Jim McClung, Chairman and CEO of the Lithonia Lighting Group, retired on December 31, 2000, after 36 years with Lithonia Lighting. He joined Lithonia in 1964 after receiving his MBA from Harvard Business School and service in the Air Force as Communication Electronics Officer. Mr. McClung also holds a degree in Physics from Emory University. Mr. McClung worked in several capacities within the company holding such titles as Controller, Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Manufacturing before becoming President and CEO in 1976.

During his 36 year tenure, 24 years as President, Lithonia Lighting grew to become the largest lighting fixture manufacturer in the world with annual sales of $1.5 billion. In 1964, the annual sales were $22 million. The dramatic growth was driven primarily by Lithonia brand products, but key acquisitions contributed including Holophane, Peerless, Hydrel, York (Canada), Reloc and Gotham.

In addition to his leadership of the Lithonia organization, McClung also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. He served as Senior Manufacturers Advisor to the National Association of Electrical Distributors and was also a member of the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of the Industry Data Exchange Association. He was a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the Electrical Manufacturer Club, as well as, a member of National Service Industries, Inc. Board.