The Digital Screenmedia Association has named digital signage industry veteran Paul Flanigan as its new executive director. Flanigan succeeds David Drain, who was named senior vice president of events for Networld Media Group, which provides management services for the not-for-profit trade association.

"DSA is excited to welcome Paul as our new executive director," DSA President Bill Lynch said in the announcement. "He brings a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, both as an end-user and a vendor. We're confident he'll help DSA expand its influence in the digital omnichannel industry."

Flanigan is a well-known industry blogger who was most recently vice president of communications and business development for digital signage solutions provider Pro-Motion Technology Group.

For several years Flanigan managed the $5 billion in-store digital multimedia network for Best Buy, which had more than 100 million monthly impressions, according to the announcement. His background also includes stints as a consultant, an adjunct professor (where he taught courses in digital multimedia) and a manager of marketing and entertainment for the Sacramento River Cats and San Diego Padres, respectively.

Flanigan has been an active member of the DSA, most recently serving as EVP of marketing. In his new role, Flanigan will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the DSA as well as carrying out the short- and long-term objectives of the DSA Board of Directors.

The selection of Flanigan was made by Networld Media Group in consultation with the DSA's executive committee.

Drain joined Networld in 2006 to serve as executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association. He helped co-found the Digital Signage Association in 2007, and in 2010 the advisory boards of SSKA and DSA agreed to merge to form the Digital Screenmedia Association.

During his tenure as executive director, Drain became a spokesperson for the kiosk and digital signage industries, oversaw the introduction of new websites, conducted numerous webinars, launched two awards programs and was instrumental in the development of the Digital Screenmedia Symposiums.

In his new role, Drain will be responsible for the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit and ATM & Mobile Innovation Summit.

"David has a strong background in events and will be leading our company's expansion in this area," Networld Media Group CEO Alan Fryrear said in the announcement. "Paul was a natural for assuming the leadership of the DSA. His background in digital media and long-term involvement in the association will keep the momentum going."

Both Drain and Flanigan will be on hand for the DSA Advisory Board meeting and Customer Engagement Technology World show, both taking place in New York City next week.

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