With Gratitude: A Message from IALD President Andrea Hartranft

As my two-year term as President comes to a close, I want to take a moment to simply say thank you — and to reflect on what we’ve shared over the past two years, as well as what lies ahead for the IALD.

Serving as President has been both an honor and a responsibility that I have truly valued. I stepped into this role with great respect for our members, our global community, and the profession we all care so deeply about. Over the past two years, we’ve continued to strengthen the IALD’s international voice, invest in professional development, and advocate for the value and impact of lighting design. We’ve navigated change, tackled challenges head-on, and stayed focused on supporting designers around the world.

What has meant the most to me, though, is the level of engagement and collaboration across the organization. None of this work happens without people showing up — sharing ideas, asking hard questions, volunteering their time, and caring about where the IALD is headed. I am incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors, committees, staff, volunteers, and members for the energy, thoughtfulness, and commitment you bring to this community.

I am also excited to welcome Carla Wilkins, who will step into the role of President in January 2026. Carla brings clarity, experience, and a strong sense of purpose to this position, along with a deep understanding of both our challenges and our opportunities. I have every confidence in her leadership and vision, and I know the IALD will continue to grow and move forward in thoughtful and meaningful ways under her leadership.

While my term as President is ending, my service to the IALD is not. I will remain on the Board for another year, working alongside Carla and the Board to support the momentum we’ve built and to continue exploring what’s next for the association.

Thank you for the trust you placed in me, for your engagement with the IALD, and for the work you do every day to elevate the profession of lighting design. It has been a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to continuing this journey together — just from a different seat at the table.

With gratitude,

Andrea Hartranft, FIALD, CLD, IES

IALD President 2024-2025