The IES seeks to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public.
The IES will build upon a century of excellence to create the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to its members, allied professional organizations, and the public.
We are a non-profit technical society whose purpose is to advance lighting knowledge and disseminate information for the improvement of the lighted environment to the benefit of society.
The Las Vegas Section (founded in December 1986) is comprised of engineers, lighting designers, manufacturers, architects, contractors, distributors, and others with a passion for lighting.
This section holds monthly educational meetings to discuss the latest in lighting and industry trends.
HISTORY OF THE IES
Established in 1906, the IES is the recognized technical and educational authority on illumination. For over one hundred years its objective has been to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers through a variety of programs, publications, and services. The strength of the IES is its diversified membership: engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers, and scientists, all contributing to the mission of the Society: to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public.
The IES is a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and a vehicle for its members’ professional development and recognition. Through its technical committees, with hundreds of qualified members from the lighting and user communities, the IES correlates research, investigations, and discussions to guide lighting experts and laypersons via research-and consensus-based lighting recommendations.
Section Officers
President: Tonya Moake Neely, MIES, LC, Assoc. IALD, LEED GA
Tonya is currently a lighting designer at Light Solutions where she has had the privilege to aid in the opening of the new local office and work on several exciting projects including Roy Choi’s Best Friend Restaurant, UNLV Tech Park, and the Expo at World Market Center. She moved to the Las Vegas area from Salem MA where she was an Associate Designer at the prestigious Available Light lighting firm. At Available Light, Tonya had the opportunity to contribute to several exciting projects such as The Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium, the new Deep Time exhibit for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Spy Museum in DC, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, TX. Maintaining an active presence in the local lighting community and staying up to date on the latest in lighting innovations, standards, and regulations is of utmost importance to her. That is why she remains an active member of the local Las Vegas IES Section as well as the IALD.
Vice-President: Sarah Snodgrass
Sarah Snodgrass is native to the Las Vegas valley. After pursuing her dual Bachelor’s degrees in Fine Arts and Architecture at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, she continued into her Master’s program in Architectural Lighting Design at Parsons, The New School in New York City. She lived in NYC from 2010-2017 working for renowned lighting designers before moving back to her roots in Las Vegas. Sarah has maintained active participation in her local AIA and IES Sections since 2006, serves on UNLV’s College of Fine Arts Alumni Board, and instructs architectural lighting workshops at UNLV’s School of Architecture.
Secretary: Derek Duncan
Derek A. Duncan has been involved with the IES since 1998 and has served on the IES Board for 9 years including 3 years as Vice President and a year as President. Derek entered the lighting field in 1995. After 13 years of working for various Lighting Manufacturers and their Representative agencies in Las Vegas, he co-founded DECOLights and has co-owned and operated it for 10 years. Derek is very involved in the Vegas community as a whole and was named Citizen of the Month by the City of Las Vegas in April of 2014 as he was finishing serving his year as Exalted Ruler of the Las Vegas Elks. Derek feels that education is the prime fundamental of great lighting projects which is why he continues to remain involved in supporting the IES, USGBC, AEE, & AIA.
Treasurer: Brad Robertson, PE
Brad Robertson is an Electrical Engineer at Glumac who enjoys working on architectural lighting layouts and calculations. He has served clients in hospitality, gaming, retail, and public education. Prior to Glumac, Brad graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering and a concentration in lighting design. He has been a member of IES for over five years, beginning as a student at Penn State. He and his wife, Alex, now have a healthy and happy baby girl occupying all of their free time.
Board of Managers
Robert Nelson, PE
Robert Nelson is an Electrical Engineer at EXP, where he has been working in the field for over 12 years. He is an avid learner, a positive role model for his team, and a stickler for excellence in his work. Prior to EXP, he was a student at Kansas State University where he studied architectural engineering earning a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He and his wife, Brittney, met at college and are both still Wildcat fans. They now have four beautiful children and are actively involved in their church and community.
Trent Hilsabeck
Trent is new to the lighting industry, but his ripple effect is already felt. He has over 10 years in prior sales experience and currently works for Pacific Lighting in Las Vegas, NV. Trent enjoys learning as well as educating whenever possible. He wants to not only educate himself but also others in the industry in aspects of the lighting industry. This is a major motivation in his participation in IES.
Jesus Caballero
Mr. Caballero has over 21 years’ experience in the engineering and design industry. He has two years’ experience in structural design and more than 19 years’ experience in MEP consulting. His experience includes construction design of power distribution, interior and exterior lighting design, fire alarm and low voltage systems performance criteria design for projects such as research laboratories, bio-containment laboratories, hospitals, primary education facilities, university campus additions, industrial facilities, low- and high-rise office buildings, professional sports facilities, medical office buildings, multi-tenant retail buildings, assisted living facilities, and other various commercial, institutional, medical and academic projects.