Draper, Inc.’s advertising manager, Penny Sitler, CDT, LEED AP, has been named the recipient of a 2013 Women in AV Award from InfoComm International.

The Women in AV Award acknowledges the contributions of two current women InfoComm members who have taken marked initiative and exhibited strong leadership in the AV industry. The InfoComm Women in AV Awards call attention to the AV industry by recognizing women who are achieving rewarding and successful careers in the audiovisual and information communications industries.

Penny first came to Draper Shade & Screen Co., Inc. in 1978 as a summer intern, and returned in 1982 as Draper’s first salaried female employee.

At Draper, Inc., Penny has built the marketing program and in-house marketing team, launching all web and social media initiatives, as well as a vast number of products. She stays in touch with the industry through editing Draper’s blog and @draperinc Twitter account. She’s been recruited as a speaker and panelist on marketing, social media, and women in leadership at several regional conferences.

“We’re all proud of Penny for getting this recognition,” according to Draper President John Pidgeon. “She is one of several ‘home grown’ talents we have at our company, and this recognition of her abilities is not only well-deserved but also long overdue.”

Over the years Penny has also mentored, trained, and supported other women — both at Draper and other businesses — in professional and management roles, has hired and mentored many female student interns, and has presented in-house leadership classes for women at Draper. Penny became a LEED AP in 2007, and was one of the first women in the audio visual industry to earn this important accreditation. Penny also served as a panelist at the Women in AV luncheon at InfoComm in 2012.