As part of a reorganization plan initially announced at a Lighting Dimensions-sponsored event during Lightfair, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) has hired a full-time executive director and will move its headquarters from New York City to the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. IALD president Randy Burkett says the changes are part of long-term strategic plans developed during internal think tank discussions held last spring.
Taking the administrative reigns in the new position of executive director is Morag Fullilove, a 25-year veteran of the association management field, having worked within the healthcare and insurance business communities. She is a Certified Association Executive, as sanctioned by the American Society of Association Executives, and says her "major mandate is to carry out the goals that were drafted at the 1997 IALD Vision Conference. We aim for increased recognition for the lighting design profession and its practitioners, improved IALD member services, and increased communication efforts, both internally and working with the media." At LDI, October 24-26, Fullilove will be available to meet lighting designers and other industry professionals, so stop by the IALD, booth number 2836. Meanwhile, the new Chicago address and phone number for the association are pending negotiations with the Merchandise Mart as of press time.
The IALD has also welcomed Lighting Dimensions architecture editor William Weathersby, Jr., as an official press affiliate member. He will continue to work closely with the IALD on coverage of architectural lighting issues.