The 13th annual 40 Influencers Under 40 celebrates young professionals forging the future of AV.
the Rising Stars
AI generated with Adobe Firefly and Gemini 3.1 (Nano Banana 2)
Yasser Abdelkader
Director of Sales, Solotech
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’ll find him on the hardwood floor.
Yasser Abdelkader
Patrick Angielczyk
Patrick Angielczyk
Audio-Visual Technologist, Mohawk College
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
Eva Beens
PR Manager, WyreStorm Technologies
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
Brittney Bemb
EVP of Operations, Promotion Technology Group
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
Nii Bruce-Vanderpuije
Director — Rollouts & Named Accounts, Diversified
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
Brandon Brunhammer
Practice Director; Simulation, Enterprise Broadcast and Enterprise Mission Critical, AVI-SPL
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 entertain-ment 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 Burke
Vanessa (Tolisano) Burke
Program Manager, CTI
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
Galen Chisholm
Team Lead System Architect, Solutions360 Inc.
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
Katherine Donahoe
Engineering Manager, Advanced Network Devices
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
Sapan Doshi
Chief Product and Revenue Officer, Bolin Technology
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
Ellesse Fehlberg
Director of Global Marketing, GPA
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
Nathan Firesheets
Director of Technology & Innovation, AV-Tech Media Solutions
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
Jay Gough
Software Developer,
Control Concepts, Inc.
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
Dan Griffin
Pro AV Territory Manager, NETGEAR
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
Louis Hoxter, CTS
Director of Technical Operations, LinkLab Services, Almo Pro AV
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
Jesse Humphrey
SVP of Marketing, Diversified
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
Stewart Ives
VP of Product & Solutions, SNA Displays
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
Elliot Johnsen
Service Operations Manager, IMS Technology Services
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
Irma Karpaviciute
Marketing Manager, UK&I, AVI-SPL
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
Judith Kensicki, DSCE
Business Development Manager, Almo Pro AV
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
Jonathan Langberg
Solutions Designer, Electrosonic
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
Bea Lim
Campaign Marketing Manager, Solutionz, Inc.
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
Michael Mancini
Field Engineering Manager, IMS Technology Services
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
Matt Morgan
VP of Business Development — Corporate AV, EVS
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
Caitlyn Nasser
Director of Business Enablement, FORTÉ
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
Zach Ortega
Key Accounts Manager, TeleDynamics
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
Brandon Lee Paarfus
Regional Warehouse Manager, AVI-SPL
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
Joey Palkowitch
Director of Commercial Audio Sales, AtlasIED
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
Garrison Park
Sr. Distribution Account Manager, Sony Electronics
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
Mitch Parsons
Sr. AV Solutions Engineer, BugID Inc.
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
Al Ragone
Regional Applications Engineering Manager, McCann Systems
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
Kevin Rhodus
Manager — Platform Integration Team, Q-SYS / QSC
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
Sasha Scherlinsky
Key Account Manager, Solotech
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
Cara Shannon
Sr. Manager, Product Marketing, Crestron Electronics
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
Michael Short
VP Marketing Operations & Residential, Crestron Electronics
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
Kelsey Shutt
Audiovisual Programmer, Iowa State University
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
Megan Strom
Sr. Manager, Global Partner Marketing, QSC
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
Daniel Tapolow
CTO, i-AVPRO
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
Kati Thompson
Sr. Education Brand Manager, Midwich US
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
Makenna Wright
Customer Support Coordinator, Solutionz Inc.
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, passionate “Wicked” fan and frequent concert-goer