Eric Jacobson to Retire From ALA in 2023, Candidates Sought
November 2, 2022
After 30 years serving the residential lighting community, American Lighting Association’s current President & CEO will be stepping down from his role to assist in his family’s commercial real estate and energy investment business in Oklahoma. To ease the transition, Jacobson will continue to serve as CEO through mid-2023 until a replacement is selected.
Jacobson began his career with the American Lighting Association (ALA) in 1994 as Director of Membership before stepping into his current role in 2015 following the retirement of Dick Upton. Throughout his tenure, Jacobson helped grow the association’s membership exponentially and has secured ALA as the leading association supporting the residential lighting, ceiling fan, and controls industry.
“Eric has served the ALA admirably. He is respected and appreciated by all that know him,” said ALA Board of Governors Chair Richard Alan, owner and President of Richard Alan & Associates. “His integrity and his character are beyond reproach. He is a friend and a trusted advisor, and in many ways, a mentor to me and many others in our industry.”
The past few years have brought challenges and opportunities to the Jacobson family. He and his wife, Kyla, have supported her father through Alzheimer’s before his passing, as well as caring for Kyla’s mother following her diagnosis of dementia.
Throughout this time, Kyla and her sister have stepped in to run their family’s commercial real estate and energy investment business. Jacobson has decided to bring his leadership and business experience to Kyla and her family as they continue to carry on and drive their family business to the next level.
A dedicated search committee, composed of ALA Board and Committee members, has been designated by the ALA Executive Committee to assist in the selection of a new President and CEO. The committee members include:
- Laurie Gross, 2023 ALA Board Chair; President, Gross Electric
- Rick Seidman, 2023 ALA Board Chair-elect; President & CEO, Quoizel
- Richard Alan, 2022 ALA Board Chair; Owner and President, Richard Alan & Associates
- Cathy Choi, 2023 ALA Board Member; President, Bulbrite
- Clark Linstone, Former ALA Board Chair and 2023 Government Engagement Chair; President and COO, Lamps Plus
“We will seek to find the best of the best to fill Eric’s shoes,” Alan noted. “All candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply, and we will begin the arduous task of vetting these candidates to determine who shall lead us all into a new era.”
Of his retirement from ALA, Jacobson said, “As with most of us in this industry, I have spent a majority of my life in our lighting family and hope you will include me as part of it forever. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and lead you. It has been an honor and a pleasure.”
Those interested in learning more about the role can view the job description and details on where to send their resume and letter of introduction online here.
