Augmenting the organization’s experience and expertise, CEDIA has strengthened its executive leadership team with the appointment of Paul Dolenc as vice president of Education and Mitchell Klein as vice president of Business Development effective April 29, 2024.

Dolenc and Klein join the now eight-person Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to Global President and CEO Daryl Friedman.

“Individually, Paul and Mitch bring valuable experience from their accomplished careers, and both have the track records of success to propel CEDIA forward,” says Friedman. “But even more powerfully, together they bring a combined fresh view to CEDIA.

“Paul’s experience in trade education will bring a new vision to CEDIA training, and his electrical background will provide an insider’s view of the opportunities for CEDIA members where our industries intersect. Mitch will balance that knowledge with his deep understanding of the integration industry’s past and present – and the foresight to envision its full potential. I am excited to welcome them to CEDIA’s leadership team.”

Paul Dolenc to Help Boost CEDIA Training & Curriculum

Dolenc is a dedicated and passionate leader in training and workforce development, the association notes. With over 15 years of experience, his background in course development, education, and apprenticeship management led to record-breaking success during his previous tenure as vice president, Education & Training with the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report

Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.

Download your copy now!

Dolenc guided the organization’s national education and training strategy. According to CEDIA, Dolenc’s work resulted in expanded instructor training programs, significant yearly growth in apprenticeship graduates, enhanced program accreditation with increased credit hours for graduates to earn advanced degrees, a more diverse range of professional development offerings, and the establishment of articulation agreements nationwide with community colleges, technical schools, and high schools.

“My passion for workforce development has been a driving force throughout my career, and I am excited to help shape and reimagine CEDIA’s education and training programs to further its mission,” he says.

“Together with the CEDIA team, I am committed to ensuring that CEDIA’s education and certification initiatives continue to be the leading source of knowledge for the professional smart home industry.”

Klein Brings Strong Background in IoT to CEDIA’s Executive Team

Klein most recently served as the Director of Alliances Strategy at Silicon Labs, leading a multitude of initiatives aimed at expanding and accelerating the global adoption of smart technologies.

With 30+ years of experience in the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape including his longtime role as executive director of the Z-Wave Alliance, Klein has dedicated his career to designing and implementing strategic programs that simplify and popularize IoT technology deployments.

The former CEDIA Board Chair is responsible for championing the association’s most groundbreaking initiatives, including the launch of certification programs, the establishment of the government affairs program, and the creation of the management conference series.

Klein’s myriad valuable contributions earned him a CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2019. He has also played as a member of the CE Pro All-Star Band.

“My longstanding history with CEDIA has deeply shaped my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience and passion for advancing the industry to CEDIA once again,” Klein says.

“CEDIA has always been at the forefront of innovation in the professional smart home industry, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive new initiatives and further enhance the growth and success of the association and its members.”

CEDIA has just concluded a record year for new member acquisitions, its first-ever CEDIA Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill to lobby for integrator recognition, and a return to financial and organizational stability with a balanced budget and extension of Friedman’s contract through 2027.

The addition of Dolenc and Klein to the executive leadership team will ensure continued growth and expansion for the global trade association, CEDIA emphasizes.

• Page 1