Women in Consumer Technology (WiCT), today announced the recipients of its 2026 Legacy Awards, celebrating seven exceptional women whose leadership and accomplishments are shaping the future of the consumer technology (CT) industry. These honorees, representing integration firms, manufacturers, and trade associations, will be celebrated during the WiCT annual luncheon at CEDIA Expo 2026.

“This year’s honorees exemplify the outstanding contributions that women are making across every corner of the consumer technology space,” said Carol Campbell, Founder of WiCT. “From engineering and operations to sales, retail, eCommerce and global membership, this class reflects the breadth of leadership women bring to our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate them in front of the industry’s top professionals and thought leaders at CEDIA Expo.”

Women being honored by the national women in consumer technology organization winct legacy 2026 women in consumer technology honors 2026 legacy award recipients at cedia expo

Introducing the 2026 Class of Legacy Award Honorees:

Sarah E. Dresher — Owner & CEO, Luxury Integrated Technologies, LLC
With a background in electrical engineering, an MBA, and over eight years of experience in the residential new construction and renovation market, Sarah Dresher is redefining how technology is integrated into design-driven spaces. As Founder and Principal of Luxury Integrated Technologies (LIT), Sarah leads with a rare blend of technical expertise, design sensitivity and entrepreneurial vision.
After recognizing a critical gap in technology planning during the design phase, Sarah launched LIT in 2022 to bridge the disconnect between integrators, architects and designers. Today, her firm represents a curated portfolio of best-in-class manufacturers and collaborates with top integrators to deliver invisible, intuitive technology that enhances the beauty and functionality of luxury homes.
A certified presenter with both the AIA and IDCEC, Sarah is a trusted educator and advocate for smarter, more seamless integration practices. Her leadership has rapidly positioned LIT as a go-to resource across the Southeast U.S. — bringing eight premium brands to market and helping design professionals preserve architectural intent without compromising on innovation.
Whether speaking at industry summits or guiding clients through complex design challenges, Sarah brings a clear passion for elevating the role of women in the custom integration space. Her vision continues to shape the future of technology in luxury design — and make her one of CE Pro’s Women to Watch.
Photo

Michelle Ferlauto — Chief Operating Officer, SoundVision, LLC
Michelle Ferlauto is the Chief Operating Officer of SoundVision, LLC, a leading smart home integration firm based in Mooresville, North Carolina. With 15 years in the custom integration industry, she brings a unique blend of operational expertise, technical knowledge and pragmatic leadership to one of the region’s most respected AV companies. Michelle has been recognized as one of CE Pro’s 40 Women to Watch, serves on the Advisory Board for Total Tech Summit, and is the North Carolina State Captain for CEDIA’s Government Affairs program.
Photo

Jamie Pasley — General Manager, JVC Home Theater Projector and Custom Installation Division, JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation
Jamie Pasley is General Manager of JVC’s Home Theater Projector and Custom Installation Division at JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, where she has spent more than 20 years building a distinguished career in the consumer electronics industry. A graduate of Marquette University, Jamie is recognized as a strategic leader who combines her passion for residential projection with a collaborative team approach to drive innovation, strengthen vendor partnerships and deliver sustained business growth. She has played a pivotal role in advancing JVC’s leadership in the premium home theater projection category, translating JVC’s engineering excellence into compelling solutions for dealers, integrators and consumers.
As a CE Pro 2025 40 Women to Watch and TWICE 2025 Powerful Women in Consumer Electronics honoree, Jamie is a respected voice within the custom integration community. She is known for her approachable leadership, customer-first mindset and commitment to fostering long-term relationships. Beyond her business accomplishments, she is a passionate advocate for women in consumer electronics, actively championing mentorship, visibility and professional development.
Photo

Lori Runco — Runco International CEO, Retired
Lori co-founded Runco International with her then-fiancé, Sam Runco, in 1987, and served as President and CEO until the company’s acquisition by Planar in May 2007.
During the company’s early years, Lori led day-to-day operations, overseeing manufacturing, service, finance and sales. She was instrumental in building Runco’s professional dealer network, with a strong focus on the sports bar market, and under her leadership Runco projectors became the dominant choice for sports bar installations worldwide for more than two and a half years.
Following Sam Runco’s return to the company, the pair made the strategic decision to become actively involved with CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) and shift the company’s focus toward the emerging high-end residential market. Their vision helped pioneer what is now known as the home theater industry, establishing Runco as one of its most recognized and influential brands.
Photo

