Tabatha O’Connor, Global President and CEO of CEDIA, will depart the association at the end of her contact period in January.
O’Connor spent 18 years, overseeing a lot of transformation at the association, which serves the custom integration and design community. In 2016, the association integrated its North American and worldwide operations to form a single integrated global organization, resulting in more efficient operations, more consistent member experience, and a stronger brand presence. In 2017, CEDIA sold its North American tradeshow to Emerald Expositions while retaining ownership of the education program.
In 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CEDIA launched a series of global virtual events. The CEDIASTRONG series of webinars, roundtables, and event has engaged thousands of CEDIA members since April 2020, says the association, and resulted in new resources for the residential custom integration community, including the new CEDIASTRONG Scholarship Fund. “O’Connor’s leadership during this tumultuous period has helped CEDIA to stay connected to its member community and provide timely resources to address the crisis,” says CEDIA.
“The CEDIA board is grateful for Tabatha’s leadership in executing a number of critical strategic initiatives over the last three years,” says CEDIA Board Chair Robert Sutherland. “She has helped CEDIA transition from a trade show organization to an industry association focused squarely on meeting its members most critical needs. She leaves us well positioned to continue as the global leader in custom integration education, training, certification, and workforce development.”
CEDIA will launch a global search for a new President and CEO over the next several months. In the interim, O’Connor will transition her duties to the CEDIA board of directors.
CEDIA is the global trade association for residential technology, providing members with education and developing standards of professionalism. As the industry’s only certifying body, CEDIA furthers collaboration with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to deliver technology solutions.