--- title: North America Regional Council description: Discover the North America Regional Council's diverse leadership team, committed to advancing the AV industry through innovation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. --- ![Rise AV Logo](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/rise-av-logo.png) - [Home](https://rise-av.com?hsLang=en) - Regional Councils - [Non-Executive Board](https://rise-av.com/global-leadership-team?hsLang=en) - [UK](https://rise-av.com/uk-regional-council?hsLang=en) - [APAC](https://rise-av.com/apac-regional-council?hsLang=en) - [North America](https://rise-av.com/north-america-regional-council) - [Sponsorship](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/SALES%20DECK%202026%20MASTER%20(4).pdf?hsLang=en) - [Partners](https://rise-av.com/partners?hsLang=en) - [Rise AV Awards](https://rise-av.com/awards?hsLang=en) - [Programmes](https://rise-av.com/mentoring?hsLang=en) - [Mentoring Programme](https://rise-av.com/mentoring?hsLang=en) - [Uk Mentoring Pairing 2026](https://rise-av.com/uk-mentees-and-mentors-2026?hsLang=en) - [APAC Mentoring Pairing 2026](https://rise-av.com/apac-mentees-and-mentors-2026?hsLang=en) - [Elevate Programme](https://rise-av.com/elevate-programme?hsLang=en) - [UK Elevate Delegates](https://rise-av.com/uk-delegates-elevate-2025?hsLang=en) - Insights - [News](https://rise-av.com/news?hsLang=en) - [Rise AV Podcast](https://rise-av.com/the-rise-av-podcast?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://rise-av.com/contact?hsLang=en) [DONATE](https://rise-av.com/donate?hsLang=en) # North America Regional Council ## Our Regional Council ![Gina](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Gina.png "Gina") ### Gina M. Sansivero (Council Chair) ##### VP Marketing & Corporate Communications, AtlasIED Gina Sansivero is currently Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications at AtlasIED. She has 20 years of experience working within the audiovisual, security, and communication technologies industry in marketing and business/ market development roles at both start-up and SMB companies. As an experienced and energetic marketing leader, Gina has helped commercial technology manufacturers develop and strengthen their brand visibility, reputation, reach, and client retention as well as strategically align sales and marketing efforts with corporate goals to increase revenue generation and achieve sustainable growth.  As an active industry champion, Gina believes in giving back to the industry and has participated on board of directors for Women In AV/IT (co-founder), Educational Technology Collaborative (ETC), the NSCA Education Foundation, and AQAV. Gina also volunteers for several industry associations including NextLVL Learning, RISE AV, SIA, and AVIXA among others and is a proud mentor to women in the AV/IT industries.  [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-sansivero/) ![Siobhan](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Siobhan.png "Siobhan") ### Siobhán Stewart, CTS ##### Account Manager, Nationwide Audio Visual Based in Toronto, Canada, Siobhán Stewart, CTS, has more than 12 years of experience in the audiovisual industry. Her experience includes AV integration, project administration and coordination, sales and sales support, as well as developing and maintaining client relationships. Along the way, she’s developed a strong appreciation for both the technology and the relationships that make the AV industry what it is. Siobhán currently volunteers as an AVIXA CTS Item Writer and on the Professional Audio Visual Society of Canada (PAVSC) Communications Committee. She previously served as a co-leader of the local AVIXA Women’s Council group in the GTA, helping to support women in the industry and foster connections through local networking and industry events. Outside of her day-to-day work, she’s always happy to talk AV, meet interesting people, and learn something new. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanstewartav/) ![Steve](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Steve.png "Steve") ### Steve Samson ##### President of the Americas, Turtle AV Steve Samson is President of the Americas for Turtle AV, where he leads the company’s growth and expansion. Throughout his career, Steve has built markets, accelerated technology adoption and helped turn emerging technologies into significant business growth. Steve’s entrepreneurial roots began early, when he built his first AV installation business from the ground up. That experience developed an instinct for recognizing opportunities early and turning ideas into growth. He later brought that mindset to leadership roles at Crestron and Lightware, building strong teams and empowering people to grow, lead and succeed. Steve believes in people and the power of relationships, and that diverse perspectives and collaboration make businesses and the AV community stronger. He also believes technology is at its best when it brings people together and improves their lives, a philosophy that continues to guide his approach to business and leadership. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesamson/) ![SJosephon](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/SJosephon.png "SJosephon") ### Scott Josephson ##### Senior Support Consultant, Google Scott brings more than 25 years of experience leading enterprise technology operations, scaling cross-functional engineering teams, and managing complex global AV and collaboration infrastructure. Throughout his career, he has focused on bridging high-level client strategy with technical execution, translating sophisticated systems into reliable, high-impact business operations. A passionate advocate for human-centered technology, Scott is also an active mentor, TEDx speaker, and champion for DEIAB initiatives across the tech sector. He is committed to fostering continuous learning, empowering emerging talent, and building inclusive, resilient communities. