Industry News

Raymond E. “Ray” Kasmark, Jr. has been elected chair of the National Lighting Bureau (NLB), the independent, not-for-profit, lighting-education foundation sponsored by professional societies, trade associations, manufacturers, utilities, and agencies of the U.S. government. Mr. Kasmark represents the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ (IBEW) on the NLB board of directors. He is the IBEW’s director of business development.

Howard P. Lewis, who was re-elected as NLB vice chair, represents the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and is associated with Spectro Lume, LLC. James M. “Jim” Yorgey, PE, LC, formerly technical-applications manager at Lutron Electronics Company, and now a consultant in the field, was elected secretary/treasurer.

Born in Chicago, Ray is a 3^rd generation IBEW member. After serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves and graduating with honors from the University of Utah, he completed his Local 697 apprenticeship in 1985. He worked in the field for 15 years, serving on the Local union’s executive board, as vice-president, and as president before joining staff as Local-union organizer in 1996.

Ray was appointed Local 697 Business Manager in 2004 and was subsequently elected to three more terms.  During his tenure, the Local constructed a $10 million training and administration center, LEED-certified Gold. Ray also served as a director of community groups such as Lake Area United Way, Parents as Teachers, and Tradewinds Services.

Ray and his wife, Teri, have four children, two of whom are IBEW journeymen.