TAMPA, FL-- AVI-SPL announced the retirement of AV industry pioneer and AVI-SPL president Stephenie Scanlon. After her retirement in September, Scanlon plans to remain with the company as a consultant for special projects and initiatives.

“Stephenie and I have worked closely to develop strategies that allowed for our great success at AVI and now AVI-SPL,” said Marty Schaffel, executive chairman, AVI-SPL. “We would never have accomplished a fraction of what we have done without Stephenie’s skills,” Schaffel added. “While Stephenie will remain active with this company in the years ahead, her daily presence will be sorely missed. I will personally miss her great work ethic, passion for greatness and perfection, and dedication for the success of all AVI-SPL employees and customers.”

Scanlon initially joined legacy Audio Visual Innovations (AVI) in 1986, working as a sales representative for the Rental Services division. Her role with the company quickly expanded to include systems sales, human resources, and sales and marketing management.

In 1998, Scanlon launched the e-commerce and national telesales division, Projector People/AV Marketplace. She also led the creation of AVI-SPL University (AVI-U), the company's annual employee development and training initiative and customer event.

Since her promotion to president in 2005, Scanlon has managed the company’s marketing and corporate communications, AVI-SPL's e-commerce and transactional business units, and key supplier relationships. Additionally, she is responsible for corporate and sales administration, as well as vertical market-focused sales teams.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my long career at AVI-SPL. It’s been exciting and rewarding to see this company and industry really take off over the years and I know there are only substantially greater things to come,” said Scanlon. “I will deeply miss all the relationships I’ve made with colleagues, employees, manufacturers and clients during my career.”