Acuity Brand’s Cheryl English Selected as a 2018 STEP Ahead Honouree

March 16, 2018

Cheryl English, Vice President, Government & Industry Relations for Acuity Brands and President of the Illuminating Engineering Society, will receive a Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award on April 20 from The Manufacturing Institute. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards honour women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C suite.

“The STEP Ahead Award is a distinguished opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of women in technology,” says English. “It’s an honour to be recognized with an esteemed group of intelligent and passionate professionals in manufacturing.”

English has excelled in her position with Acuity Brands for over 35 years promoting the science of lighting. She has worked 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. 

In her current role, English uses her technical expertise and management experience to advocate for the advancement of energy policy, smart buildings and integrated building solutions. As President of the Illuminating Engineering Society, she is just the fifth woman in the society’s 117-year history to lead the trade association. 

English obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Architectural Engineering program, and her Executive Masters of Business Administration at Georgia State University. 

On April 20, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. For more information about The Manufacturing Institute and the STEP Ahead Awards, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage & Solvic Announce New Representation Partnership

    New Collaboration – A New Solar Lighting Manufacturer Joins Contact Delage’s Offerings

    Contact Delage is excited to announce the addition of a new trusted partner to their lineup: Solvic, an innovative manufacturer specializing in solar lighting. This new partnership reflects Contact Delage’s ongoing commitment to offering sustainable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world applications. With Solvic, they are expanding their range of autonomous solar products—perfect for lighting streets, parks,… Read More…

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Modern design meets intelligent lighting with the Radiance Pro, a 12″ smart flush mount that combines ultra-slim elegance with advanced smart control. Crafted with a sleek metal trim and available in white or black finishes, this fixture effortlessly complements any ceiling while offering scene grouping, customization, and timer options. With the Dals Connect app or… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    The CZL Cruze is a Linear Bay LED Lighting System that comes in various lumen packages and configurations, offering customer-focused features and benefits such as integrated controls, uplight, several lensing options, louvers and adjustable mounting. The high performance, lighting distribution and linear design allows the CZL to fit a broad range of open-ceiling or suspended… Read More…