Left to Right: Megan Carroll, Kenny Schutz, and Shoshanna Segal (IESNYC President); Megan Carroll and Natalia Lesniak; Zachary Pearson and Megan Carroll

IESNYC Honors the 2025 Service Award Recipients

The Illuminating Engineering Society of New York City (IESNYC) proudly recognizes outstanding volunteer leadership through its annual Service Awards program, honoring members whose dedication and contributions advance the mission, programs, and impact of the IESNYC and the lighting community at large.

The 2025 IESNYC Service Awards were presented on Thursday, December 4, during the annual Lighting Industry Holiday Party, held at the Flos / Louis Poulsen Madison Avenue Showroom. Co-hosted by IESNYC, DLFNY, WILD, and IALD NYC, the event brought together the New York City lighting community for an evening of celebration, connection, and reflection.

“The Service Awards recognize those members whose volunteerism strengthens the IESNYC at every level,” said Megan Carroll, Chair of the IESNYC Awards and Nominations Committee. “Their ideas and actions help curate content, vet products, and produce services and relevant, well-curated industry events that keep our members at the top of their craft. Through hundreds of volunteer hours, they make the IESNYC—and the Society as a whole—a richer, more diverse community and the leading authority in the art and science of lighting.”

2025 IESNYC Service Award Recipients

IES Section Service Award

Presented by the IESNYC to a member in recognition of outstanding service to the Section, principally of a non-technical nature, that has significantly furthered the purpose of the Society continuously over 5 years in various programs and activities.

Kenny Schutz, Focus Lighting
Kenny Schutz is recognized for his significant contributions to the NYControlled Conference and for his dedicated, thoughtful, and objective work on the Progress Committee. His service supports not only the New York City Section, but the broader IES community through careful evaluation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to excellence that benefits the Society as a whole.

IESNYC BRILLIANCE AWARD

Presented by the IESNYC in recognition of dedication and contribution to the NYC Lighting Community.

Natalia Lesniak, Lumen Architecture Natalia Lesniak is recognized for her consistent service to the IESNYC, with impact that extends beyond the Section to the broader lighting community. For several years, she has taught the local Fundamentals of Lighting course and supported its organization. Through her leadership of the Education Committee, she helps ensure high-quality learning opportunities that support professional growth and knowledge-sharing throughout the community—a cornerstone of the IESNYC mission.

IESNYC Emerging Professional Award

Presented by the IESNYC in recognition for the guidance and support of the Emerging Professionals Program.

Zachary Pearson, Fisher Marantz Stone
Zachary Pearson is recognized for originating and managing the NextGen Program, fostering community, mentorship, and professional development for emerging lighting professionals. Through his vision, initiative, and sustained leadership, Zachary transformed an idea into a tangible program. NextGen empowers upcoming generations of lighting professionals, shaping the IESNYC Section for decades to come.

ABOUT THE SERVICE AWARDS

The IESNYC recognizes outstanding individuals through a variety of award programs. They are described as follows:

IES Section Service Award
Presented by a Section to a member in recognition of outstanding service to the Section, principally of a non-technical nature, that has significantly furthered the purpose of the Society continuously over 5 years in various programs and activities

IES Section Meritorious Service Award

Presented by a Section to a member in recognition of outstanding service to the Section, principally of a non-technical nature, that has significantly furthered the purpose of the Society continuously over 15 years in various programs and activities

IESNYC Brilliance Award

Presented by the IESNYC in recognition of dedication and contribution to the NYC Lighting Community

IESNYC Special Recognition Award

Presented by the IESNYC in special recognition of distinguished service to the Section

IESNYC Achievement Award
Presented by the IESNYC in recognition of 45 years of dedicated service to the New York City Lighting Design Community

IESNYC Golden Achievement Award

Presented by the IESNYC for outstanding and continuous support of educational goals and ideals of the Section

IESNYC Emerging Professional Award

Presented by the IESNYC in recognition for the guidance and support of the Emerging Professionals Program.