IES Names New Director of Education

Tom Butters IES

 

 

June 06 2016

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) welcomes Tom Butters as the new IES Director of Education, effective August 1. This new position was established to address the growing need for timely, accessible, and objective continuing education courses in the lighting industry and the expanding role of education within IES for the benefit of its members. 

Butters will oversee the development, implementation and delivery of IES educational programs for professional development, higher educational institutions, and the public at-large. In addition, Butters will develop educational outreach tools and activities to assist lighting professionals in advancing their proficiency through continuing education. Butters will report to the Executive Vice President and work closely with the Directors of Standards and Membership Services.

Since 2007, Butters has been Director/Sr. Manager of Canlyte’s Lighting Concept Centre/Philips Lighting University, one of the busiest educational facilities in North America. He has 30 years in the lighting industry, with 15 years developing and delivering lighting education programs based on IES recommendations to all segments of the industry. Butters has served as a Board Director, President, and Education Chair of IES’ Toronto Section. He was also Vice District Chair of the IES District for Eastern Canada.

“The hire of Tom to fill the newly created position of Director of Education is an important next step in the evolution of IES,” says Tim Licitra, IES Executive Vice President. “Our vision includes increasing the value of membership by providing our members with access to educational content delivered through modern technologies, supporting our sections by assisting in establishing educational programming, and the creation of resources to aid colleges/universities and our strategic partners. Tom will be instrumental in making this vision a reality.”

Brian Liebel, Technical Director of Standards welcomed Butters, saying, “The skills that Tom provides in translating lighting knowledge to concrete examples directed to specific user groups will enhance our product offerings and will provide a valuable service to our members. Tom’s dedication to the advancement of lighting knowledge through multiple media channels will prove to be a tremendous asset to the Society.”

“This new position is a dream job for me,” says Butters. “I strongly feel that never has there been a greater need for all levels of lighting education to all segments of our industry. It is an exciting time to be in lighting. Ever advancing solid state technologies are changing lighting in a way that closely resembles the way smart phones have replaced telephone land lines. We are becoming increasingly aware of how light affects our health, both positively and negatively. And, the ability to not only change color temperature but to modify specific wavelengths is not science fiction.”

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage & Solvic Announce New Representation Partnership

    New Collaboration – A New Solar Lighting Manufacturer Joins Contact Delage’s Offerings

    Contact Delage is excited to announce the addition of a new trusted partner to their lineup: Solvic, an innovative manufacturer specializing in solar lighting. This new partnership reflects Contact Delage’s ongoing commitment to offering sustainable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world applications. With Solvic, they are expanding their range of autonomous solar products—perfect for lighting streets, parks,… Read More…

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • Prolux: Lumithree PT-1016 Glass Diffuser Pendant

    Prolux: Lumithree PT-1016 Glass Diffuser Pendant

    The PT-1016 is a glass diffuser that can be mounted in any room to provide an elegant touch. The diffuser comes in several translucent finishes to match any decor, and the hardware is available in a variety of powder-coated colours. Lumithree’s quality decorative lighting solutions offer their customers a diverse range of unique and flexible… Read More…

  • Magic Lite: Tri-Proof Lights

    Magic Lite: Tri-Proof Lights

    Tri-Proof Lights are a durable lighting solution that can replace traditional linear fluorescent luminaires. Tri-Proof Lights are designed for a variety of applications requiring, dust-, moisture- and impact-resistance. Suitable environments such as corridors, stairwells, warehouses, parking garages and car washes allows this versatile fixture in a variety of applications. Read More…