In this conversation, I sat down with Paul Pompeo to discuss the creation of the 25 Most Influential People in Lighting – 2025. Pompeo explains how the idea originated, why influence deserves recognition alongside traditional industry awards, and how the final list took shape. The discussion explores the formation of a diverse, global selection committee, the nomination and evaluation process, and the importance of recognizing leadership across design, manufacturing, representation, and advocacy.
From the outset, the list was intentionally developed with a global perspective, highlighting influential voices from around the world rather than focusing solely on North America. Pompeo also reflects on the broader goal behind the initiative: to spark conversation, increase industry awareness, and celebrate individuals whose work is actively shaping the future of lighting. The video offers behind-the-scenes insight into the collaboration, debate, and months-long effort that went into producing one of the industry’s most talked-about lists.
Defining Influence in Today’s Lighting Industry
What does influence look like in lighting today? The process began with a deceptively simple but demanding question: whose ideas, leadership, and decisions meaningfully shaped the lighting industry in 2025? Over several months, the committee engaged in discussion, peer input, and thoughtful debate to evaluate candidates whose work demonstrated measurable impact.
Committee members considered individuals who advanced human-centric lighting, accelerated the adoption of controls and data-driven design, elevated sustainability and decarbonization efforts, and strengthened education and professional standards. The resulting list reflects impact rather than popularity, recognizing leadership across design, manufacturing, advocacy, and technology. As the industry navigates AI integration, evolving codes, tariffs, and health-centric performance expectations, these 25 individuals are helping define what comes next.*
The Committee
Charles G. Stone II, FIALD, CLD, IES, LC, LEED AP BD+C
Founder, Fisher Marantz Stone
Charles Stone joined Jules Fisher & Paul Marantz in 1983 and co-founded FMS in 1997. Based in New York, Seattle, and Austin, FMS has earned 300+ awards and completed 5,000 projects on six continents. A Princeton graduate and IALD Fellow and Past President, he lectures globally, serves on the IESNA Outdoor Nighttime Environment Committee, and has received multiple lifetime achievement honors.
Nancy Stathes
President, Specialty Lighting, Inc.
Nancy Stathes has built a distinguished reputation in the lighting industry through leadership, product innovation, and support for the design profession. With several patents, she has strengthened collaboration between manufacturers and specifiers while championing the broader design community. Highly respected by peers, Nancy’s impact was recognized with the 2025 Edison Report Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her lasting contributions.
Jean Jacques
Executive Vice President, SDA Lighting & Controls
Jean Jacques serves as Executive Vice President of SDA Lighting & Controls in New York City, overseeing agency operations, brand strategy, and specification sales. With an architectural background and 30 years in the lighting industry, he is known for building meaningful partnerships and championing collaboration. He is founder and committee head of IESNYC’s Guiding Lights Circle mentorship program.
*When initially selecting the individuals for this list, Randy Reid was chosen by the committee. However, because Edison Report is publishing this event, he recused himself from consideration but said that in fairness and in the spirit of this process, had he remained on the list, Al Uszynski of Inside Lighting should also be included because he would be viewed as similarly influential. The committee agreed.
To read the full article, including the list of honorees. Click here.