Lighting the Leaders: Key Quotes from the IES25 Awards

The opening-night program at IES25 celebrated volunteer leadership, technical excellence, and a wider global reach. Cooper Lighting Solutions’ Michelle Prew welcomed the crowd and urged everyone to visit the Progress Report exhibits and project boards. She then invited IES Vice President Jared Smith to emcee.

Presidential Awards and Past President’s Recognition

First, Jared recognized Past President Billy Tubb. He noted Billy’s 18-month tenure during the fiscal-year transition and read a citation praising his “exceptional dedication” and resilience “through adversity.” Billy answered with humility: “Serving the Society is one of the most gratifying things in my entire career … thank you very, very much.” He also credited sections, regional leaders, past presidents, and staff for the Society’s success, adding that early encouragement led him from a local talk to section president and, ultimately, Society leadership.

Next, the Society presented two Presidential Awards. Antonio Garza received one for “outstanding dedication and selfless commitment.” Jared emphasized Antonio’s steady leadership during pivotal moments. Antonio echoed the theme of service: “Being of service to the Society is the highest of honors … everything we do is out of love and respect for what we do every day in lighting.” The Society also named Armadeep Dugar for a Presidential Award; he was not present to accept.

Distinguished Service Awards: Building Bridges to Latin America

Megan Carroll then presented the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Established in 1967, the DSA honors non-technical contributions with at least 15 years of service. Antonio Garza earned a second recognition for strengthening ties between the IES and Latin America, championing diversity, and mentoring emerging leaders. He encouraged newer professionals: “Whatever you put into the Society will come back ten times, a hundred times more.”

Megan also recognized Liliana González-Taylor (not present) for expanding the IES in Latin America. Through the IES Mexico Lighting Seminar and a committee-driven model, she connected designers, educators, and industry leaders. She helped seed IES Colombia, supported growth in IES Chile, and encouraged new communities in Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Fellow Award

Ron Gibbons conferred Fellow grade—recognition for significant technical contributions—on three recipients.

Paul Gregory traced a path from theater to Focus Lighting. When the team lacked tools, “We invented them!” he said. Nature also shaped his eye. His core message was collaboration: architects, owners, interior designers, and lighting designers “create an emotion” together. “We became the curator of the visual image,” he added, urging the next generation to be proactive and to “never give up.”

Matt Hartley spoke about teaching and curriculum-building, especially for the Street and Area Lighting Conference. He recalled point-by-point calculations “that took days” and mentors who advanced the field. His goal became to “disseminate this information” through basic, advanced, and computer-aided courses. He thanked colleagues, his late parents, and his wife, Maggie—“my biggest cheerleader.”

Kimberly Mercier delivered a call to science. “When I flip the switches, they work. This is not a dream—I love light,” she said. “Science is not magical… it’s not magic.” She urged confident public communication: “I’m a person of science and I see you … we are people of science. And now is the time to show the world our light.”

Louis B. Marks Award: Chip Israel

Naomi Miller presented the Louis B. Marks Award, one of the Society’s highest non-technical honors, to Charles “Chip” Israel. The citation highlighted decades of mentorship, advocacy for students and Emerging Professionals, leadership across the IES, and generous support of scholarships and section programs. Chip thanked family, colleagues, and a community that pushed him “beyond [his] capabilities.” He also encouraged the next generation: “Be inspired—volunteer. It will help you emotionally and, more importantly, financially.”

IES Medal: Kevin Houser

Finally, Lance Bennett announced the IES Medal—the Society’s most distinguished technical honor—to Kevin Houser. He noted more than 60 peer-reviewed papers, five patents, stewardship that elevated LEUKOS, and a long record of advising graduate students. Kevin was traveling and will be recognized in person next year.

Jared Smith closed by congratulating all honorees and thanking the Cooper team for an evening that set a celebratory tone for the conference.