November 2014

Lucia R. Granieri
Branch Manager
Electra Supply‚ Division of Wesco Distribution

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
In 1982 I began my career in the Newburgh branch of Kennedy Electrical Supply. Kennedy was a force to be reckoned with in those days I worked my way from clerk to purchasing agent and in 1999 when I became branch manager. It was a baptism by fire, but I learned the ins and outs of being a good project manager. In 2004 I started Athena Light and Power, a lighting distributorship, which was a great learning experience for me in terms of lighting and electrical construction. In 2012 I joined WESCO as the branch manager of their Poughkeepsie office.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I joined the IES in 2002 and attended several programs in the Hudson Valley. In 2008 I served on the Programs North Committee and helped to continue bringing educational and social programs to the area. I joined the Board of Managers this year and we’ve already had two programs for our members.

The most recent one was a at Vassar College’s new store. The tour was led by specifier/project manager Eric Neiler of Tinkelman Archtecture and Paul Gregory, sales engineer of Lightspec Albany, with Will Brosnahan of Fellenzer Engineering to explain the design plan and the challenges and changes along the way. Local electrical contractor Don Veith of Veith Electric, installer, also joined the tour with interjections of installation challenges and pride in being a part of this project which repurposed the theater and has added a facelift to the campus area. I plan to continue to present informative and enjoyable programs.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best asset is our membership. So many of our member have years of experience that they willingly share with other section members and the design community in an effort to grow the section and improve the industry.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the BOM?
We have over 60 members in my region and I think it’s wonderful that the IESNYC has taken us under its wing and has given us guidance on how to be of assistance to our local members. My challenge is to continue to grow our membership so they can avail themselves of the educational opportunities afforded them by being members. Our meetings are held in Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Westchester Counties and currently Karen Duffy works with me to spur ideas, and I am in the process of forming a committee. The section has a lot to offer the design community in ways that add value to their projects.