Brienne Willcock Named EdisonReport’s 16th Person of the Year
EdisonReport proudly announces Brienne Willcock as the 2024 Person of the Year. As your humble editor, I have been amazed by her extraordinary ability to take on more responsibilities as the IES reorganizes. Her remarkable dedication to IES and the lighting industry, combined with her steadfast commitment to advancing education and standards and her unparalleled work ethic, make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Brienne’s journey in the lighting industry began with her passion for art and interior design, which she studied at Eastern Michigan University. Although she initially envisioned a different career path, she discovered her calling in lighting through her work and the mentorship of industry leaders. Her career has since encompassed significant achievements in both design and education.
In her early years, Brienne worked on high-profile projects in Detroit, including global lighting specifications for General Motors and dealership guidelines for Ford and Lincoln. These projects demonstrated her ability to blend technical expertise with creative vision, laying a strong foundation for her future contributions.
Brienne’s commitment to advancing the lighting industry led her to serve as President of the IES Detroit Section from 2014 to 2016. She co-created the Michigan Lighting Hall of Fame during her tenure and chaired several IES Annual Conferences. These roles showcased her leadership and dedication to fostering a thriving community of lighting professionals.
A Leader in Education and Standards
Currently serving as the Director of Education and Standards for the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Brienne’s responsibilities are extensive and impactful. She oversees the strategy and internal team for education programs, standards development, and publication, as well as research initiatives like the Research Symposium. Notably, she leads the development of e-learning platforms, including the IES eLearning portal, which now serves over 7,900 users.
Brienne’s work has been pivotal in shaping IES’s education programs, such as the Fundamentals of Lighting and Light for Life symposiums. Additionally, she contributes as a regular writer for LD+A and will take on the role of Conference Director for LightFair in 2025. Her dedication to lifelong learning is further evident through her pursuit of a Biophilic Design Certification, enhancing her understanding of opportunities in design and engineering.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
As the IES has undergone restructuring, Brienne has consistently risen to the occasion, assuming additional responsibilities with remarkable resilience. She has seamlessly absorbed the roles of multiple colleagues, ensuring the continuity of critical programs. Her willingness to go above and beyond is evident in her personal sacrifices, such as using her own resources to attend industry events and sharing her personal contact information for IES alerts.
Brienne’s ability to balance the competing needs of the diverse IES audience, while maintaining equitable and effective education and standards, underscores her exceptional leadership. Her approach—fostering collaboration and empowering teams—ensures the right resources and people come together at the right time.
An Advocate for the Industry
Brienne’s dedication to the lighting industry extends beyond her professional achievements. She has received numerous accolades, including two IES President’s Awards (2024 and 2017), recognition as a 40 Under 40 honoree by Lighting Magazine, and the distinction of AIA Honorary Affiliate. These honors reflect her broad influence and meaningful contributions across multiple facets of the industry.
Her commitment to education, mentorship, and advocacy has left an indelible mark on the lighting community. Her journey—from graphic design to directing education and standards for one of the industry’s leading organizations—inspires lighting professionals everywhere.
A Modern Contrast to the Past
Celebrating a True Luminary
EdisonReport’s 16th Person of the Year award recognizes Brienne Willcock as a shining example of dedication, innovation, and service. Her contributions to the lighting industry have elevated standards, empowered professionals, and fostered a sense of community. Brienne’s work not only illuminates spaces but also brightens the future of the industry.
Please join us in congratulating Brienne Willcock on this prestigious honor and thanking her for her tireless efforts to advance the world of lighting.
