Meet Our Honorary Member

The IESNYC spotlights a member each month whose volunteerism, perspectives or personal story helps advance our goals, pique our curiosity, and whose contributions help 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

March 2023

Randy Reid
Publisher and Editor
EdisonReport, designing lighting, Today in Lighting, The Spec

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
When I was about to graduate from college, I was headed to basic training for the US Army Reserve. Despite having dozens of job interviews in college, I never got past the first round. When GE's Large Lamp Division came to campus, I managed to secure an interview. After four more rounds, I was offered the job! At that time, I had no concept of B2B sales. I told my mother after the first interview that if I got the job, I would be going door-to-door selling really large floor lamps to homeowners. Seriously.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I was invited to the Lumen Gala in 2002, when I was president of the IESNA (as it was called at the time). I was blown away by the success of the Section. I felt then that the IESNYC Lumen Gala was the most fun event in lighting, and I feel the same way today. In 2002, I realized that the IES could learn a lot from IESNYC.

Q: How do you see your role as a Honorary Member of the IESNYC?
I am humbled and honored to be a honorary MoM. IESNYC is unique within the IES, and the Section continues to excel and provide meaningful purpose to the NYC community, as well as the entire lighting industry. As an honorary Member of the Month, my role is to help spread the word on everything IESNYC is involved with, and hopefully inspire other sections.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
IESNYC has a strong bench of talent, with 14 different committees staffed with talented volunteers. Unlike most sections where a handful of people run the section and do all the programs, the well-oiled structure and strong history of IESNYC allow for such good work to be done.

The outreach and influence that IESNYC has may be the best in the lighting industry. I was touched last month reading the IESNYC newsletter’s Spotlight on Diversity with Carl Jenkins, and I see that eleven IESNYC members are speaking at LEDucation.

The Section has a strong legacy, but never rests on its laurels; exemplified by the IESNYC Student Lighting Competition, which had eight submissions in 2000 and more than 100 today. This is a testament to the Section and helps to build membership and future IES leaders.

Editor's Note: Randy Reid not only served as president of IES National, he has continued his support of the New York City Section as Editor of the EdisonReport and designing lighting magazine by highlighting our Section activities and programs. We appreciate his service and contributions to our success as we bestow this Honorary Member of Month.