To keep pace with the increase in legislative activity regarding energy and environmental issues as it pertains to the lighting industry, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), like its compatriot lighting organization the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), has established a public-policy position. Taking the helm for the IES in this full-time role is Robert E. Horner.
Horner is well respected in the industry. He spent more than a decade in the employ of Osram Sylvania in several product group marketing manager roles. A long-standing member of the IES, Horner also served the National Lighting Bureau for 10 years as an officer and a member of the Board of Governors.
“The emphasis on energy savings has an impact on the lighting industry in a way that didn’t exist five years ago,” says William Hanley, IES executive vice president. “Creating this position is one way we can keep members abreast of what’s going on.”
Horner’s responsibilities will focus on developing and coordinating the public-policy interests of the IES to government, regulatory, trade and professional associations, partner organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as to the general public. Horner will also work closely with the IES staff, Board of Directors, and appropriate IES committees to identify and prioritize the key issues impacting the lighting community and facilitate responses as required. “Legislative activity has picked up exponentially over the last three to four years,” Horner explains. “We have to be more proactive and let people know what’s going on.” This will entail representing the IES at industry events and conferences, as well as government and regulatory meetings. And in order to communicate directly to IES members, Horner will pen updates in print articles in the Society’s publications and on the IES’s website at ies.org.
