Overview of the New Shared Resource Arrangement
The Audio Engineering Society (AES) is entering a formal shared resource arrangement with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), marking a strategic move to strengthen leadership, boost operational capacity, and support long‑term growth. Set to begin on December 16, this collaboration is designed to unify strengths across two technically oriented communities and to accelerate AES’s mission of advancing audio science, education, and innovation while leveraging IES’s expertise in lighting engineering and professional standards.
Leadership Roles and Governance
In the new model, Colleen Harper will serve as Executive Director in a shared role with IES, continuing a track record of leadership that helped AES navigate a period of significant growth. Harper previously led AES as Executive Director from 2019 to 2022 and will bring that experience to the consolidated management framework. Graham Kirk will also return in a shared capacity as Director of Business Operations, reinforcing a successful history of strengthening industry partnerships and driving revenue growth. This executive structure mirrors a proven formula, combining AES’s core mission with IES’s organizational depth.
What this means for AES and IES staff
Under the arrangement, several current IES staff members will support both organizations, while IES will hire three additional staff positions to handle the increased workload. The blended team is intended to deliver the benefits of an association management company (AMC), including flexible resource allocation and a more agile approach to member services, events, and programs.
Member Benefits and Strategic Focus
The collaborative model is designed to keep AES members at the heart of every decision while expanding access to resources, education, and global engagement opportunities. By pooling leadership and operational expertise, AES can continue to:
- Enhance member services and professional development opportunities
- Expand and improve world‑class events, conferences, and conventions
- Strengthen industry partnerships and research initiatives
- Maintain a sustainable growth trajectory that supports volunteers and chapters worldwide
As stated by AES leadership, this partnership is closely aligned with AES’s mission to promote the science and practice of audio by linking engineers, researchers, manufacturers, and practitioners across the globe. The collaboration with IES is seen as a way to fortify that mission while broadening the reach and impact of AES initiatives.
Leadership Perspectives
IES President Wilson Dau commented that the organization’s partnership underscores its commitment to supporting technical and professional societies. He noted that sharing resources and expertise can help AES maintain momentum in member services and education while benefiting from a larger, more versatile team. AES President Gary Gottlieb emphasized the value of the “winning combination” of Colleen Harper, Graham Kirk, and the broader AMC‑style support, recalling past successes in membership growth and event attendance when the teams operated in a coordinated capacity.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The transition formalizes on December 16, with a clear path for operational integration and ongoing evaluation. The aim is to deliver tangible improvements in event quality, international engagement, and the scope of AES’s education and research programs. Both organizations will monitor outcomes and adapt as needed to ensure the member experience remains central while expanding opportunities for collaboration among audio engineers, lighting professionals, and related disciplines.
Conclusion
The AES–IES shared resources arrangement represents a forward‑looking strategy that aligns with the broader trend of professional societies partnering to optimize governance and operations. By combining leadership, staff capacity, and a shared commitment to member value, AES and IES seek to elevate the standard of service, strengthen industry ties, and sustain meaningful progress in both audio and lighting fields.
