CE Pro is proud to recognize the 2026 CE Pro Masters, a distinguished group whose leadership, passion and lasting contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry and continue to shape what comes next.
Who are the 2026 CE Pro Masters?
The CE Pro Masters program recognizes individuals whose careers have not only shaped the custom integration industry, but also elevated it. These are the leaders whose ideas, products, mentorship and advocacy have helped define what excellence looks like across residential technology, from outdoor AV and acoustics to lighting, immersive audio, projection, connectivity, business software and industry collaboration.
The 2026 CE Pro Masters class collectively represents 10 inductees accounting for more than 345 combined years in the custom integration industry. Over that time, they have built enduring companies, created and refined product categories, authored standards, served on boards and committees, and mentored generations of professionals.
These leaders have played defining roles in professionalizing the industry, raising performance expectations and pushing technology beyond novelty into dependable, experience-driven systems designed for real-world environments. The 2026 CE Pro Masters have helped shape how integrators collaborate with designers and architects, how systems are engineered and specified and how reliability, usability and long-term value are delivered.
Franco D’Ascanio — Coastal Source
Photo courtesy of Franco D’Ascanio
- Current Position: Founder & CEO
- Other Positions of Note: President, D’Asign Source (1979-present)
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 47
Franco D’Ascanio, CEO and founder of Coastal Source, has spent 46 years shaping the custom integration industry and elevating the standards of outdoor technology.
He has redefined outdoor AV through innovative product design, rigorous engineering, and a commitment to creating reliable, high-performance systems built for real-world environments.
Beyond product innovation, Franco has invested deeply in education and mentorship, nurturing talent within Coastal Source and across the industry. Through training programs, hands-on coaching, and constant knowledge sharing, he has empowered the next generation of integrators, designers, and visionaries.
His leadership continues to influence the growth and professionalism of the outdoor AV category.
Richard Charschan – AcousticSmart
Photo courtesy of Richard Charschan
- Current Position: Owner & President, AcousticSmart
- Other Noteworthy Positions: Home Theater Evangelist: Teaching audio dealers around the country how to properly specify and build private cinemas
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 30
A true innovator in the home theater industry, Richard Charschan has spent nearly 30 years redefining what’s possible in private cinema design.
As the owner of AcousticSmart, he has introduced groundbreaking innovations like acoustically breathable designer fabrics and award-winning recliner mechanisms. His book Home Theaterology has inspired architects and designers worldwide, showcasing the beauty of private cinemas.
Richard’s dedication to education and innovation has elevated the industry, making him a respected leader. Beyond his professional achievements, he’s a passionate guitar player in the CE Pro All-Star Band, further connecting him to the community he has profoundly influenced.
Gerald “Gerry” Lemay – Quest Acoustical Interiors / Home Acoustics Alliance
Photo courtesy of Gerry Lemay
- Current Position: President, Quest Acoustical Interiors Inc.
- Other Noteworthy Positions: Director and Founder, Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA)
- Years in CE Industry: 48 years
Gerry Lemay’s career spans an impressive 48 years, during which he has become a cornerstone of the acoustical design and education community.
As the founder of the Home Acoustics Alliance and President of Quest Acoustical Interiors, he has designed countless theaters and conducted workshops worldwide.
His contributions to CEDIA include serving as a subject matter expert, awards judge, and technical writer. Gerry’s dedication to defining and educating acoustical standards has left an indelible mark on the industry.
His background as a Navy Reserve Captain and oceanographer adds depth to his impressive career, making him a multifaceted leader in the field.
Geoffrey Heinzel – ASCENDO Immersive Audio
Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Heinzel
- Current Position: Co-Managing Partner, ASCENDO
- Other Noteworthy Positions: Volunteer, CEDIA Standards Panel (RP22, RP10, RP32), Director Sales & Marketing / Product Development, trivum (2007–2018), Director International Sales & Marketing, Soundstream (1996–1999), Founder, Good Vibes (1993–1996)
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 39 Years
Known as a “genial mad scientist” by his peers, Geoffrey Heinzel has spent 39 years pushing the boundaries of immersive audio. As Co-Managing Partner of ASCENDO, he has pioneered innovations like infrasonic subwoofers and networked audio systems.
Geoffrey’s volunteer work on CEDIA’s Standards Panel has helped shape industry practices, mentoring dealers and advancing 3D immersive audio.
His passion for innovation and dedication to raising performance standards have solidified his reputation as a leader and friend of the industry. Geoffrey’s work continues to inspire and elevate the custom integration community.
Andrew Wakefield – DMF Lighting
Photo courtesy of Andrew Wakefield
- Current Position: Executive Vice President at DMF Lighting
- Other Noteworthy Positions: 9 years at DMF, including Senior Vice President (2017–2025), 16 years at Lutron Electronics – Last position: Senior Sales Director (2015–2017), U.S. Navy, Naval Flight Officer/Division Officer/Flight School Instructor (1992–2001)
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 25
Andrew Wakefield’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating lighting as a core category in the custom integration industry. As Executive Vice President at DMF Lighting, he has driven product adoption and market awareness while forging strategic partnerships.
