Member of the Month

March 2020

Timothy Licitra, MIES
Executive Director, IES

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
For me, it started in June 2015 when I applied for the Executive Director job opening at the IES. My background is in nonprofit executive management and marketing and having no experience within the lighting industry was quite daunting. Luckily, I had an amazing first mentor in IES Past President Mark Roush. Mark helped me to understand our Society, as well as the lighting industry. To this day, one of my favorite experiences was getting to learn from Mark as we spent three days walking through every hall at Light + Building in 2016 (before my first LightFair). He took the time out of his busy schedule to attend the conference for the sole purpose of helping me learn more about the industry. He is still someone I reach out to when I have questions. I quickly realized the importance of lighting and the role that it plays in everyday life. Thank you, Mark!

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
My first involvement with the IESNYC Section was when Brian Belluomini invited me to attend a Section Board meeting early in my tenure with IES. Getting the opportunity to learn firsthand how one of the IES’s most successful sections operated was very helpful. Other members such as Mike Barr, Joseph Belfer, Megan Carroll, Pete Jacobson and Caleb McKenzie have helped me to stay connected over the years. Attending my first Lumen Awards in 2016 was a terrific experience and is still a “can’t miss” event for me each year.

Q: How do you see your role as member of the IESNYC?
My role is an interesting one and is much different than that of other members. I am the connection, or liaison, for the IESNYC Section volunteer leaders and the IES. It is a role of information sharing, transparency, collaboration and relationship building. I wish my schedule allowed for me to attend more section meetings and that is something that I hopefully will be able to do more of in the near future.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best assets of the IES NYC Section are its members and its history. The membership of the section drives its vitality, both in dedicated volunteer leaders and participants. From a historical perspective, the IES NYC Section is directly responsible for much of the Society’s success over the years. Having such a deep history helps to promote the value of the IES and provides valuable education for those that are new to the industry and section. Furthermore, I think one of the best assets of the IESNYC Section is the IES, and vice versa—one of the best assets of the IES is the IESNYC Section. It is a symbiotic relationship. The IES would not be in the great position that it is in today if it were not for its sections. We rely heavily on our sections for growth, leadership development, input into programs, committee participation and much more. I truly believe that the relationship that the IES and IESNYC Section has today is as strong as ever and that is in large part due to amazing volunteer leaders. Mike Barr, Pete Jacobson, Caleb McKenzie, Brad Telias and I meet and speak frequently about where the Society is heading, our strategic initiatives, and how both the IES and IESNYC Section can help one another. Your section is in good hands with the leadership that you have in place and I very much enjoy working with everyone.