IALD Appoints Christopher Knowlton as Chief Executive Officer
June 7, 2022
The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) announces Christopher Knowlton has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the association and Executive Director of the IALD Education Trust as Ashley Robbins, CAE steps down from her role as Interim Chief Executive Officer to take a new post with another association effective 1 June 2022.
During Robbins’ nine-year tenure with IALD as Director of Membership and subsequently Interim CEO, she has worked with members across the world to advance the association’s mission of promoting the global profession of lighting design through leadership and advocacy. “Ashley’s contribution and commitment to the lighting design profession will be felt for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to her for the work she has undertaken in very challenging conditions,” commented IALD President Mônica Luz Lobo, IALD, CLD.
The IALD Board of Directors has selected Christopher Knowlton as the new permanent CEO for the IALD. A former lighting designer of 15 years and business owner who has been involved with the IALD and IALD Education Trust since 2010, Knowlton most recently serving as IALD Treasurer. Brandon Thrasher, Associate IALD has been selected by the board to replace Knowlton through the end of the 2021-22 term. Carla Wilkins has been appointed the President’s Selected Director to serve the remainder of the 2021-22 term.
Knowlton’s in-depth knowledge of the association is a key advantage, Lobo points out. “Christopher has been instrumental in guiding the association through challenging times and safeguarding its future. He is exceptionally well placed to maintain continuity while also progressing new ideas and advancing the association.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with the IALD Board of Directors, IALD Education Trust and the staff team. We have a great opportunity to not only advance the association’s mission and vision, but the profession of lighting design as a whole,” said Knowlton.
The IALD invites members and colleagues to meet IALD President Mônica Luz Lobo, IALD, CLD and new CEO Christopher Knowlton at LightFair in Las Vegas, NV USA, taking place 19 – 23 June 2022, or at IALD Enlighten Americas taking place this year in Palm Springs, CA USA, 29 September – 1 October 2022.