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjosephson) ![Lainie](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Lainie.png "Lainie") ### Lainie Mataras ##### General Manager - Consultant Architecture and Design Group, Planar As General Manager of the Consultant Architecture and Design Group at Planar, Lainie Mataras brings three decades of technology expertise to her role at the global leader in display solutions. She leverages her extensive industry network to cultivate strategic partnerships and elevate Planar's consultant and architecture relationships. Lainie's distinguished career in the audio-visual and digital signage industry includes 14 years as Regional Sales Manager at Sapphire Marketing, where she specialized in consultant relations. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at Crestron, excelling in technical sales and building a foundation for her future leadership roles. Beyond her professional achievements, Lainie serves on the Leadership Search Committee for AVIXA, demonstrating her commitment to industry advancement. She's the proud mother of identical twin 19-year-old boys and channels her passion for community service by managing a local "free cycle" group, helping neighbors connect and share resources. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmataras/) ![Noreen](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Noreen.png "Noreen") ### Noreen Esson ##### Client Success Manager, Diversified Noreen is a Client Success Manager at Diversified with more than 12 years of experience across client success, service delivery, operations and live events. She is an active volunteer and advocate within the AV and events industries, with a particular passion for supporting women, mentorship, community-building, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the industry. Noreen has been recognized as one of Commercial Integrator and BizBash’s 40 Under 40, LASSO’s Top 100 Women in Events, and Meeting Professionals International Toronto’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/noreenesson/) ![Jeremy](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Jeremy.png "Jeremy") ### Jeremy Elsesser ##### President & CEO, Level 3 Audiovisual Jeremy Elsesser is President & CEO of Level 3 Audiovisual and has spent more than two decades building teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations leverage technology to create meaningful workplace, learning, and collaboration experiences. His career began in hands-on technology deployment, but his passion has always centered on people and quality. He believes lasting success is achieved by investing in people, challenging them to grow, and creating an environment where continuous improvement is embraced at every level. Whether guiding strategic growth initiatives or mentoring emerging professionals, he remains focused on helping individuals and teams achieve more than they thought possible. Jeremy serves on the Board of Directors for PSNI Global Alliance and has dedicated significant time to advancing the audiovisual industry through education, mentorship, and professional development. A lifelong learner and advocate for growth, he has spent years teaching, mentoring, and sharing knowledge through organizations including AVIXA, AQAV, and other industry initiatives. A frequent speaker, educator, and industry contributor, Jeremy is passionate about leadership, customer experience, workforce development, and the practical application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He believes the future of the audiovisual industry will be shaped by those who embrace change, challenge conventional thinking, and create opportunities for others to succeed. Jeremy's contributions to the industry have been recognized with AVIXA's Educator of the Year Award, AQAV's Quality Champion Award, and recognition as one of Commercial Integrator's Top 40 Under 40 Influencers. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyelsesser/) ![Meg](https://rise-av.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Meg.png?width=300&height=300&name=Meg.png "Meg") ### Meg Sciarini ##### AV Systems Engineer, Apple Meg Sciarini is an experienced AV professional and AV Systems Engineer at Apple, with a career spanning live entertainment, immersive technology, systems engineering and corporate AV. She began her career in video and interactive media before joining Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, where she worked as a video technician on productions including Viva Elvis and Zarkana. She later joined Barco as a support engineer and product specialist, developing deep expertise in image processing, media servers and large-scale visual technology. Meg brings a strong technical background alongside a passion for how technology can create better human experiences. She has spoken extensively about the importance of using AV to communicate, tell stories and connect people — rather than technology simply being the focus in itself. As a member of the Rise AV Council, Meg brings valuable technical, end-user and experiential perspectives, as well as a commitment to helping shape a more inclusive, progressive and connected AV industry. [LINKEDIN](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megexmachina/) ![rise-av-logo-white](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/rise-av-logo-white.png) A group for gender diversity and professional growth ### Navigation - [Home](https://rise-av.com?hsLang=en) - [Advisory Board](https://rise-av.com/advisory-board?hsLang=en) - [Get Involved](https://rise-av.com/get-involved?hsLang=en) - [Sponsorship](https://rise-av.com/hubfs/Rise%20AV%20Master%20Deck%202024.pdf?hsLang=en) - [News](https://rise-av.com/news?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://rise-av.com/contact?hsLang=en) © 2020 Company All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://rise-av.com/rise-av-privacy-policy?hsLang=en) [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software)