A Rare Write-In Challenge in the IES Election for VP/President Elect: Ira Rothman vs. Scotty Hutto

Editor’s Note:  8 SEP, 2:05 pm, The article has been updated to add a quote from Ira Rothman.   The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) finds itself in an unusual situation this year. It is rare for the Society to see a write-in campaign for the Board of Directors. But Ira Rothman has stepped forward to challenge Scotty Hutto, the Board of Nomination’s official candidate for Vice President/President Elect.

There is a formal process for petitioning onto the ballot, and several have used this path in the past. According to the bylaws, “Further nominations may be made only by petition in accordance with the Policies of the IES and submitted to the Executive Director postmarked no later than five and a half months before the end of the fiscal year.”

It appears that Ira bypassed the petition process and instead launched a direct email outreach to members, urging them to write in his name. 

I strongly support Ira’s right to launch a write-in campaign as he is an extremely qualified candidate. Having served as Treasurer, he understands the significant financial pressures the Society faces better than most. However, the tone of his letter makes me question his leadership potential.

The Nominating Committee Choice: Scotty Hutto

The Nominating Committee plays a crucial role in IES elections. Its responsibility is to vet potential candidates thoroughly and present the individual best suited to lead, ensuring members choose on merit rather than name recognition. I have stood before this committee—back when it was called the Board of Nomination—and I have also served on it, even as chair. In my experience, the role was taken very seriously, and I trust that remains true today.

According to the bylaws, the committee is composed of the most recent Past President not currently on the Board (serving as Chair), the immediate Past President still on the Board, one regional representative from each IES Region selected by their District Councils, and three at-large representatives appointed by the Board. To maintain balance, no more than two of the regional or at-large representatives may also serve on the Board. Committee members interview, evaluate, and review each candidate’s record before presenting a slate for the membership to vote on.

This structure underscores the committee’s importance. It ensures a fair, informed, and deliberate process in choosing candidates.

This year, the committee selected Scotty Hutto. With more than two decades of IES leadership, Scotty has served as an At-Large Director, Chair of the Street and Area Lighting Committee (SALC), and a member of the Executive Committee. His career spans launching businesses, leading nonprofits, and working in outdoor lighting manufacturing and development. His campaign emphasizes collaboration, continuity, and a commitment to representing all members.

Rothman’s Criticism-Heavy Approach

In his 7 September letter to members, Ira questioned Scotty’s experience within IES, claiming his background was too narrowly focused on one sector of the lighting community. He also raised doubts about the direction of past leadership.

Ira states in his letter to membership, “…the Board but unfortunately, has selected a single candidate for VP/President Elect, who has very little experience with the IES…” Ira fails to mention that Scotty is a current At-Large Director of the IES Board of Directors. Being a board member is excellent experience. Read about all of Scotty’s extensive experience here.

It gets worse.

In the letter, Ira says, “This candidate, even after the Nomination Committee elected them, did not even attend our Annual Conference in Anaheim this year…there is a real disconnect here…” This statement is very misleading. I saw Scotty at the IES Board of Directors meeting. Who was he sitting next to? Ira Rothman! 

Further, I saw Scotty in the halls at the conference multiple times, and we had a great conversation. Perhaps Scotty left the conference early; I am not sure. But I can say that I saw Scotty in Anaheim at the conference on two different occasions. And I know that Ira saw him because they sat next to each other. 

Responses from the Two Candidates

I reached out to Scotty and Ira. I received the following statement from Scotty: “I respect anyone willing to step forward and serve, and a write-in campaign is an alternate path to serve, set forth in the IES Bylaws. I’m honored to have been put forth as the nominee for Vice President by the nominating committee, and my focus remains on using my talents and skills to help the IES grow and improve.”

Ira responded:  “The challenges the IES faces in growing its Value Proposition to the greater lighting community, its domestic membership and global expansion, its direction in partnering and supporting research, its needs to market itself and fundraise, and the ongoing updating and expansion of its library of technical collateral will require a leader with  a comprehensive understanding of the Lighting industry. 

As a member of the IES for 38 years and counting, my extensive roles within the IES and my varied professional background as a Consulting Electrical Engineer, Lighting Consultant, VP of Sales and Marketing for a lighting manufacturer, business owner for a Revit Software development company and a Lighting Representative offers a perspective that others cannot. I will utilize all of my collective experience to help lead the IES Staff, Board of Managers and Membership to expand in the directions that the Society needs so that all that participate in the IES Community can maximize their experience with this great organization and all it has to offer and members so they more “feel” connected to it and ways that have not yet been realized.”

Credentials That Could Have Stood Alone

Ira’s resume is extremely impressive. He has decades of IES service, including roles as At-Large Director, Treasurer, Regional Director, and Boston Section President. He remains active in philanthropy and is preparing to chair a new Recommended Practice committee on life science laboratory lighting. This long record of service could have anchored a strong, positive campaign. Given his credentials, I would have been tempted to take a hard look at Ira. But his letter has turned me off.

In elections, tone often matters as much as qualifications. Ira may have been better served by stressing his own record and offering a clear vision for the Society. Instead, he chose to focus on the perceived flaws of others. Now, IES members must weigh not only the resumes of the candidates, but also how each has chosen to present themselves.