OTHER EVENTS AND NEWS

Call for Nominations for the 2027 IES Board of Directors

The IES is excited to begin the 2026 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. They want the National Board to be representative of the finest leaders in the industry, and need your input to make that happen!

The IES invites 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 seven (7) openings that our Nominating Committee is seeking to fill; Vice President (President-Elect), Treasurer, three (3) At-Large Directors, and two (2) Regional Directors: South and West. All terms commence January 1, 2027. Below is more information on each position, their role on our Board, and the corresponding qualifications and characteristics being sought.

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 mentioned above, or if there is someone who you wish to nominate, make sure the Candidate Declaration Form is completed by May 15.

The deadline for nominations is May 15, 2026

There are resources that are available that provide additional information, such as our:

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 January 1, 2027 (succeeding to President January 1, 2028)—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;
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;
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

Treasurer

The individual that serves as Treasurer of the Board shall:

Serve a two-year term commencing January 1, 2027
Be eligible to serve two consecutive terms
Serve on the Executive Committee of the Board
Oversee the receipt and disbursement of all funds
Oversee the Society’s financial records and statements
Submit an annual financial statement and budget to the Board and such other statements as the President may require
Serve as Chair of the Finance Committee
Have such other duties and powers as prescribed in these Bylaws, by the Board, the Policies of IES, or by law

The Treasurer of the Board is an important position that is responsible for working with the staff to ensure financial stability and control over the Society’s assets, being a leader in the annual budget process, and a source of transparency into the Society’s finances for the Board. The qualities, skills, and knowledge that we are seeking in our Treasurer are as follows:

Character

Illustrates a high level of personal integrity and ethics
Trustworthy and impartial
Proficient with budgets and financial metrics
Comfortable with proactive change and embracing continuous improvement
Organized and skilled at fiscal prioritizing and planning

Knowledge

Thorough understanding of the financial reports
Experience in financial management is preferred
Education in nonprofit financial terminology and requirements may be supplemented by staff

Communications

Able to translate financial information and financial concepts for the Board
Responsible for presenting the financial reports at Board meetings, and may be required to clarify the content to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Society’s finances for Board members
With the Executive Director, interpret and translate the Board’s questions, goals, or concerns about the financial information or financial situation to the staff

At-Large Director

Individuals that serve as At-Large Directors on the Board shall:
Serve a two-year term commencing January 1, 2027;
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 January 1, 2027;
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.
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.
Ability and willingness to “roll up sleeves” at any level, be that logistical, detail-oriented, or strategic.

2026 IES NOMINATION SCHEDULE

April 15: Email sent for call for submissions
May 15: Deadline to submit for a board position
June 8-9: Nominating Committee will interview candidates via Zoom
By mid-June: Slate submitted to Executive Director.
By end of June: Slate presented to Board of Directors by Committee Chair
July 15: Further nominations made by petition according to policies of the IES and submitted to the Executive Director
August 28: Voting opens per bylaws
October 15: Voting ends
Late October: Annual Meeting with Executive Director and President to count the mail-in ballots and confirm the election. Past Past President (Nom Com Chair) notifies candidates. (Executive Director selects Annual Meeting Date each year.)
November: Results delivered to the Board at the Board Meeting. Annual Meeting minutes submitted to the Board for approval.