Introducing Our Team

John Peña, President and Partner at New Star Lighting, brings over 26 years of industry experience and 12 years of leadership within the company. With a background in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, an MBA in International Business, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, John blends technical expertise with strategic vision to drive innovation and growth.

Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family, balancing his professional and personal life with dedication and passion.

Colette Fleming is the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at New Star Lighting, bringing 30 years of experience in driving business growth and fostering strong client relationships. With a deep understanding of the lighting industry, Colette plays a key role in product innovation, market expansion, and strategic partnerships, ensuring New Star Lighting continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions across various sectors.

Throughout her career, Colette has held leadership roles with prominent lighting manufacturers, specializing in healthcare and custom lighting solutions. She has led sales teams, managed product development, and driven market expansion, bringing extensive expertise in specification sales and strategic growth initiatives.

Jeff Stano is the Vice President of Operations at New Star Lighting, bringing over a decade of leadership within the company and nearly 20 years of experience in manufacturing and process engineering. Since joining New Star Lighting in 2015, he has played a key role in optimizing operations, improving manufacturing efficiency, and driving process innovation.

Prior to New Star Lighting, he spent nearly 10 years at Honeywell’s System Sensor division as a Manufacturing Process Engineer III, where he specialized in PCB assembly, automation, and lean manufacturing practices. He holds certifications in Surface Mount Technology and Six Sigma Green Belt, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Rosa Stotts is the Director of Customer Support and Procurement at New Star Lighting, bringing two decades of experience in operations and client relations. She leads the customer service, purchasing, and accounting teams, ensuring seamless collaboration between departments to meet customer needs with efficiency and care. With a strong focus on process improvement and service excellence, Rosa plays a crucial role in optimizing operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.

In her free time, Rosa enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and relaxing at the beach.

Deniz Nolff is the Southeast Regional Sales Manager at New Star Lighting, working alongside Mary Minoff in preparation for her retirement at the end of 2024. With over 20 years of experience in distribution, agency sales, and manufacturing, Deniz brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a specialized focus on healthcare lighting. Her expertise in this sector allows her to provide clients with tailored, high-performance lighting solutions designed to meet the unique demands of healthcare environments.

Paige Torres-Toujouse is the Central U.S. Regional Sales Manager, overseeing 12 states as well as the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Based in New Orleans, Paige has extensive experience in specification sales, collaborating with architects, designers, and engineers to deliver energy-efficient lighting solutions. Her deep understanding of the industry and commitment to sustainability make her a valuable resource for clients seeking innovative and effective lighting designs.

Tricia is an experienced Regional Sales Manager with over a decade in the lighting industry. She has held key roles at TCP Lighting, B-K Lighting, and Teka Illumination, where she built and expanded territories through strategic data analysis, marketing initiatives, and strong client relationships. Her background in specification sales spans the hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors, allowing her to deliver tailored lighting solutions that enhance both functionality and design.

A California native, Tricia currently resides in the foothills of Central California. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new industry trends, collaborating on innovative projects, and finding inspiration in beautifully illuminated spaces.

Juan Lopez brings over 40 years of experience in the lighting industry. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in pricing strategies, project quoting, and product knowledge across various lighting applications. His deep understanding of industry trends, manufacturing processes, and customer needs allows him to provide accurate and efficient support to sales teams and clients.

A lifelong Chicago sports fan, he enjoys cheering on his favorite teams and staying connected to the city’s vibrant sports culture.

Rolando has been immersed in the lighting industry since 2000, with 15 years of experience in engineering and application design at North Star Lighting. Specializing in lighting layouts for building façades, sports facilities, roadways, tunnels, stadiums, and parking lots, he brings a technical and detail-oriented approach to every project. As a key resource for application design solutions and pre-sales technical support, he collaborates closely with engineering, quoting, and sales teams to ensure seamless project execution. He also manages the photometric library and Revit file content while utilizing AGI and Toolbox software to create precise lighting designs.

Outside of work, he enjoys coaching little league baseball and spending time with his German Shepherd, Osita.

Rosario Saldivar is a dedicated Customer Service Manager with over a decade of experience ensuring exceptional client support. With a passion for problem-solving and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Rosario excels in creating positive customer experiences and fostering lasting relationships. Her ability to resolve concerns efficiently and provide effective solutions makes her an invaluable member of the New Star Lighting team.

When she's not at work, Rosario cherishes time with her growing family, making memories and enjoying life's special moments.

Christina Peña is the Marketing Manager at New Star Lighting, where she has been an integral part of the team for over five years. Since joining as a Marketing Coordinator in 2020, she has played a key role in developing strategic campaigns, enhancing brand presence, and executing field marketing initiatives, including industry events and trade shows.

With a strong background in marketing and communications, she has experience in branding, event planning, and digital marketing across various industries. Her expertise in coordinating marketing efforts and driving industry engagement helps strengthen New Star Lighting’s presence in the market.

Jamal Carrington is the Director of Business Development – Specials Engineering at New Star Lighting, bringing over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry. In this newly created role, Jamal works closely with Sales, Engineering, Agents, Contractors, and end users to evaluate custom requests and identify opportunities for new product families.

With a strong background in product design and business development, Jamal plays a key role in expanding New Star’s offerings through innovative, customer-driven solutions. His collaborative approach and deep industry insight make him a valuable asset as the company continues to grow and evolve.

Walter Mayorga is the Engineering Manager at New Star Lighting, bringing over a decade of experience in lighting design and engineering. Since joining the company in 2022, he has led product development and innovation efforts, ensuring high-quality, efficient lighting solutions.

Prior to New Star Lighting, he spent 11 years as a Senior Project Designer, where he specialized in designing and developing architectural lighting products. His deep technical expertise and commitment to engineering excellence play a vital role in New Star Lighting’s continued growth and innovation.