Cedia, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, has extended Daryl Friedman’s contract as its Global President and CEO. Friedman’s initial term, set to expire late this year, has been extended to the end of 2027.
‘Daryl’s contract renewal as Cedia’s Global President and CEO is a testament to his outstanding leadership,’ says Alex Capecelatro, Chairperson of the Cedia Board of Directors. ‘I am personally thrilled to continue working as Chair alongside Daryl, and I look forward to our ongoing collaboration in advancing Cedia’s mission and serving our members.’
‘I’m committed to building upon the progress we’ve made across Cedia’s three pillars of Advocacy, Connection and Education,’ Friedman says. ‘Together with our committed Board of Directors, professional staff, dedicated volunteers and dynamic members, I am confident we can continue serving and shaping the future of the professional smart home technology industry.’
Friedman began his role as Cedia’s Global President and CEO in 2021. Before plotting a vision for the association, Friedman set out on a global ‘listening tour’ to understand both internal and external challenges and member needs. His people-first mentality has since shaped various initiatives association wide, ultimately steering Cedia in the direction of stability and growth.
Foremost, his strategic financial decisions helped guide Cedia out of the pandemic, achieving profitability for the association again for the first time in nearly five years. Cedia has also experienced record-breaking new membership acquisition rates, with Cedia members now represented in more than 80 countries. Member engagement has also been particularly noteworthy across programs including the Cedia Smart Home Awards, the RP22 Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice, and Cedia NextGen Smart Home Career Toolkit.
In Friedman’s pursuit to bring forward Cedia’s ‘best kept secret’, advocacy efforts have expanded significantly. The association organised its first in-person lobby day at the Michigan State Capitol, filed comments on behalf of integrators to the FCC, and launched the inaugural Cedia Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill. Simultaneously, Friedman has continued to emphasise Cedia’s position to adjacent trades, nurturing relationships with builders, designers,and architects.
Following Friedman’s travels to meet members around the world, Cedia launched a new ambassador programme, empowering members to serve as advocates for the industry in their local communities. Digitally, Cedia is implementing an upgraded SEO strategy to ensure more end users are encouraged to use Cedia integrators. These efforts will help amplify Cedia’s message and reach a broader audience, driving greater awareness and engagement.
‘Daryl’s unwavering passion for the industry shines through in his proven track record and forward-thinking plans,’ says Amanda Wildman, Vice Chairperson of the Cedia Board of Directors. ‘He is keen to listen to members and share fresh ideas – all while fortifying Cedia’s existing initiatives. I am filled with optimism for the promising journey ahead as we embark on the next phase of Cedia under his guidance.’
More: www.cedia.org
