Black Diamond Equipment Joins PLATO Board of Directors

Date: 
Friday, January 30, 2026

Kenny Peterson Appointed as Newest Board Member

The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) is pleased to announce that Black Diamond Equipment has joined the PLATO Board of Directors, with Kenny Peterson, Senior Design Engineer at Black Diamond, appointed as the company’s representative.

Peterson brings extensive technical expertise and real-world user insight to the PLATO Board, drawn from his work developing next-generation lighting products at Black Diamond Equipment — a global leader in outdoor gear and performance lighting solutions. In his role, Peterson focuses on innovation, product performance, and advancing lighting technologies that meet the evolving needs of consumers and professionals alike.

Beyond his engineering background, Peterson is an accomplished rock climber and skier, giving him firsthand experience in demanding outdoor environments where reliable lighting performance is critical. This combination of technical knowledge and end-user perspective allows him to contribute a uniquely practical lens to product design, testing, and industry standards.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Black Diamond Equipment to the PLATO Board and to have Kenny join our leadership team,” said Andy Skoogman, Executive Director of PLATO. “Kenny’s engineering expertise and deep understanding of how lighting products perform in real-world conditions will be an incredible asset as PLATO continues advancing industry standards, innovation, and consumer trust.”

As a Board member, Peterson will help guide PLATO’s strategic initiatives, support the ongoing evolution of the ANSI/PLATO FL 1 Standard, and collaborate with industry leaders to promote transparency, performance consistency, and technological advancement across the portable lighting sector.