CEDIA has named the global organization’s 2019 volunteers of the year recognized in three categories: a new volunteer, an education volunteer, and an overall volunteer. Honorees are nominated by CEDIA staff for contributions that enhance, develop, and refine the organization’s programs and offerings.
“Giving back to the industry is the backbone of what CEDIA is all about, and this year’s honorees are true standouts for their volunteerism,” said CEDIA Global President and Chief Executive Officer Tabatha O’Connor. “The industry and the organization thrive when members lend their expertise to the rest of the world. Please join me in congratulating Geoff Meads, Jamie Briesemeister, and Michael Robinson for demonstrating leadership in action through the hard work they’ve put in to nurture the industry and drive it forward.”
The 2019 Volunteers of the Year are:
Geoff Meads — Volunteer of the Year
Presto Web Design
Geoff Meads has been involved with CEDIA since the mid-2000s. The 30-year AV business veteran is now owner of Presto, a UK-based web design agency specializing in the smart home, Hi-Fi, and home cinema markets. He’s been contributing to CEDIA training and e-learning courses for more than 15 years and has served as a regular instructor during that time.
Meads’s years of service as a CEDIA volunteer include several CEDIA working groups (designer, instructor, technical, standards, and certification), plus five years serving on the Professional Development Advisory Council. Recently, he’s taken an active role in the UK Smart Home Apprenticeship Trailblazer Committee. Meads is perhaps best known as a CEDIA EMEA & Global Awards judge, serving on the technical judging committee since 2010 and, in recent years, as chairman of the EMEA region judging panel.
Geoff is a long-term instructor who holds CEDIA ESC-T, ESC-D, and ESC-N certifications. He has made a name for himself as a trusted subject matter expert, podcast guest, coach, and mentor who has boosted all facets of the organization and industry.
Jamie Briesemeister — Education Volunteer of the Year
Integration Controls
Integration Controls Managing Principal, Jamie Briesemeister, dove head-first into CEDIA education shortly after becoming a member in 2005, taking as many courses as possible to fill the schedule at her first EXPO.
She began volunteering on the Professional Development Advisory Council, then as a co-chair of the Business Xchange task force, in class instruction, and is currently the Business Working Group Chair. Her selfless dedication to CEDIA and the home technology industry is showcased through collaboration with multiple facets of the organization, including currently serving on the Industry Relations Advisory Council, where she often speaks on behalf of CEDIA members to design/build professionals in formal and informal educational sessions.
Briesemeister, who was named CEDIA Volunteer of the Year in 2015, was quoted on her nomination form saying “I care about CEDIA and this industry!” This continues to be evidenced by her efforts inside CEDIA events and through outreach to her community in St. Louis, Missouri.
Michael Robinson — New Volunteer of the Year
Perfect Integration Limited
Michael joined Perfect Integration Ltd in 2012 as a project manager and soon after, became involved with CEDIA as a CEDIA Outreach Instructor.
Now as the project director, he has expanded his involvement in a big way this year, serving on the Industry Relations Advisory Council and on the Task Force for EMEA Continuing Professional Development Creation.
Outside the realm of home technology and integration, Michael has been a terrific driver of engagement and action with the design and build community. Earlier this year, Michael earned his ESC-D certification from CEDIA.