Daniel J SaitCEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, today announced that Global President and CEO Daryl Friedman informed the Board of his plans to retire in 2027. Following a period of strategic expansion, Daryl has overseen the successful introduction of landmark programs and services that have strengthened the professional lives of smart home professionals worldwide.
Under his leadership beginning in 2021, the association prioritized long-term industry health through workforce and market development. He spearheaded the launch of CEDIA NextGen and the CEDIA Foundation to address the talent pipeline, and created a dedicated research department to provide the industry with critical market data. He also transformed the association’s engagement with the broader building community by establishing a dedicated department for design-build industry outreach.
Daryl fundamentally reshaped CEDIA’s role in public policy by creating the association’s modern advocacy efforts — elevating the smart home industry with an active presence in Washington, D.C., and launched CEDIA’s first-ever Capitol Hill Day. During this time, he expanded Smart Home Day to a global audience, introduced the first new membership tier since the association’s founding to provide enhanced educational value, and successfully stabilized the organization’s finances, ensuring a sustainable future for the association.
“Daryl’s impact on CEDIA has been transformative,” says Amanda Wildman, CEDIA Board Chairperson. “He stepped into this role at an important time for our association and immediately embraced both the industry and the people in it. Daryl leads with energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for serving our members, and that has helped shape a stronger, more connected CEDIA. On a personal level, I’m incredibly grateful for his friendship. He will always be part of the CEDIA family.”
“It has been the honor of my professional life to lead this association through a period of significant transformation,” says Daryl. “With a strong Board led by integrator Amanda Wildman and team of committed professionals that has earned the Great Place to Work certification for the past two years, I can pass the baton with confidence. My focus into next year will be to ensure a smooth hand-off and set up the next CEO for success.”
The CEDIA Board of Directors will hold a regularly scheduled Board meeting in June, at which time they will develop a transition plan. Daryl’s commitment to stay through his successor’s onboarding next year will ensure no interruption to the programs and services currently underway.