Woman to Watch — Heather McMillen, Director of eCommerce, AudioQuest
Heather McMillen is a digital growth leader who has spent her career turning great products into exceptional online experiences. As Director of eCommerce at AudioQuest, she leads global digital strategy for the premium audio brand — from DTC and Amazon to retail partners — helping audiophiles around the world discover their next favorite piece of gear.
Heather developed her foundation in eCommerce and digital experience at L’Oréal’s The Body Shop before helping build Audio Advice’s eCommerce and marketing engine, supporting its evolution from a beloved local retailer into an omnichannel powerhouse. She also helped launch Audio Advice Live, a national event that attracts thousands of music and home theater enthusiasts and co-invented a patented 3D Home Theater Designer — blending creativity with a little engineering.
At heart, Heather is a builder who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, design and data. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Graphic Communications from North Carolina A&T State University.
Photo

Carol Campbell Inspiration Award — Wendy Griffiths, Senior Vice President, Membership & Global Development and Operations, CEDIA
Wendy has spent more than two decades helping shape the custom integration industry and the global community that supports it. With a career spanning publishing, events and trade associations, she joined CEDIA in 2001, when the UK office consisted of just two employees serving a small but passionate membership. Since then, she has played an instrumental role in CEDIA’s growth into a truly international organization, supporting members across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
As Executive Director of CEDIA EMEA, Wendy led the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation, including the successful merger with CEDIA’s global headquarters in 2015. She was instrumental in developing initiatives that have become hallmarks of the association, most notably the internationally recognized CEDIA Awards.
Today, as Senior Vice President of Membership & Global Development, Wendy works with members outside CEDIA’s core markets to ensure the association’s programs, education and services reflect the needs of an increasingly diverse global industry. Having lived in South Africa, Taiwan and the UK, she brings a genuine appreciation for different cultures and markets, believing that listening to members and understanding their unique challenges is the key to building a stronger industry.
While proud of these achievements, Wendy considers her greatest accomplishment to be helping foster the collaborative, supportive culture that members and colleagues frequently describe as CEDIA’s ‘family’ spirit.
Photo

Technical Excellence Award — Wendy Feldstein, Senior Vice President, Design, Crestron Electronics
Wendy Feldstein is currently Senior Vice President, Design at Crestron Electronics, a global leader in audio-visual automation and integration. She oversees and engineers the creation of Crestron’s mechanical products and is named on more than 70 patents for the company.
Her career represents a rare combination of foundational company impact, sustained technical leadership, and lasting influence on the professional AV industry. Wendy’s contributions to Crestron and to the broader engineering and manufacturing community span decades and have helped shape both the company’s trajectory and the industry’s standards for product design, innovation and leadership.
She believes strongly in giving back to the community, frequently participating in educational events, and prides herself on identifying and nurturing potential in people. Wendy strives to empower young girls and women by encouraging them to pursue STEM education as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, so they are prepared for future opportunities. She is involved with SAVe — Sustainability in AV, where she currently co-chairs the Sustainable Manufacturing Council, and serves on multiple AVIXA Councils.
Photo

Save the date for the 18th Annual WiCT CEDIA Expo Networking Reception and Luncheon, featuring the 2026 Legacy Awards celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during CEDIA Expo 2026 at the Colorado Convention Center’s Mile High Ballroom in Denver, Colo. A networking reception runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed by the awards luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m., providing an inspiring setting for networking, recognition, and celebration of the women driving innovation in consumer technology.

# # #

About Women in Consumer Technology
Women in Consumer Technology is an interactive community created to provide women in the consumer technology industry with an environment promoting networking and professional growth through the development of relationships and new opportunities. For additional information about membership benefits and to join, please visit www.womeninconsumertechnology.org.

PR Link: 

Image Link: https://tigglobalpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/WiCT-2026-Honorees.png
Image Caption: Women in Consumer Technology 2026 Legacy Award Honorees.

WiCT Contact:                          
Carol Campbell
Founder, WiCT
Tel: +1 323-309-7673
Email: carol@womeninconsumertechnology.org
Media Contact:
Kat Wheeler
TIG Global PR
Tel: +1 502-322-7736
Email: kat@tigglobalpr.com
author avatar
Technology Designer News Room