CEDIA, the global membership association for the home technology industry, has recognised five individuals for the annual CEDIA Volunteer of the Year awards, including one Australia-based recipient.

These awards are presented to those who have made essential contributions to association programs over the past year.

The 2022 CEDIA Volunteers of the Year are:

• Certification Volunteer of the Year – Andy Baker (UK)
• Education Volunteer of the Year – Rob Hileman (US)
• New Volunteer of the Year – Jake Fuller (AUS)
• Standards Volunteer of the Year – David Tkachuk (US)
• Volunteer of the Year – Mark Warburton (UK)

CEDIA global president and chief executive, Daryl Friedman, says: “I want to extend my sincerest thanks and congratulations to Andy, Rob, Jake, David, and Mark on being named CEDIA’s 2022 Volunteers of the Year. Given that so much volunteerism happens behind the scenes, it is my honour to bring these deserving individuals to the forefront. Their contributions – given freely outside of their own endeavours – continue to strengthen the entire CEDIA channel.”

Andy Baker currently serves on the CEDIA Certification Commission, which focuses on creating globally recognised certifications for those entering and progressing within the industry. Previously, he served as Chair of CEDIA UK. Outside of volunteerism, the industry veteran leans on his 50 years of experience in telecoms and technology to provide contemporary living and working solutions for clients throughout Europe.

Rob Hileman has held various sales and human resources management roles for CEDIA member companies in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. markets. He was also an instructional design consultant for federal clients and as part of an internal corporate training team. Most recently, he had the opportunity to recruit talent for his company while volunteering on educational and workforce development efforts for CEDIA.

Jake Fuller is the owner and director of the integration firm, Automated Audio Visual. Outside of his business, he spends time volunteering in various CEDIA working groups and as a CEDIA Outreach Instructor (COI). He also hosts the Home Tech Talk weekly podcast, covering all things home technology.

David Tkachuk is an audio product manufacturer for Audy Instruments, Inc. Alongside his AV integration company, Tkachuk Associates, Tkachuk started Symbol Logic, a company that streamlines the AV drawing process and application for installers. Tkachuk now applies his technical experience to help integration firms, individuals, and associations like CEDIA, while simultaneously continuing his passion for learning.

Mark Warburton runs Ivory Egg UK, a specialist KNX distributor and training provider, and is a director of the global Ivory Egg Group. His wide-ranging experience has evolved into a passion to educate and support dealers and integrators in running profitable businesses and delivering award-winning projects. He advocates for a better understanding of the building technology industry via trade bodies such as CEDIA and KNX UK.

CEDIA recognised the Volunteers of the Year globally during the 2022 CEDIA Awards ceremonies. To watch a replay of the events, visit cedia.net/awards. To learn more about CEDIA’s volunteer efforts and how to get involved, visit cedia.net/volunteer.