Acuity Brands recently announced that Cheryl English, VP, Public Policy, will receive the 2021 Louis B. Marks Award, presented by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Named in honor of the first president of the IES, the award is the society's highest service award and is presented to a member in recognition of exceptional service to IES of a non-technical nature.
Shirley Coyle, former IES president, wrote in her nomination of English: “For her tremendous service and contribution to the IES while shaping the lighting industry, Cheryl English is awarded the 2021 Louis B. Marks Award. Cheryl’s thoughtful, effective use of her lighting knowledge, her industry involvement and her public policy prowess has driven support for lighting research, lighting standards development and lighting education. Her contributions on the IES Board of Directors built upon a critical business review to implement the strategic plan for a stronger Illuminating Engineering Society, bringing more value to the IES and its members.”
English has worked with Acuity Brands for more than 39 years promoting the science of lighting. She has served in various positions including application engineering, product development, testing labs, marketing and public policy, and has also been instrumental in the development and ongoing focus of the company’s sustainability priorities to reduce their use of natural resources and recycling programs.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award from IES,” said English in the press release. “All of the professionals who have served with me in IES or industry activities, as well as support from Acuity Brands have contributed to my experience that led to this recognition.”
On behalf of the IES, English helped develop the Joint IDA-IES Model Lighting Ordinance, the IES classification system for Outdoor Luminaires (TM-15) and the first series of IES ED education programs. She has served on a variety of IES committees, including the Board of Fellows, Medal Award, Marks Award, Lighting Economics, Sustainable Lighting, Educational Materials, Education Seminars, Legislative & Regulatory and Computer. English has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the Fellow Award, and an IES Presidential Award. She served as IES President from 2017-2018.
In her current role, English utilizes her technical expertise and management experience to advocate for the advancement of energy policy, smart buildings and integrated building solutions. She also previously served on the board of the National Institute of Building Sciences.
English obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Architectural Engineering program and her Executive Masters of Business Administration at Georgia State University.
English will be presented with the Louis B. Marks Award at the 2021 IES Annual Conference in August, which will be held virtually this year. For more information about the Illuminating Engineering Society and the Louis B. Marks Award, please visit https://www.ies.org/