The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
WJA Elects Jenny Luker President of Board of Directors
Luker is president of Platinum Guild International.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced the newly elected officers for its International Board of Directors.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the board. She, along with the other new board members, will serve a two-year term.
Luker said: “I’m delighted to serve as the new president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have a new executive committee and a board reflecting our diverse membership in terms of geography and segment of the industry. This gives us a chance to view our mission with fresh eyes.
“The range and depth of experience of our board members, and our strong regional chapters and affiliates are our greatest assets. I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the next two years.”
Joining Luker on the executive committee are Sara Yood, senior counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, as treasurer; Rebecca Moskal, partner at Communique, as corporate secretary; and Lauren Thompson, associate director of communications and digital development at Jewelers of America, as vice president of chapter affairs.
Immediate past board president Brandee Dallow of Fine Girl Luxury Brand Building & Communications will also serve on the committee.
WJA also elected four new women to its board of directors. Molly Bell, executive vice president of Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Kendra Bridelle, director of sales at Frieda Rothman and former WJA president; Jacqueline Cassaway, vice president merchandising, watches and jewelry, Starboard Cruise Services, an LVHM Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Company; and Brenda Gamba, independent contractor at Brenda Gamba.
Bridelle will serve as liaison between the board and the WJA Advisory Council. Gamba is the new president of the WJA Foundation Board, which handles the grants and scholarships program.
WJA has elected three U.S. regional directors to facilitate communications between various chapters and groups. Jen Cullen Williams of Luxury Brand Group is the head of the Western region; Sara Commers of Commers Custom Jewelers will head the Central U.S.; and Danielle Ingwer Cohen of Leo Ingwer will be the director of the Eastern region.
Four women are ending their terms as board members: Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher; Becka Johnson Kibby of The Edge Retail Academy; Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting; and Lisa Slovis-Mandel of Lisa Slovis Metalsmiths, former WJA Foundation president.
The continuing WJA board members are: Regina Ciarleglio of Worthy; Craig Selimotic Danforth of GIA; Katie Dominesey of JCK Events; Peggy Jo
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.