Meet Our Member

The IESNYC spotlights a member each month whose volunteerism, perspective or personal story helps advance our goals, piques our curiosity, and makes the IESNYC become a more vibrant and diverse lighting community. We value their expertise and thank them for volunteering their time and energy for the betterment of the section and NYC Lighting Community. #the_iesnycmom

May 2025

Craig Fox, LC IES
Territory Sales Manager, ETC

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
Life-altering opportunities present themselves in funny ways sometimes, usually when you’re least prepared to recognize them. In ninth grade, I had a few older friends that were on the stage crew. They talked it up a lot, but the important takeaway was that they had the keys to everything. They did a lot of the lighting work and set construction during the school day and hung out in the auditorium and projection booth. Pfft, where do I sign? 

That seemingly innocuous moment led to an utterly misspent youth, which in turn led to a few years as an off-Broadway electrician. From there, I spent many years on tour with a show. Now, my friends who are reading this are snickering, knowing what I actually did was tour with the Big Apple Circus for about 13 years (looking at you Kenny Schutz and Shoshanna Segal).

With that out of my system, I settled into civilian life with Barbizon Lighting here in the city. This is where I learned about the construction and installation side of the lighting industry. I left Barbizon for an eye-popping adventure with Focus Lighting, where I learned the rest of the story (thanks, Paul Gregory), while adding to my cache of lifelong friends. ETC came a-knocking 16 years ago, and I’m sticking around.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I was at Focus when I first learned about the IES and the NYC Section. Some coworkers suggested that I join. (I’m sensing a pattern here.) This led, indirectly, to becoming a member of the LEDucation Committee and to joining the IES Illumination Awards Committee. I continue to work on and enjoy both to this day.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
I guess I mostly support the IESNYC as a funder and a user. I love programs like Moonlighting and NYControlled. In my role at ETC, I’ve been able to financially support both programs from their inception.

Another way to support the Section is to leverage friendships and networks. One of my favorite things is to get an email from a student asking for help, some information or loaner gear because their teacher told them to reach out to me. Another favorite is a teacher asking me to “come explain to my class why controls matter.” Honestly, what are friends for? 

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
I value every opportunity to learn from this community; and every opportunity to teach this community. Mentoring an EP who might turn out to be an industry game-changer. You know, life-altering opportunities present themselves in funny ways sometimes, usually when you’re least prepared to recognize them.