Rita Harrold served as the Illuminating Engineering Society’s 81st President from 1985 – 1986 and was the first woman to hold this title. In 1992, she joined the IES staff as Director of Educational and Technical Development, now referred to as Director of Technology. During the course of her career, Harrold served as the Society’s principal liaison to the lighting industry, developed its educational program offerings, and oversaw the preparation and production of hundreds of IES technical documents and standards through to publication.