Jared Smith
CBCL
As I sit to write my first “President’s Perspective,” I can’t help but reflect on my journey with the IES. In 2013, I was invited to join the planning committee for the IES Maritime Regional Conference with my local Section in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This was my first look at the power our friends and colleagues have in our various industries and the great work that our Society performs daily across the globe. Watching how we blend the technical expertise of the lighting community with our emphasis on networking and education inspired me to get more involved.
Then, I served as a Section president, district vice-chair, and chair; once I was the Northeast regional director, I knew I was really in this for the long haul. It was then, as a Member of our Board of Directors, that I started to truly understand the energy, passion, and curiosity that is exemplified by our leadership every day.
After serving four years on the Board, most recently as vice president, I am honored to step into this role as president of the Society in 2026. I am committed to supporting our vision: to become the leading global lighting organization dedicated to communicating the value of lighting quality to its members, allied professional organizations, and the public.
“The Society needs people who are willing to push beyond what’s known today and redefine what’s possible tomorrow.”
I see nothing but boundless opportunity as we continue establishing ourselves as the foremost experts in lighting and illumination. However, the future of lighting isn’t going to shape itself—it needs more of you. It needs your colleagues and friends—that promising young engineer who just started in your office. The Society needs people who are willing to push beyond what’s known today and redefine what’s possible tomorrow. Lighting isn’t just about brightness, it’s about impact.
That impact includes recognizing our members. To thank them for their many and varied contributions to the Society and the broader lighting industry. Whether that’s via the Marks Award, the Medals Award, or the Distinguished Service Award, we need you to help recognize your peers so that they can be viewed as visionaries by the rest of our industry.
Finally, I want to thank each of you for your continued support. It is because of you that the IES is trusted with the responsibility of helping ensure the public can cross a street at night without fear, to land safely when flying home for Christmas, to have their doctors perform life-saving surgeries, and their children’s teachers inspire the next generation in well-lit classrooms. We cannot do it without your trust and dedication. I look forward to continuing our journey together through 2026.
