Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) has announced the addition of Steven Rissi as director of technical education and development. His responsibilities include leading the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of HTSA’s technical training and technical professional and workforce development programs.
“We’re excited to welcome a professional of Steve Rissi’s caliber to our team as director of technical education and development,” shared Jon Robbins, executive director of HTSA. “This addition reinforces our deep commitment to enriching industry education for our members, providing invaluable training in vital areas, including Relationship Science, business leadership, lighting through Lightapalooza, project management, and more. Steve’s CEDIA background and expertise in technical instruction, along with Keith Esterly’s direction as chief learning architect, will further enhance HTSA’s ability to meet the evolving needs of our members as we continue to offer world-class learning and growth opportunities.”
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Rissi began his career as an installation technician in 2001. He has vast experience in store management, technical training, client services and other positions in addition to installation. Altogether, Rissi spent more than nine years in training management with CEDIA, has written two industry-related textbooks and several related articles, and was instrumental in HTSA’s 2024 centralized technical training instruction.
Some of Rissi’s key initiatives for HTSA include:
- Direct planning and development of technical training, content, and webinars, as well as computer-based and live learning events
- Deliver individualized technical training to HTSA member companies throughout the year
- Help create additional next-generation content in core high-impact areas for dealers, including in the lighting and power categories
- Provide technology-related content for HTSA’s member magazine, blogs, and industry articles
“As an educator, I have a deep passion for helping others improve in their job functions by developing the knowledge and skills necessary for technical development and advancement,” says Rissi. “I have long admired HTSA’s laser-focused approach to 360-degree, innovative education, and I’m thrilled to be on the team at such an exciting time to contribute to the Members dynamic, bright future.”
In 2024 alone, HTSA expanded education for members, hosting and/or sponsoring 20 major industry educational events, most of them spanning multiple days and some being offered to the industry at large. From Generative AI Business Transformation and FURLS Management to Lighting Design, Technical Training and Business Development Summits, HTSA has been a driving force in education.
Related: Steven Rissi on the CEDIA Academy’s Holistic Education
“Steven Rissi is already known and well-respected by HTSA Members,” says Tom Doherty, director of technology initiatives for HTSA. “The fact that he was associated with CEDIA and part of our 2024 lineup underscores the depth of his knowledge of the industry and our members’ needs and will immediately add value to our training programs. Steve’s expertise in technical education will bring even more power to meet the needs of our members, allowing us to serve them better than ever before. It’s a great pleasure to welcome him on board.”
HTSA will soon share educational plans for 2025, including additional technical content and training. Members can expect to see an even more aggressive schedule as it unfolds.
For more information, visit www.htsa.com.
