May 2014

Kelly Seeger, LC, LEED AP
Senior Applications Developer in the Lighting Solutions and Services Department of Philips Research North America


Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
In 2002, when I was finishing a Master of Science in Lighting at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), I was contacted by a family friend who was recruiter. She thought I might be interested in an applications engineering position she was recruiting for and I was! I got the job and started working at Lighting Services (LSI) in their engineering department. In 2004, I was promoted to the position of New York City Metro Regional Sales Manager.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Shortly after being promoted, I became a member of the IES.  I wanted to become active in the New York City section. So I attended the very next scheduled event which happened to be a walking tour of retail windows in the Meatpacking District.  I remember being a bit nervous since I was attending an event by myself, but the event hosts from the section were very welcoming. That evening, I met Bonny Ann Whitehouse, who was vice president of the section at that time, and she invited me to attend a Board of Managers meeting with her. I guess I made a good impression because shortly after, I was asked to chair a newly-formed Archives Committee to tackle the task of gathering, storing, and categorizing materials pertaining to the section. Subsequently, I served as secretary from 2006 to 2007, vice president from 2007 to 2009, and president from 2009 to 2011. As immediate past president, I chaired the Nominations and Awards Committee. Currently, I am a board advisor for the Programs Committee, and the Thesis Prize Coordinator.  

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best assets of the IESNYC are its dedicated members and strong, consistent leadership.  Our members truly go above and beyond the call of duty and make all of the great programs and events happen for the benefit of our members and the lighting community. Volunteering with the section is also a great networking opportunity that I wish more people would take advantage of. 

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the BOM? 
My role is multi-faceted. I’m an advisor, task-master, and leader.  I’m a section champion and am happy to volunteer my time to support our president in executing the IES’s mission and goals as well as our section’s own initiatives and activities. As a recent past president, I recognize the Board of Managers as the backbone of the section.