His prior roles at Lutron Electronics and the U.S. Navy reflect his ability to lead and mentor professionals.
With 25 years of experience, Andrew has consistently championed integrators and advanced innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. His dedication to professionalism and growth has made him a respected figure in the custom integration channel.
Peter Shipp – ZIO
Photo courtesy of Peter Shipp
- Current Position: Founder & Principal, ZIO
- Other Noteworthy: CEDIA Board of Directors
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 25+ years
Peter Shipp’s vision and leadership have transformed ZIO into a national leader in smart technology integration. With over 25 years of experience, he has focused on simplifying technology while delivering intuitive AV, lighting, and control systems.
As a member of the CEDIA Board of Directors, Peter has contributed to shaping industry standards and practices. His ability to align design intent with user experience and long-term performance has earned him recognition as a visionary in the field.
Peter’s dedication to innovation and excellence has made ZIO a trusted name in the industry.
Greg Simmons – ADI / Parasol
Photo courtesy of Greg Simmons
- Current Position: Vice President, Industry Partnerships at ADI
- Other Noteworthy Positions of Note: Co-Founder of Parasol
- Years in Custom Integration Industry: 30+
Greg Simmons has spent decades fostering collaboration and innovation across the custom integration industry. As Vice President of Industry Partnerships at ADI and Co-Founder of Parasol, he has driven unity among manufacturers, distributors, and integrators.
A 30-year CEDIA member, Greg’s leadership has elevated customer experiences and accelerated market growth. His ability to bring people together and champion the industry’s growth has made him a respected advocate and leader.
Greg’s contributions continue to shape the future of the custom integration channel, leaving a legacy of progress and innovation.
Doug Greenwald – ProjX360 / Creative Sound & Integration
Photo courtesy of Doug Greenwald
- Current Position: CEO, ProjX360
- Other Noteworthy Positions: Co-Founder, Creative Sound & Integration
- Years in the Custom Integration Industry: 31
Doug Greenwald’s journey in the custom integration industry began in 1994, and since then, he has built a legacy of innovation and leadership. As CEO of ProjX360 and co-founder of Creative Sound & Integration, Doug has revolutionized the integration business.
His SaaS platform, ProjX360, addresses the unique challenges of integrators, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Doug’s leadership at Creative Sound & Integration established the company as a trusted name in smart home technologies. Beyond his professional achievements, Doug’s love for the outdoors and balanced lifestyle reflects his holistic approach to success.
James Chen – Kordz
Photo courtesy of James Chen
- Current Position: Managing Director and Lead Product Designer, Kordz International (July 2012 – Present, Hong Kong)
- Other Noteworthy Positions: Director, Sales and Operations, Kordz (2008 – 2012), Director, Consumer Electronics Division, Westan Australia (2005 – 2008), General Manager, Whatmough Monitors (2003 – 2005), Executive Committee Secretary, CEDIA Board of Directors (2025 – Present)
- Years in the Custom Integration Industry: 30+ years (since early 1990s)
James Chen’s leadership at Kordz International has redefined professional-grade connectivity solutions for AV system integrators. As Managing Director and Lead Product Designer, he has championed the “Predictable Reliability” philosophy, advancing design and performance standards.
His contributions to CEDIA as Executive Committee Secretary have shaped technology standards and education initiatives. With over 30 years of experience, James’s dedication to innovation and empowering integrators has made him a respected leader.
His commitment to creating a more connected and reliable technology world exemplifies his lifelong passion for advancing the custom integration industry.
George Walter – Digital Projection
Photo courtesy of George Walter
- Current Position: Senior Sales Executive, Digital Projection (September 2023 – Present, Kennesaw, GA)
- Other Noteworthy Positions: President, RAYVA (August 2016 – October 2022), Director of Home Entertainment, Christie Digital Systems (June 2014 – August 2016), Vice President, Home Cinema Channel, Digital Projection (April 2000 – June 2014), Group Manager, Barco (October 1989 – January 1999), Product Manager, GE (June 1985 – September 1989)
- Years in the Custom Integration Industry: 40 years (1985–present)
George Walter’s four-decade career has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to the custom integration industry. As Senior Sales Executive at Digital Projection, he continues to lead in projection innovations.
His career foundation was built at Barco, where, as Group Manager, he oversaw sales and marketing for direct-view display products. This led to key roles at Christie Digital and RAYVA, where he defined product roadmaps, services, and distribution frameworks that would help advance the home entertainment category.
Across every chapter of his career, George has consistently championed high-end display systems and elevated customer experiences. His dedication to technical excellence and passion for exceptional image quality have inspired countless professionals and continues to shape the custom integration landscape.
Curious about who last years’ inductees were? Check out the 2025 CE Pro Masters.
