Former freelance programmer and designer Tom Celner has joined PRG in the US as Controls and Networking Product Manager.

In the newly created position, Celner will serve as PRG’s US resource for two proprietary products: the Virtuoso lighting control console and the Series 400 Power and Data Distribution System. He will demonstrate the products to potential clients and work on site with new clients to help them apply the product’s capabilities to their projects. He also will seek feedback from designers and programmers to ensure that the products remain responsive to their changing needs. Celner will work with PRG’s Research and Development and Marketing teams and will be based in Chicago.

Prior to his freelanced work, Celner spent 16 years at Vari-Lite/VLPS, which became part of PRG in 2004. At Vari-Lite/VLPS, Celner was closely involved in the development of Virtuoso and its subsequent upgrades. He is a graduate of the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago where he earned a BFA degree in lighting design.

“With his extensive, hands-on knowledge of our proprietary products and his professional experience in programming and design, Tom brings an ideal combination of skills to his new position and to our company,” says Rusty Brutsché, PRG’s Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.

“PRG constantly reaches out to our clients and the industry to find better ways to meet their needs. Tom will help our clients make the most of our proprietary products and he will seek the input of working professionals that will help us develop the entertainment technology solutions of the future,” says Anne Johnston, PRG’s Vice President of Marketing.