The members voted and elected two new new Directors:

Sean Fields – EcoXpert Business Manager, Schneider Electric

Sean has been a system integrator in the USA since 1986. His company earned numerous awards and accolades throughout the years to include Home Automation and Networking Association’s Dealer of the Year; CEDIA’S Best Model Home System Award and multiple service support awards.
 
He has been intensely involved in industry groups and trade associations to include being a member of the Board of Directors of CEDIA International for 7 years. Serving as Treasurer for 3.5 years and set up many of our International Chapters, including Australia. Additionally served on the Board of Directors of the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association, based in Washington D.C.) for 3 years. As well as past positions on the Board of Directors of the TecHome Association and PARA (Professional Audio/Video Retailers Association).

His scope of work includes multiple and highly visible projects such as custom design work for the Burg Hotel in Dubai; launching CEDIA in seven countries; and providing research, education and technology symposiums on a global basis. He has created successful Technology Packages for Developers and Builders. He continues to network with many top industry leaders about emerging and disruptive technologies.

Sean is proud to call himself Australian after earning his citizenship in 2012.

Frank Di Bartolo, C.E.O, Pacific Hi-Fi
 
Frank has always had a passion and love for “Better Sound” and had been enthralled with the combination of Lighting, Film and Music could do to bring joy and entertainment into the world. This passion is still as strong today as it was in 1975!
 
Frank started out in the Hi Fi Industry working at Miranda Hi Fi back in October 1975 and as the saying goes, liked the  job so much he bought the business  (at least a franchise) in October 1978 and went on to open 3 more stores under the Miranda Hi Fi banner.  In 1989 the break from Miranda Hi Fi franchise saw the launch of Pacific HF.
 
From day go, Frank was always looking for a way to deliver “Better Sound” and a “Better Experience” for his client’s and staff. In the early days, like so many other dedicated audio retailers of that time, Frank would help a client choose some sound gear and then after the store closed, would load the gear in his car, then deliver and install in the clients home or office.
 
A lot of technology has come and gone over the years and keeping up with the “latest” has its challenges. Picking trends or the next hot product or technology has been something that Frank has dedicated years to.  Frank has travelled to many local and international trade shows including CES, IFA and of course CEDIA International and Australasia Trade shows. 
 
Training, Education and “Giving Back Service” are key mantras that Frank has believed in all along.  For more than 30 years, Frank has trained and supervised over 100 individuals employees, many are well known & still in the industry today!
 
Frank will be the first to tell you, “If you want a bigger slice of the pie, go out and make the pie bigger.” His belief in education, training and supplying service is his way making the pie bigger! 

At the AGM, CEDIA members also elected a new chairman, vice chairman and exectuive officer.

Chairman – Eris McCarthy, Eris McCarthy Pty Ltd

Eris established his Technical Services Contracting organization in 1985 and since that time has traded in most aspects of the electrical, communications, security and automation industries. He holds qualifications in electrical, communications and industrial digital electronics.
 
His company has completed projects on the Eastern Seaboard of NSW and QLD, remote areas of NSW and the Northern Territory, as well as automation projects in Vietnam, China and Thailand.
 
The company has also been carrying out radio site communication construction projects for major communications carriers throughout NSW for many years and has over recent times been installing remote area solar power systems in remote outback communities and commercial scale grid connected solar systems for regional councils and schools.
 
Eris is supported by long term highly trained staff who have been quietly contracting in the field of household electronics for many years having completed some of the NSW Central Coast’s most prestigious custom electronic projects. His company is the recipient of seven major contracting industry awards including the Gold Award for Innovation Works in the Solar Power Industry.
He is a founding member of the Clean Energy Council of Australia.
 
Eris is the Chairman of the NECA National Safety Committee, a position he has held for many years, and has recently held the position of NSW WorkCover Safety Ambassador.  He has served on the Board of CEDIA Asia Pacific for the past twelve months.

Vice Chairman –  Brendon Reid, AA Group Ltd.

Brendon began installing smart home technology in the 1980’s building his first home automation system at the age of 12.
 
In 1995 while at Auckland University studying engineering and computer network architecture, he founded Automation Associates which has grown to be one of New Zealand’s most successful high end custom installation businesses.
 
Expanding into import and distribution, commercial integration, and the digital healthcare market, AA Group of technology companies now employs 40 staff with offices across New Zealand.
 
Brendon delivers seminars on home automation design and lectures on custom installation both locally and internationally.
 
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, if you can’t find him at the local with friends he will be tinkering with alternative energy projects in his shed.

Executive Officer – Alexis Caldwell

Alexis has joined the CEDIA staff on Monday’s and Thursday’s.  She offers CEDIA an array of information from both the supply side (7 years) and installation side (9 years) of the industry.   Having been a CEDIA member since 1997, attended her first Expo for education in 1999 and began exhibiting at CEDIA Expo in 2008 in Australia, New Zealand and China, she understands firsthand what the advantages of CEDIA branding may provide for all those NOT affiliated with the Association.  This includes trade professionals from Builder’s, Architects, Interior Designers, Electricians and ultimately the Home Owner.
 
Having attended uncountable CEDIA US, CEDIA Asia Pacific and Integrated Systems Europe, she has interacted with membership companies world-wide and can pass along the various methods on how CEDIA works for all members globally.
 
Her 4 year term as an Asia Pacific Board of Directors, primarily focusing on the Expo and PR side of the association has come to an end.  However, she looks forward to the continued input she can provided to the association, assisting newcomer’s within the AV industry on how to maximise CEDIA for you and your staff and most importantly, educating the homeowner on how important CEDIA members are when they are building or renovating their home.

The complete list of CEDIA Asia Pacific Board of Directors is:

• Harry Simidis 
• Craig Samson
• Brendon Reid
• Frank Di Bartolo
• Eris McCarthy
• Sean Fields

 
The Directors’ roles will be announced early in the New Year.