Karyn Hayes to Receive ALA’s Women in Lighting Leadership Award

The American Lighting Association (ALA) has announced Karyn Hayes as the 2025 recipient of its annual Women in Lighting Leadership Award (WILLA). Each year, the ALA’s Women in Lighting (WIL) Committee recognizes one outstanding colleague for her dedication to mentorship, leadership, and networking in the industry.

Contenders are required to be a member of ALA and receive a nomination from an ALA member. The WIL Committee tallies and reviews all nominations and votes, following an evaluation of an individual’s achievements, leadership, and contributions to the lighting industry.

The WIL Committee selected Hayes due to the overwhelming number of nominations she received, as well as her positive reputation for working with integrity to help lighting showrooms and suppliers grow their businesses through technology, innovation, merchandising and business strategy.

“Karyn has a long history as a champion in our industry,” commented Patrick Laidlaw, director/business development at WAC Lighting. “Throughout her career, Karyn has always exemplified dedication, hard work, loyalty to lighting, and an earnest initiative to be a leader in the lighting world.”

Nominations of Hayes reinforced her leadership, drive, courage, and determination to serve as an inspiration to everyone she meets, particularly through mentorship and professional development of her peers.

“Her dedication has made a significant impact on the success of the Women in Lighting Committee’s Mentorship Program,” noted Tammy Pegg, president of Spectra Marketing Group.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious recognition from Women in Lighting,” said Karyn Hayes, “This is a wonderful way to honor my 25 years in lighting. It has been my pleasure to work and serve this community during this part of my career.”

Hayes has held various sales roles with Hinkley since joining the company in 2012, including leading a team of sales managers and 40 independent sales representatives, as well as servicing 500+ customers in the showroom channel.   While she recently stepped away from Hinkley, calling it a “reinspirement,” she plans to explore new opportunities. 

Prior to working for Hinkley, she spent nearly two decades at Ferguson Enterprises in various roles leading to National Business Manager for Lighting.

The award will be presented to Hayes during the ALA Women in Lighting Reception at Lightovation, taking place on Wednesday, June 18, at 5:00 p.m., at Z-Lite (TM 4600) in the Dallas Market Center.