AMERICAN LIGHTING ASSOCIATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member Store / Engineering & Technology / Software Solutions
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
- Director of Engineering and Technology
Amy Wommack has worked with ALA since 2003, most recently serving as communications manager before her promotion to director of communications. She leads ALA's consumer marketing programs, including working closely on and serving as a contributing editor for Lighting magazine, produced by the ALA Advertising and PR Program in partnership with DotDash Meredith.
Prior to working with ALA, she was with Dr Pepper/Seven Up for 12 years, first as an editor, then as a manager of corporate communications. Amy has bachelor's degrees in journalism and psychology from Southern Methodist University.
When she's not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son. She is a magnet for stray dogs, and has a hard time turning away any animal in need. She will joke that you can always reach out to her if you're looking to adopt an animal, because she's probably just found another in need of a home.
Carrie Kolles started with ALA at the end of 2023 as Director of Membership. Upon joining the team, Carrie immediately made it her mission to connect with as many members as possible, spearheading a calling campaign and re-envisioning ALA's membership communications and marketing materials.
Carrie is a Midwesterner who grew up in Minnesota (yes, she is Minnesota Nice!), then lived twenty years in Chicago (yes, in the city!), and now lives in Wisconsin (yes, summers are magical!). Carrie has a double degree in English and Sociology from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, a small liberal arts college in Minnesota. She will tell you herself that she loves people and words.
Carrie spent her professional career honing her skills around one quality: building relationships. Whether it was during her time in sports management, or fundraising in higher education and global health care, it has all centered around telling stories of transformation and using her enthusiasm to grow involvement.
In her spare time, Carrie enjoys hiking in the Kettle Moraine, spending hours on the golf course, and challenging her husband to a game of Sequence. She is excited to be part of the ALA team and surround herself with ALA's passionate members who can change the vibe of a space with one light!
Job Titles:
- President / Bulbrite Industries Inc. Moonachie, New Jersey
Job Titles:
- Secretary General Manager / Lighting Incorporated / Austin, Texas
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing / Hinkley
Katie Grandel is responsible for overseeing the planning ALA's Annual Conference and other association events throughout the year.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
- Communication Coordinator
Linda Longo began her career in the lightin gindustry in 1994 as the editor in cheif of Home Lighting & Accessories magazine. She then served as editorial director for Contract Lighting magazine before moving to a career with Bravo Business Media as the editorial director for enLIGHTenment magazine.
Linda joined the ALA team in 2023 as communications coordinator, where she writes content for and serves as editor for Lightrays e-newsletter. She also assists in editorial creation, member communications, and marketing efforts for ALA's programs. In addition to working with ALA, Linda continues to report on industry news for enLIGHTenment and is managing editor for US Lighting Trends.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Public Policy for ALA
Michael Weems serves as Vice President of Public Policy for ALA. He came to ALA with a decade of experience in constituent services and a vast knowledge of various government policy topics. He has dedicated his career to public service and advancing quality lighting.
Michael joined ALA in 2014 after spending 10 years working for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. While working on Capitol Hill, he learned the ins and outs of the legislative process and its impact on the implementation of regulations. Before his time in the nation's capital, Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
During his time with ALA, Michael has worked to establish ALA's presence in vital policy discussions, successfully representing the positions of the residential lighting industry. He is known as a strategic thinker with deep policy knowledge and possesses the skill to forge relationships and alliances. His ability to build consensus with industry experts and key decision-makers helps ensure policy victories for ALA.
Away from ALA, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, their daughter, and the family Welsh-Terrier. He volunteers at his daughter's school and serves on his neighborhood advisory council as well as the area school board ambassador program. Michael enjoys running, hiking and playing golf. As a travel enthusiast, he is always searching for the next great bottle of wine or a nice glass of bourbon.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Education at ALA
Job Titles:
- Principal / Walker & Willis, Inc. New England
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Marketing
Raelle Bell was named vice president of marketing in 2023. She has been with ALA since 2014, and previously served as manager of marketing and communications, followed by director of marketing. In her time at ALA, Raelle has led the development of new member programs and benefits, including ALA's podcast, which she co-hosts; the ALA Conference mobile app; new member communications systems; and more.
Raelle graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Minor in Spanish. Prior to joining ALA, she worked in constituent services for a United States Senator, focusing on immigration and matters related to the U.S. Department of State.
When she began her career with ALA, Raelle was a lighting novice, but she quickly developed a passion for beautiful, high-quality lighting, and the incredible importance it serves in all our lives. She is passionate about promoting the importance of lighting and retail lighting showrooms to consumers, while also supporting education, networking, communications, and other ALA member benefits.
Raelle is known for her sarcasm and love for a good conversation. She prides herself on having never met a person with whom she can't find at least one thing over which to connect. When she's not busy trying to create a brighter world for the lighting industry, Raelle can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband in son in the Austin area where she is based.
Job Titles:
- Chairman / President and CEO / Quoizel, Inc. Goose Creek, South Carolina
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- Principal / Teiber & Company, Inc. Carrollton, Texas
Troy Lee - President, Treasurer
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President and CEO / American Lighting Association / Dallas, Texas
Larry Lauck was named president and CEO of ALA in March 2023. Previously, he was Executive Vice President, responsible for overseeing the marketing, advertising and public relations programs for the association. In 1998, he oversaw the launch of a U.S. and Canadian national advertising campaign for the lighting industry, which also included the creation of the industry's only national consumer magazine, Lighting. He has been with ALA since 1996.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance
Wendy Jones is a seasoned professional with an impressive 26-year tenure at ALA, where she currently holds the position of Vice President of Finance, Human Resources, and the ALA Education Foundation. Over the course of her career, Wendy has played a pivotal role in ensuring ALA's financial health while closely aligning fiscal responsibilities with ALA's mission, values, and overarching goals.
Wendy's journey in the lighting industry began at a young age, and her professional growth has been intertwined with the development and success of ALA. Her dedication to ALA is evident through her comprehensive understanding of the value of relationship building, whether it be with members, staff, or partners. Wendy recognizes that ALA's members serve as the backbone of the association, and she has consistently worked towards fostering strong connections within the community.