Jim Ford, PE of Ford Audio-Video Systems has been named as InfoComm International’s Secretary-Treasurer for the remainder of 2009.
The Board of Directors of InfoComm International selected Ford following the tragic death of board member, Michael Vergauwen. Ford will serve as President-Elect in 2010, and will continue to ascend through InfoComm's offices, in accordance with the InfoComm Bylaws.
"InfoComm's Board of Directors had the unfortunate task of selecting a successor to Michael Vergauwen, who passed away a few weeks ago," said Jay Rogina, CTS, president, InfoComm International. "The Board consulted with the Leadership Development Committee and concluded that Jim's expertise on technical issues, his prolonged commitment to the industry and dedicated service on the InfoComm Board made him the right choice for the Secretary-Treasurer position."
Jim Ford is President of Ford Audio-Video Systems, Inc., an Oklahoma-based audio, video and lighting contractor, where he has directed operations since its inception in 1973. Under his guidance, the company has expanded to seven national locations. Ford received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, in Norman, Oklahoma. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. Ford is a frequent instructor for a wide variety of industry groups and contributes articles to industry trade publications. Ford is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, the Audio Engineering Society, the Acoustical Society of America, the National Association of Professional Engineers, the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, and NSCA.
In separate news that emerged this week, InfoComm International’s foundation, the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF) created an education fund in memory of Vergauwen. The Michael Vergauwen Education Fund will memorialise the InfoComm International officer’s commitment to education and training.
"Michael's dedication to the industry and to its members serves as a role model for all InfoComm members," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director, InfoComm International. "This fund recognises his dedicated service and will help more people participate in the AV communications industry."
The Michael Vergauwen Education Fund will foster educational opportunities, enhancing the audiovisual industry's service to the public through scholarships, curriculum development, community engagement and the promotion of careers in the AV field. Proceeds from investing the fund will be used on an annual basis to create these new educational opportunities, while the balance will be maintained to continue to make investments in the industry on an ongoing basis.
The fund has set an initial target of $100,000 (€70,000) to begin the activities of the fund. "Da-Lite Screen Company has graciously directed the ICIF to put their recent $25,000 NEC Best of InfoComm Award prize and their $25,000 matching donation toward the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund," said Lemke. "InfoComm has also set aside $25,000 to match additional donations. It is our sincere hope that the AV industry will be as generous as it can to help continue the legacy of Michael Vergauwen."
Companies and individuals wishing to contribute to this fund should send donations to: Michael Vergauwen Education Fund, ICIF, 11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Checks should be made payable to the International Communications Industries Foundation. Donations will be tax deductible as provided by Section 501(c)(3) of the United States International Revenue Code.