lighting controls, wayfinding, etc.) infrastructure and end user technologies. Before joining Mulvey & Banani, my career included extensive experience in live events including theatre productions, rental staging, and festival productions.
What did your pathway to the CTS® credential(s) look like?
After graduating with Honors in Audio Engineering from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART), I began my career in commercial AV contracting with side gigs in live event production for concerts, festivals and theatre. However it wasn’t until I was starting the AV division at a consulting firm that I began to yearn for CTS credentials. As I was rather young at the time, I knew that it would help to provide legitimacy both to my chosen profession and to myself as a working professional.
Has the CTS credential helped you achieve your goals? Or, has it helped you in ways you didn’t think of before?
Having CTS credentials has been critical to my career success. Not only does it give clout and recognition to the work I’m doing, but it highlights my dedication to our industry and my ongoing education within it. It has also proved to be a deciding factor in my company being chosen as the successful proponent for many projects.
The CTS credentials have also helped me and my company in unexpected ways: it has been a useful tool when mentoring new staff, it has become an incentive for my staff to work towards and lastly has afforded me the opportunity to speak with high education students about our industry – thus furthering my passion for formal industry education.
What influenced you to become a committee member?
I’ve always strived to be a leader in the audio visual industry and have volunteered on a variety of councils and committees throughout my career. Before applying for this position, I sat on both the AVIXA Young AV Professionals Council as well as the AVIXA Consultant Council, where I took great pride in contributing feedback and furthering stimulating industry conversations. However, I’ve always wanted to further expand my industry contributions. I was drawn to the AVIXA Certification Committee because of its strong reputation and my desire to help shape the established certifications they have created.
What would you like CTS candidates to know?
From a young age, AV has been my passion. I truly believe in the evolution and growth of our industry, and I understand the importance of lending one’s own experience and expertise to the mission. Having already made a habit of reviewing and commenting on almost all standards during their public review phase, I have joined the AVIXA Certification Committee with the desire to take on more of a leadership role within the process itself. I firmly believe in AVIXA’s strong reputation and more specifically, the established certifications that have created industry awareness with clients, architects, contractors and engineers alike and I will strive to use my new position to help continue this legacy.