Employee Spotlight
Learning, Leading & Lifting Others Up
Dawna Payne
Executive Vice President
Some careers are carefully planned. Others, like Dawna’s, begin with a bit of serendipity—and a whole lot of grit. What started as a project to fix an inventory and software issue with an AV Integrator, quickly transformed into a passion for streamlining operations, empowering teams, building metrics and driving meaningful results. “I’m not the technical side of the business nor do I need to be,” Dawna explains, “but I thrive in strategy, process improvement, and helping others succeed. If I help my team win, success always follows.”
Dawna’s passion for leadership development shines brightest in her monthly training sessions with Lead Technicians. Watching new leaders apply what they’ve learned—sometimes just hours after class—is what she calls the best part of the job. “Seeing them grow into their roles and navigate complex, fast-paced challenges is incredibly rewarding.”
Whether she’s mentoring internally or supporting external clients, Dawna brings the same energy: build relationships first, then solve what matters most. “Everyone’s priorities are different. When you take time to understand that, you can make real progress.”
Outside of work, Dawna is a whirlwind of creativity and connection. From baking wedding cakes and gourmet cookies to hosting unforgettable gatherings or tearing up the lake on a jet ski, she brings the same warmth and drive to her downtime. A lifelong learner, she pulls inspiration from Masterclass legends like Kim Scott (Radical Candor), Brené Brown (The Call to Courage), and Chris Voss (The Art of Negotiation).
Her guiding mantra? “Instead of a know-it-all mentality, switch to learn-it-all.” You can always learn more and you never know it all. She recently earned her a spot on the NSCA Education Foundation Board, where she’s helping shape the future of the education within the integration industry and working to open doors for others to do the same.
Her advice for those just starting out? “I didn’t know anything about technology when I began—but an open mind and open heart will always steer you in the right direction.” That spirit of curiosity, humility, and leadership is exactly why Dawna continues to lead, inspire, and lift others up—one process, one person, and one project at a time.
