Michael Safranski

About Michael Safranski

As Senior Vice President of Operations at FORTÉ (formerly AVI Systems), I lead large-scale operational delivery across our Integration and Managed Services business lines—driving performance, scalability, and client satisfaction for enterprise customers worldwide.I also serve as the functional leader of Managed Services for GPA, the world’s largest global delivery network for communication and collaboration solutions, where consistency, speed, and service excellence are non-negotiable.With two decades of progressive leadership at FORTÉ, I’ve built and developed high-performing teams that execute multimillion-dollar projects annually. My approach blends strategic foresight with operational discipline by aligning people, process, and technology to unlock efficiency and sustainable growth.Before joining FORTÉ, I honed my business acumen at Target Corporation in Corporate Real Estate, then deepened it with an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.My leadership philosophy is simple: create clarity, build trust, and deliver results that scale. I’m passionate about operational transformation, workforce development, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution—the hallmarks of a future Chief Operating Officer.Core strengths: Operations Management | P&L Ownership | Managed Services | Business Transformation | Organizational Leadership | Technology Integration | Strategic Growth | Change Management | Team Development | Continuous Improvement

Experience

1. Executive Vice President of Technical Operations

   FORTÉ

   Jan 2026 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

Education

• University of North Dakota

  Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Business Administration, Management and Operations

  1996 — 1998

• UMN Carlson School of Management

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Organizational Leadership and Business Ethics

  2002 — 2004

• North Dakota State University

  Agriculture Engineering

  1994 — 1996

Skills

• Solution Selling
• Unified Communications
• Negotiation
• Sales
• Direct Sales
• Video
• Account Management
• System Design
• Facilities Management
• Project Management
• Digital Signage
• Integration
• Streaming Media
• Crestron
• Video Conferencing
• Purchasing
• Av
• Management
• Telepresence
• Systems Design
• New Business Development
• Product Management
• Business Strategy
• Troubleshooting
• Sales Operations
• Team Leadership
• Leadership
• Strategic Partnerships
• Sales Management
• Selling