Samantha Ventura, CEDIA’s senior vice president of education and training, will be leaving the global trade group on on Oct. 8.
Issuing a statement on Ventura leaving the organization, Giles Sutton, interim, co-CEO, CEDIA, states, “Sam’s unwavering commitment to every aspect of her work as well as her warmth and kindness, has made her a true asset. We are grateful to have had the chance to work alongside her and had the opportunity to learn from her. In her three and a half years of service, she has had a profound impact on the association and the industry.”
Outlining some of Ventura’s accomplishments during her tenure with the trade organization, Sutton outline some of her training initiatives:
- Revamped online learning delivery:Â Now CEDIA education is more convenient for members and equitably aligned for global delivery. Samantha Ventura vetted, adopted, and implemented the CEDIA Academy LMS (Learning Management System, allowing CEDIA to offer modern, interactive online training that could also be localized for the EMEA region.
- Redesigned the CEDIA Outreach Instructor (COI) training:  The redesigned program trains participants in adult learning principles, presentation skills, and networking strategies, valuable takeaways that make the COI program one of CEDIA’s highest-valued member benefits.Â
- Development of the CIT and IST learning pathways: Ventura designed the CIT and IST learning pathways, as well as their corresponding books, laying the groundwork for a system of stackable certifications designed in accordance with the globally recognized International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024 standard for personnel certification processes. The newly launched CIT Certification and the IST certification currently in beta together represent the largest volunteer development effort CEDIA has ever undertaken. This robust, modern certification program will increase opportunities for individuals and grow the credibility and awareness of our industry.
- Expanded the reach of programs: Deepening the range of educational offerings available to members, and extending awareness of the industry. Ventura led the organization into educational partnerships with Google, the Powerhouse Alliance, and HTSN, to bring new courses to the CEDIA Academy online, and making hands-on classes more accessible to CI professionals across North America.
Sutton also points out that Ventura has one of the most effective instructors in CEDIA’s history; members who took her COI class or one of her leadership classes routinely praised her as an educator.
In addition, he says that she has been a prominent voice in the industry, representing CEDIA as a keynote speaker, instructor, and contributor to both CEDIA publications, including the organization’s podcast, blog, and association magazine, and many channel publications. She has frequently been a featured contributor in international publications including Installation Magazine, Residential Systems, and CE Pro, writing on topics including Women in AV, Diversity in Skilled Trades, and Reflective Leadership.
“Samantha’s deep background in education and organizational leadership is has enabled her to be powerfully effective as senior vice president of education and training,” comments Sutton.
“As a staff, we have been fortunate to learn from her in professional development sessions as well as our day-to-day interactions.”
