Nate Lerner

About Nate Lerner

I design and develop new products for the photo specialty retail market, working closely with factories and agents around the globe and partnering with sales, marketing, purchasing, and distribution teams in the US to bring them successfully to market. My portfolio spans a wide range of categories in the photo/video channel: tripods, lights, batteries, filters, memory, bags, and more. In addition to managing the development process, I create instruction manuals along with web and packaging copy to ensure every detail connects with the end user.I’m driven by a love of photography, a belief in the power of imagemaking, and a commitment to the small and mid-sized businesses that keep our communities strong. Before joining the photo industry I spent over a decade in higher education and arts administration, leading exceptional teams and managing complex operations - experience that continues to inform my work intoday.

Experience

1. Co-director of Product Development

   Photographic Research Organization

   Jan 2025 — Present · Shelton, CT, US

   Lead end-to-end product development for consumer photo and video accessories sold through photo specialty retail channels.Own product lifecycle from concept ideation and factory sourcing through prototyping, certification, pricing, packaging, launch, and post-launch support.Manage relationships with overseas factories and agents, ensuring quality, cost targets, timelines, and compliance requirements are met.Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, purchasing, and distribution teams to align product strategy with market needs and channel requirements.Develop pricing informed by competitive analysis and retailer margin structures.Create user manuals, packaging copy, and product web content, ensuring technical accuracy and brand consistency.Work across diverse product categories including tripods, lights, batteries, filters, memory, bags, and related accessories.Contribute to product roadmap planning and category strategy to support long-term growth and brand positioning.

Education

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  University Leadership & Development Program (ULEAD)

  2012 — 2012

• Longy School of Music

  Undergraduate Diploma (Honors), Composition

  2001 — 2005

• Wesleyan University

  Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)

  2014 — 2017

Skills

• Conference Coordination
• Training
• Higher Education Administration
• Student Affairs
• Venue Management
• Program Evaluation
• Facilities Management
• Learning Outcomes
• Contract Negotiation
• Higher Education
• Policy Writing
• Student Development
• Research
• Crowd Control
• Operating Budgets
• Coaching
• Hiring Personnel
• Staff Supervision
• Performing Arts
• Editing
• Event Management
• Department Budget Management