CSD Group President Doug Hood is announcing plans to retire. In a recent letter to the company, Hood announced he will step down from the role he has held for 30+ years leading the professional audio-visual company specializing in designing, installing, and engineering audio, video, lighting, and acoustic (AVLA) systems for churches, schools, and commercial venues. He is also the president and owner of dBA Design Group, Inc., a national consulting firm specializing in acoustics and technology. He says his retirement from CSD Group is effective Friday, April 24.
“I want to share an important leadership transition—one shaped by prayer, gratitude, and confidence in God’s continued guidance,” says Hood. “For several years, I have been prayerfully considering the best time to retire from CSD and hand over the leadership baton of stewarding the legacy of this amazing team and company. After more than three decades leading and serving alongside the CSD team, I have decided to step back from daily leadership responsibilities and enter a new season focused on mentoring, encouraging leaders, and pursuing new opportunities.”
Ignite121 President, Arlan Friesen, comments, “Doug has been instrumental in shaping the heart and direction of the company, building a culture rooted in relationships, creativity, and meaningful impact. As he steps away from daily operations, Doug will continue as President Emeritus, to support the organization in an advisory and mentoring capacity, encouraging the next generation of leaders and remaining connected to the mission and people that have been central to his work. Thank you, Doug, for your enduring commitment to the success of CSD!”
Hood says he has been working closely with the board regarding this transition. They have decided that effective March 24, 2026, Jacob Schmell will step into the role of Interim General Manager, assuming full responsibility for day-to-day leadership and direction of the company.
“By design, Jacob has already been helping to lead the CSD teams; I anticipate this being a smooth transition for all of us,” Hood explains. “We are grateful for Jacob’s readiness and willingness to lead and for the gifts God has placed in him for this next season.”
He says the Ignite121 leadership has come alongside Schmell to support this transition with strategic consultation by senior executives within the Ambassador Enterprises ecosystem who have deep experience in design-build contracting.
Hood concludes, “I carry deep gratitude for the many men and women who helped build CSD over the past 30+ years. Together we created an impact far greater than any one person could accomplish alone. Above all, I thank the Lord—our faithful Provider—who guided our path, opened doors, and sustained us through every season. These years represent countless memories, relationships, and moments I will always treasure.”
