The executive director of CEDIA, Don Gilpin, will step down as leader of the home technology industry association by the end of 2015. Gilpin has been with CEDIA since 1998 and became executive director and COO in 2006.

Chairman Larry Pexton and the board of directors will search for Gilpin’s replacement immediately. Gilpin will assist the board of directors in this search process and he is expected to remain on board for a transitional period after his successor is named.

“After considerable thought and discussions with CEDIA’s Executive Committee, I felt next year would be the right time to leave,” said Gilpin.  “When I came to CEDIA, seventeen years ago as the Director of CEDIA EXPO, I could not have imagined the incredible run I would have and the wonderful people I met over the years.”

Gilpin said that CEDIA has had three solid years of recovery after the recession and he expects CEDIA to continue to experience growth next year.

“We have a solid management team at CEDIA and I am confident in their ability to continue CEDIA’s success story,” said Gilpin.

“We respect Gilpin’s decision and praise him for his loyalty, leadership, and strategic guidance through challenging financial times and key initiatives over the last seventeen years,” said Larry Pexton CEDIA chairman of the board. “CEDIA is well-positioned for future growth thanks to the hard work and oversight of CEDIA goods and services under Gilpin’s leadership.”

During Gilpin’s management, CEDIA EXPO has grown to be a top 100 tradeshow in America. The association’s footprint also expanded into numerous countries outside of the United States, and Gilpin successfully guided CEDIA financially through the housing market collapse and industry challenges during 2008-2011. In addition, membership has recovered and maintains record-breaking new member growth.