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

  • March 19, 2026 - Wow Lighting and Controls Proudly Celebrates 70 Years in the Lighting Industry

    Wow Lighting and Controls Proudly Celebrates 70 Years in the Lighting Industry

    This year, Wow Lighting and Controls proudly celebrates 70 years in the lighting industry! During that time, Wow Lighting and Controls has been a trusted expert in Alberta’s lighting industry. Their independence and entrepreneurial spirit have been key to their success, allowing them to cultivate strong relationships with clients, customers, and manufacturing partners while delivering innovative lighting solutions. Read More…

  • March 18, 2026 - Liteline Presents ATTRACKT - New Product Webinar - March 31, 2026

    Liteline Presents: ATTRACKT – New Product Webinar – March 31, 2026

    Join Liteline for the launch of ATTRAKT, a low-voltage magnetic lighting system designed for modern spaces. ATTRACKT’s compact, refined form factor delivers exceptional flexibility, with fixtures that can be easily positioned and reconfigured to suit evolving lighting needs. With versatile modules and connectors to create customized layouts, ATTRACKT provides a clean, modular solution that elevates… Read More…


Design

  • Prolux Lighting & Controls: Lighting Project Highlight – The Westin Pool, Calgary

    Prolux Lighting & Controls: Lighting Project Highlight – The Westin Pool, Calgary

    Lighting natatorium environments requires fixtures that can withstand humidity, chemicals, and demanding conditions, without compromising the architectural design of the space. For this project, the team specified the LumenWerx VIA2 Seal above the pool with a natatorium finish, designed specifically for high-moisture environments. Traditional natatorium fixtures are often large and bulky to ensure durability, but… Read More…

  • CSC LED: Why Blue Light at Night Is a Problem & How Amber Optics Solve It

    CSC LED: Why Blue Light at Night Is a Problem & How Amber Optics Solve It

    Outdoor lighting plays a critical role in safety, visibility, and security—but not all light is created equal. In recent years, increased awareness around blue-rich white light has raised important questions about its impact on human health, wildlife, and the night sky. As municipalities, designers, and property owners look for better solutions, Amber Optics are becoming… Read More…


New Products

  • Cooper Lighting: PrentaLux ARO Series Decorative Pendants

    Cooper Lighting: PrentaLux ARO Series Decorative Pendants

    The PrentaLux ARO Series is a celebration of form, translucency, and texture. Designed in collaboration with award-winning Architecture Research Office (ARO), these three high-performance decorative luminaires, each with a unique shape, were inspired by natural metamorphic forms. Additive-manufactured with a sustainable use of resources in mind, these striking pendants are available in three sizes and… Read More…

  • Leviton|Viscor: Certolux MSUo-Green LED Recessed Surgical Luminaire w/Overlapping Door Frame

    Leviton|Viscor: Certolux MSUo-Green LED Recessed Surgical Luminaire w/Overlapping Door Frame

    The MSUo-Green LED Recessed Surgical Luminaire is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in demanding healthcare environments, making it an ideal choice for surgical suites requiring precise illumination and rigorous infection control. Designed for supplemental lighting above the operating table perimeter, this fixture combines advanced cleanroom construction with energy-efficient technology. Featuring green and white LED arrays, the MSUo-Green… Read More…