NALMCO Welcomes 28 New Members, Honors Service and Lighting Excellence
GLENDALE, Ariz. — There was encouraging news at NALMCO’s 12 October business meeting: 28 new members in 2026 and a renewal rate that exceeded expectations. But the numbers were only part of the story.
NALMCO President Erik Ennen called the meeting to order. Erik highlighted a busy year for the association and thanked the volunteers who keep its programs moving forward. He also encouraged members to join a committee and help shape NALMCO’s work.
The meeting at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa also recognized Brian Baker and Scott Mendelson for their service. Northwest Edison received an award for a tennis facility retrofit that required looking beyond the lighting fixtures.
Membership Numbers Show Reasons to Return
NALMCO reported that 80% of the 33 members who joined in 2025 renewed for 2026. The association had set a goal of 75%.
That number stood out to me. Getting someone to join an association takes work. Giving that person a reason to return matters just as much.
The membership report pointed to education, networking, the convention and Spring Seminar as reasons members stay involved. The 28 new members span NALMCO’s associate, general, and professional categories.
Kevin Heid will move from leading the program committee to chairing membership. Kevin brings plenty of enthusiasm to the role, along with experience creating programs that bring members together.
Brian Baker Receives Distinguished Service Award
NALMCO presented its Distinguished Service Award to Brian Baker for more than two decades of contributions to the association and lighting management.
The presentation highlighted his leadership in certification, his technical knowledge and his support for other professionals.
Much of that work happens between meetings. It involves reviewing programs, answering questions and giving time that could easily go elsewhere.
Earlier, Brian welcomed nine new Certified Lighting Management Consultants to the stage. Their recognition provided a practical example of why the certification work matters.
NALMCO also thanked Scott Mendelsohn for 12 years on its Board of Directors, most recently as immediate past president. Scott described serving the association as one of the highlights of his career.
Northwest Edison Looks Beyond the Fixture
Your humble editor had the pleasure of presenting a National Lighting Bureau Lighting Transformation Award of Excellence to Northwest Edison. The award recognized its work at Eastern Washington University’s Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse.
The indoor tennis courts averaged about 20 foot-candles. The project called for 125 foot-candles for televised matches, with lower settings for other play.
Glare during serves and overhead shots presented another challenge.
Adding more light alone would not solve the problem. Dark surfaces absorbed light, limiting what the fixtures could accomplish.
Northwest Edison partnered with Sports Interiors on a reflective ceiling liner and combined it with indirect LED lighting and controls.
The design included 78 400-watt fixtures over the courts and 24 300-watt fixtures around the perimeter. According to the presentation, typical dimming settings should reduce energy consumption by 25% to 50%, although full output would increase connected load.
For me, the project reinforced the importance of considering the entire space when planning a retrofit.
The New Board
Scott Mendelsohn led the new Board of Directors in its oath of office, asking members to accept their responsibilities and serve the association to the best of their ability. Monica Kristo takes the helm as president, with Bill Hurd as president-elect and treasurer. Erik will serve as past president, and Brian will continue as ex officio advisor.
The vice presidents are Frank Agraz, certification; Kevin Heid, membership; Pattie Cagle, program; and Lisa Orloff, communications. Jeff Seifert, George McIntyre and Wayne Callham will serve as associate member representatives. Each affirmed the commitment before Scott introduced the new board to the membership.
A Thank-You to the Volunteers
NALMCO also reported growing reserves while investing in certification, communications and industry outreach. Members approved the financial report and welcomed the 2027 Board of Directors.
Congratulations to Brian, Scott, Northwest Edison, the new CLMCs, and the new officers. Their recognition gave us a chance to celebrate both the results and the people doing the work.
Go Deeper: National Lighting Bureau and NALMCO Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Lighting Excellence