John Bachner Retires from the National Lighting Bureau After 43 Years

April 17, 2019

John Bachner, founder and Executive Director of the National Lighting Bureau, is retiring after 43 years. John started the NLB in 1976 in response to the energy crises. His initial goal was to focus less on energy consumption and more toward quality of light — a goal that is even more important today. John has published hundreds of press releases, magazine articles and handbooks on high-benefit lighting, defined as efficient lighting designed to optimize human performance, health, safety, and commerce.

“John’s passion and dedication for the NLB is one of the main reasons I became involved with the organization,” says Raymond E. “Ray” Kasmark, Jr., Chairman of the NLB, stated. “He will be truly missed and the NLB owes him a debt of gratitude, which cannot be measured.”

Randy Reid, Editor of the EdisonReport, will replace Mr. Bachner as Executive Director. “In the past 43 years, John has accomplished more success promoting the quality of light than anyone I have ever met,” says Reid. “Most lighting organizations do a great job of talking to each other — all within the industry. John focused the NLB’s efforts on the end user executive, who has the authority to make the best overall lighting decision.”

Bachner will receive a lifetime achievement award in Philadelphia on May 20. Tickets are still available at edisonreport.eventbrite.com.

The National Lighting Bureau is an independent, IRS-recognized not-for-profit, educational foundation that has served as a trusted lighting-information source. The bureau provides its services to the public free of charge, thanks to the generous funding of the organization’s sponsors, which include professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, manufacturers, and agencies of the U.S. government. Find out more: nlb.org.

Related Articles


Changing Scene


Design

  • Omnify: 7 Common Light Panel Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    Omnify: 7 Common Light Panel Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    You’ve invested in premium LED light guide panels for your retail display or commercial project. The specs looked perfect. The samples were gorgeous. But now? Something’s off. Maybe the lighting is uneven, or panels are starting to fail way before they should. Here’s the thing, most LED light guide panel problems aren’t manufacturing defects. They’re… Read More…

  • Legrand: The Benefits of DMX Lighting in Modern Commercial Spaces 

    Legrand: The Benefits of DMX Lighting in Modern Commercial Spaces 

    DMX lighting is a powerful control protocol originally developed for theaters and entertainment venues, but its reach has expanded far beyond the stage. Today, DMX is increasingly used in commercial, educational, healthcare, and architectural environments to create dynamic, color-rich, and adaptable lighting experiences. Where traditional lighting systems focus primarily on on/off and dimming control, DMX… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED Adjustable Wall Packs – Field Selectable

    SATCO|NUVO: LED Adjustable Wall Packs – Field Selectable

    Engineered for directional performance and on-site flexibility, these LED Adjustable Wall Packs deliver targeted outdoor illumination with precision control. Offered in small and large configurations, each fixture features its own dedicated wattage package and is field selectable—allowing you to choose from three wattages and three-color temperatures at installation to match your exact project requirements. The… Read More…

  • BeLuce: Pluraluce Surface Remote – Compact 12-24V Surface Mounted LED Remote

    BeLuce: Pluraluce Surface Remote – Compact 12-24V Surface Mounted LED Remote

    The Pluraluce surface mounted remote has a clean and simple design to blend in with any décor. At under 7” square, this small housing provides a lot of light. Every Pluraluce remote is shipped with 3 unique optical lenses which can be interchanged for wall mount, ceiling mount symmetric and ceiling mount asymmetric distributions. By… Read More…