(New York, June 16, 2022) — It’s that time of year again when we begin the IES Board of Directors (Board) nominations process to identify the future leaders of our Society. This is one of the most important annual processes that any organization goes through. This is a very exciting time, and we need your continued involvement to make the nomination process successful. We want our Board to be representative of the finest leaders in the industry, and we need your input to make that happen!
We invite all qualified IES members to submit either self-nominations or nominations of other IES members as possible candidates for the Board. This year, there are six (6) openings that our Nominating Committee is seeking to fill; Vice President (President-Elect), three (3) At-Large Directors, and two (2) Regional Directors: Northeast and Midwest. All terms commence July 1, 2023. Below is more information on each position, their role on our Board, and the corresponding qualifications and characteristics being sought.
As per the Bylaws, the following membership types are eligible to hold office on the Board; Member, Fellow, Emeritus-Member or Emeritus-Fellow, and Sustaining Member Official Representatives. If you are interested in serving in one of the positions noted below, or if there is someone that you wish to nominate, please email nominations@ies.org.
The deadline for nominations is August 1, 2022.
There are resources that are available that provide additional information, such as our:
- Bylaws
- Mission, Vision & Beliefs
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect efforts
- IES Candidate’s Handbook
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at charper@ies.org.
Best,
Colleen Harper
Executive Director
Illuminating Engineering Society
Vice President (President-Elect)
The Vice President is a very important Board position as this individual is the President-Elect and will automatically succeed to the office of President. The Vice President shall:
- Serve a one-year term commencing July 1, 2023 (President-Elect July 1, 2024);
- cannot serve consecutive terms;
- serve on the Executive Committee of the Board;
- preside over the strategic and tactical planning activities of the Society;
- strive to visit IES Regional, District, Section, and other important meetings of the Society;
- in the absence or inability of the President, the Vice President shall preside and shall take up the President’s duties, when necessary, as directed by the Board; and
- have such other duties and powers as prescribed in these Bylaws, by the Board, the Policies of IES, or by law.
After succeeding to the office of President, this individual shall:
- exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Society under the Board;
- preside over all meetings of the Board, Executive Committee, and Member meetings of the Society;
- appoint and fill vacancies on all committees with the approval of the Board; and
- have such other duties and powers as prescribed in these Bylaws, by the Board, the Policies of IES, or by law.
- The Vice President (President-Elect) plays a key role in leading the Society and ensuring our place as the Lighting Authority.
The qualities, skills, and knowledge that we are seeking in our next Vice President (President-Elect) are as follows:
- Character
- Sets a good example.
- Illustrates a high level of personal integrity and ethics.
- Flexible, open-minded, and fair.
- Organized and skilled at prioritizing.
- Vision and Commitment
- Committed to the organization’s mission and success.
- Able to think strategically and focus on core issues.
- Able to articulate a vision for the organization.
- Has a history of active participation in different facets of the organization.
- Leadership
- Able spokesperson and advocate on the organization’s behalf.
- Active listener and builds consensus.
- Works collaboratively, and inspires and motivates others to contribute.
- Engages different voices and opinions.
- Recognizes and ameliorates problems, conflicts, and/or tensions.
- Keeps in touch with and is respected by members and other key constituencies.
- Focuses on goals of the organization; refrains from advancing personal or political goals.
- Respects and supports the Executive Vice President, other staff, and board members.
- Management
- Adept at engaging each Board member in an appropriate way.
- Ensures that individual members of the Board, as well as different committees and task groups, work together as an effective whole.
- Facilitates meetings that are inclusive as well as efficient.
- Able to define and articulate measurable goals.
- Encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
- Diplomatic and able to serve as a mediator.
At-Large Director
Individuals that serve as At-Large Directors on the Board shall:
- Serve a two-year term commencing July 1, 2023;
- be eligible to serve two consecutive terms;
- Contribute expertise and guidance to the Board in varying capacities and in overall direction for the Society, fulfilling such duties as assigned by the President and the Board; and
- have such other duties and powers as prescribed in these Bylaws, by the Board, the Policies of IES, or by law.
At-Large Directors represent the membership on our Board and are essential to advancing the Society.
The qualities, skills, and knowledge that we are seeking in our At-Large Directors are as follows:
- Character
- Offer opinions honestly and in a constructive way.
- Illustrates a high level of personal integrity and ethics.
- Flexible, open-minded, and fair.
- Respects the opinions of others.
- Honors commitments.
- Gives respect and consideration to other board members and President. Listens as an ally. Focuses on issues, not personalities.
- Clearly understands her/his responsibilities.
- Comes to meetings on time, well prepared and actively participates.
- Contributes knowledge.
- Governance
- Approaches responsibilities in the spirit of a Director on behalf of the Members and the industry at large.
- Maintains loyalty to the Society with a higher loyalty to the members.
- Promotes unity within the organization by supporting Board decisions (internally and externally) even when he or she may disagree with the majority opinion.
- Avoids any possibility of conflict of interest.
- Understands legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Advocacy
- Understands and is committed to the Society’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
- Speaks with one voice when representing the Society.
- Acts as an advocate for the Society and its members.
Regional Director
Individuals that serve as Regional Directors on the Board shall:
- serve a two-year term commencing July 1, 2023;
- be eligible to serve two consecutive terms;
- contribute expertise and guidance to the Board in varying capacities and in overall strategic direction for the Society;
- fulfill such duties as assigned by the President and the Board;
- serve as liaisons to the Board in all matters of Regional and District activity;
- work with the leadership of each District within the Region to stimulate Society activities within the Region;
- promote the successful operation of the Sections and Student Chapters within the Region; regularly and accurately communicate to the Sections and to Society members matters of Society importance;
- communicate to the Society and its officers and staff matters of concern to the Sections and members;
- at least once each year, convene a meeting of the Regional Membership Council, minimally comprised of Regional Directors, and the Chair and Vice-Chair of each District;
- provide written reports as required by this leadership role and determined by the Board, and have such other duties and powers as prescribed in these Bylaws or by law.
Regional Directors represent their Districts, Sections, and the membership on our Board and are essential to advancing the Society. The qualities, skills, and knowledge that we are seeking in our Regional Directors are as follows:
- The ability to support, advise, and collaborate with Section leadership and Section Boards of Managers to achieve and implement a collective vision—ensuring viable Society growth and, as an ambassador of IES, positioning the Society to deliver increasing levels of value to
- Success in developing and communicating strong value propositions and engaging volunteers at the District and Section
- Experience identifying and assessing challenges and opportunities for strategic growth, coupled with well-developed problem-solving
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills and commitment to fostering a culture of engagement, transparency, openness, and mutual respect within Districts and Sections. Ability to successfully navigate and resolve conflicts that arise among volunteers.
- A strong leader, able to keep volunteers engaged and enthusiastic about the direction of the Society and the importance of their contribution to the
- Ability and willingness to “roll up sleeves” at any level, be that logistical, detail-oriented, or strategic.