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

November 2025

Nick Emerick
VP Controls
The Dulanski Group

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I began my lighting journey in the theater. Working as an electrician, programmer, and designer for musicals, dance, concerts, and temporary events, I thought I wanted to be a Broadway lighting console programmer. Then in college, I took an internship with ETC’s New York office under the leadership of Joe DiNardo and Craig Fox, and began my path helping guide and shape the construction of new performing arts venues. Once I finished school and started working with Gary Dulanski and Dean Curcio, this evolved to all types of spaces, locales, and areas of lighting and controls.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
My introduction to the IESNYC began as an attendee at events such as LightFair and the Lumen Awards. These experiences instantly impressed me with the depth of talent, creativity, and passion in our community. Over time, my involvement deepened as I supported both current and former colleagues in their IESNYC volunteerism, offering ideas, feedback, and encouragement for events they were organizing as committee and board members.

Through these connections, I gained a clearer understanding of the dedication it takes to sustain such a vibrant section, and the impact our programming can have on lighting professionals, design, and the general public. 

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the IESNYC?
Those early experiences inspired me to take a more active role, and I am now enjoying contributing more directly through the Board of Managers. I am working to expand our funding and programming, so we can continue strengthening and growing our local lighting community for years to come.

As a steward for good governance, efficiency, and meaningful progress, I can be thoughtful and intentional about how decisions are made. I aim to ensure that our processes are transparent, effective, and aligned with the long-term health of the organization. Fresh eyes, new ideas, and an eagerness to learn from the past will help our section continue moving forward.

Gathering information and feedback will help ensure that our programming remains relevant, engaging, and valuable. Fostering collaboration with other organizations, exploring innovative educational modalities, strengthening outreach… I am committed to contributing in ways that benefit both our current community and future generations of lighting professionals. 

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
Engaged members and volunteers are unquestionably the foundation that makes everything possible. However, I firmly believe in the IESNYC’s commitment to educating the designers, practitioners, and thought leaders of tomorrow. Mentorship, skills-building, and knowledge sharing will ensure that our organization remains a key player in the broader industry. By looking forward, we can adapt to evolving technologies and design philosophies, as well as industry and societal needs.

Equally important, the IESNYC is dedicated to hosting events that are open and accessible to a wide audience. By welcoming other project stakeholders (alongside students and emerging professionals), we broaden our influence and steer the conversation around quality illumination in design.

Open events bring opportunities to exchange ideas across disciplines, increase design-industry and public awareness, and draw attention to the integral role that lighting plays in shaping our built environment and our lives. These can also attract bright, young talent and innovators to our professions.

This dual focus – nurturing future talent while engaging a broader community – cements the IESNYC’s position as both a trusted resource and a driving force for elevating the value of quality lighting in the cultural and professional landscapes.