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

  • Canada Lighting Industry: Trends, Growth & Future Outlook 2026

    Canada Lighting Industry: Trends, Growth & Future Outlook 2026

    The Canadian lighting industry is entering a transformative phase driven by sustainability goals, smart infrastructure development, energy-efficiency regulations, and increasing demand for connected technologies. Lighting is no longer viewed as a basic utility across commercial buildings, industrial facilities, public infrastructure, residential projects and retail environments. Now, it has become a strategic component of modern building ecosystems. The demand… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies: Who Moved My Light? The Unfiltered Truth About Coordination

    Mac’s II Agencies: Who Moved My Light? The Unfiltered Truth About Coordination

    Lighting doesn’t “move” on its own. But if you’ve ever walked onto site and thought, “Why does this feel different than what we designed?,” you already know the real story: design intent shifts when communication, timelines, budgets, and ceiling realities collide. As part of the Lumorphéa exhibition in March, Mac’s II Agencies hosted Who Moved My… Read More…


New Products

  • Cooper Lighting: Metalux – Elevate Round High Bay

    Cooper Lighting: Metalux – Elevate Round High Bay

    The Elevate Round High Bay is engineered to provide enhanced performance compared to traditional luminaires in demanding commercial and industrial environments. The durable diecast aluminum construction provides durability, optimal thermal control, and longer system life. Precision optics focus light exactly where it’s needed, delivering higher foot-candles with fewer fixtures while reducing both wattage and installation… Read More…

  • Eureka Introduces River Luminaire Family

    Eureka Introduces River Luminaire Family

    Eureka has announced the release of its River luminaire family, featuring a range of pendant and surface-mount fixtures in multiple shapes. River is made with a transparent 3D-printed polymer that creates a signature ridged body. Light and shadow naturally play with the textured surface, creating a distinctive effect. Inside, an LED tube provides continuous illumination… Read More…