Recognising their outstanding contributions to the industry, CEDIA has announced Rich Green as the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Michael Cogbill names as the 2024 CEDIA Fellow.
The two distinguished smart home industry professionals have been described as having an exceptional dedication to and impact on both the association and the smart home industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
A prominent figure in the AV industry since 1978, Green serves the ambitious homeowners and businesses of Silicon Valley via his system integration company, Rich Green Design. His clients have included Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, Tony Fadell, Jim Clark, Gordon Getty, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Luciano Pavarotti.
Green travels the world as an instructor, consultant, and public speaker in the fields of Future Technologies and Design.
CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in the technology design and installation industry. According to the association, no one is more deserving of the title than Green, who has a positive impact on everything he touches and everyone he meets.
“Rich exemplifies what it means to give back,” stated CEDIA’s board chairperson, Alex Capecelatro. “Over the past 30+ years, he has dedicated hundreds of hours to creating and delivering courses for CEDIA, chaired several committees, and served as a CEDIA board member. His guidance among volunteers and within the committees he has served on has been instrumental in shaping the direction of many member companies.
“Rich has always encouraged the smart home industry to think beyond the immediate future, and many of the predictions he made during his ‘Inside Scoop from Silicon Valley’ course have proven true. There is no one else in the CEDIA community demonstrating the level of leadership that Rich does in preparing for an AI-driven future.”
Green added: “It’s an incredible privilege to receive this prestigious recognition, but the true joy comes from reflecting on the hundreds of friends and colleagues I’ve met over the past 32 years with CEDIA. My life would be profoundly different without the friendship, guidance, and love from so many remarkable people. This honour is truly a reflection of all of you!”
CEDIA Fellow
The CEDIA Fellow category represents a group of individuals who have helped shape the industry and significantly contribute to the association’s success. This year’s recipient has been named as Michael Cogbill.
Cogbill is recognised internationally as an authority in the field of home automation and integrated home systems. His professional career spans over 45 years as an engineer, manager and entrepreneur. From 2006 through early 2020, he served as chief engineer for ETC, a technology integrator in south Florida. He introduced his own company, REV2 Consulting, in 2020, providing home and building technology expertise to owners, architect, designers, and builders.
“Michael has dedicated many years not only to CEDIA but to the broader industry, actively supporting market growth and identifying areas where change is necessary,” said Daryl Friedman, global president and CEO of CEDIA. “It’s been my pleasure to get to know him and learn from him as he continues to provide his expertise on advocacy and many other areas important to the CEDIA community.”
Cogbill said: “As one of CEDIA’s highest honours, I am truly humbled and thankful for the esteemed recognition. Having been involved with the association from the beginning, I am flooded with memories of so many special people I was privileged to learn from, work with, and be-friend. I have always received more than I gave!”
Green and Cogbill will both be honoured during the 2024 CEDIA Smart Home Award ceremonies in the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions.
Image left to right: Rich Green & Michael Cogbill