The Illuminating Engineering Society has announced the retirement of William (Bill) Hanley, Executive Vice President. Mr. Hanley, who served as chief of staff starting in 1988, is the longest serving head-of-staff since the founding of the IES in 1906. His retirement is effective December 31.
Mr. Hanley is credited with taking the IES from near insolvency to solid financial footing and guiding the organization through unprecedented growth during his tenure. Among his most notable achievements, Hanley presided over the launch of LIGHTFAIR International, IES’s management of the Street and Area Lighting Conference, and the publication of the latest three editions of the IES Lighting Handbook.
While the many volunteers who make the IES the leading organization it is deserve applause and admiration, the IES staff, run by Bill Hanley, are often unsung heroes. I’ve had the pleasure of working with IES as both a vendor and partner, and have always been impressed by Bill’s leadership. The IES is run by committee, which is no easy job, and he navigated the visions, activities and personalities of the numerous volunteer lighting professionals with a steady hand. Under his leadership, IES has grown in relevance in strength despite numerous changes in the industry.
Bill made the following statement about his retirement:
“I feel honored to have served the IES for as long as I have. It wasn’t easy at first, but things got better as time went on. While turning the organization around financially was a satisfying accomplishment, the most rewarding part of the job was developing relationships with the people I worked with. I’d like to thank the IES Presidents, past and present, and the IES Board for their support, the IES staff, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with more than two decades, and the IES members, sponsors, and committee volunteers who have supported the IES through their dues, financial support, and valuable time and talent donated to the organization. I’m deeply grateful for all their help in making the IES what it is today. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Irene, who has been steadfast in her support.”
Happy retirement, Bill! Thank you for your excellent service to the industry.
The IES Board of Directors is currently reviewing qualified candidates for Bill’s successor. An announcement will be forthcoming.
Randy Reid at EdisonReport.net shot this interview with Bill in 2013, which provides interesting insight into the inner workings of the Society:
