Don Kinderdick (ArchEngr'87)
2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient
Don Kinderdick began his career at BEGA North America (a Carpinteria, CA based architectural lighting, control, and furniture manufacturer) in 2000 as vice president, marketing and product development. He quickly assumed the responsibility for all day-to-day operations and was named the company’s President and CEO in April 2004. He also serves as chairman of the board of directors.
Before joining BEGA, he held numerous marketing, engineering and management positions at both Zumtobel Staff Lighting in New York, and Sterner Lighting in Minnesota.
Throughout his career he has remained passionate about the design and manufacture of quality lighting products and the support of lighting education. He is committed to social responsibility and minimizing our impact on the environment over time.
Kinderdick has been a member of the Rocky Mountain Lighting Academy (RMLA) advisory board at the University of Colorado since its inception and is currently serving as chairman. Through his work with CU, he has supported diversity and inclusion in lighting education and helped fund access to educational opportunities for underserved communities. He is involved in several local charities on both a personal and professional level.
Don holds a BS in Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado where he specialized in illumination engineering and an MBA in marketing from Rutgers University. Don and his wife Brenda reside in Santa Barbara, CA with their two daughters, Sophie and Ellie.
BEGA North America is the source for a broad range of quality lighting, controls, and furniture
solutions. Our vision and mission are to be the industry’s premier provider of architectural
outdoor lighting, control, and furniture solutions by building quality into everything we do.