The American Lighting Association has a new president and CEO. Jon Melchi, an experienced leader in association management, public policy and business development, is its new chief.
Melchi succeeds Larry Lauck, who retired earlier this year. Laurie Gross has been serving as interim president and CEO.
Most recently, Melchi served as executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio. Under his leadership, the lighting association said, the BIA introduced new membership categories, launched a corporate sponsorship program, and revitalized its signature events, which drove engagement and revenue.
“The Committee focused on finding a strong leader with significant trade association experience and an ability to drive transformation,” said Cathy Choi, president of Bulbrite and head of the ALA executive search committee, in a statement on the ALA’s website. “Jon stood out among a group of highly qualified candidates, and we are confident that his leadership and the board’s guidance will position ALA for future success and growth.”
Melchi officially joins the ALA on June 16 and will be at the Lightovation show in Dallas next month.
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Lighting retailer Lumens is keeping its eye on spring/summer trends, from sculptural silhouettes inspired by the natural world to lighting that casts an unexpected glow. Here are three looks to watch for:
Biophilia: Organic forms are making a statement in design, from leaves and butterflies to mushrooms and birds, Lumens said. Three examples from Lumens’ assortment are the Heracleum III LED Chandelier by Bertjan Pot for Moooi ($4, 230); the Vitner Chandelier by Currey & Company ($2,833), and the Bird LED desk lamp by DAQI Concept ($145).
Striking outdoor lighting: “Innovations in LED [are] allowing light to bend, fold, and glow in unexpected ways,” said Lumens. Examples include the Jasper outdoor pendant by Capital Lighting ($302); the Globe Bluetooth LED Indoor/Outdoor Lamp by Smart & Green ($264); the Ipnos LED Outdoor Floor/Table Lamp by FLOS ($1,512); the Tolomeo Mega Outdoor LED Floor Lamp by Giancarlo Fassina, Michele De Lucchi for Artemide ($2,505); the Lagoon Outdoor Floor Lamp by Servomuto for Contardi Lighting ($1,530); and the LITO mobile rechargeable outdoor LED lantern by Blomus ($149).
Earth tones: “Earthy tones and textures prevail, leaving behind the industrial shades of gray and black that have been so popular in the past decade. Warmer hues seep into interiors, with oxblood and cabernet warming to terracotta, rust, and cider.”
Lumns highlighted the Bellhop Rechargeable LED Table Lamp by Edward Barber, Jay Osgerby for FLOS ($260); the PushUp Pro Rechargeable LED Table Lamp by Federico De Majo for Zafferano America ($127); and the Souffle mini-pendant by ET2 Lighting ($124).
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California-based lighting company Gantri and vintage furniture dealer Rarify celebrated the launch of the Cube One Table Lamp during the recent NYCXDesign with a party at 64 Hester St., where variations of the modular system were on display. The system is crafted from a proprietary biodegradable lighting unit manufactured by Gantri and housed within a cubiform frame of vintage and new USM Haller components.
For more great lighting intros last week in New York, check out this ICFF photo gallery from our sister pub, Designers Today.
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Nearshoring America, the international sourcing initiative from Dallas Market Center that launched in December, is expanding its reach for 2026 with two separate expos in January. One is dedicated to home & gift, while Nearshoring America for lighting will line up with DMC’s Lightovation, running Jan. 10-11, 2026, on the 4th floor of the Trade Mart.
