New York-Jewelers of America has elected a new president and executive committee, as well as new directors to its board of directors.
The directors were elected at JA’s annual meeting on 2 October, while the executive committee was elected at the board meeting the following day.
Coleman Clark, president of B.C. Clark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was elected chairman.
His family business was founded in 1892 and has grown to three locations.
Clark is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and AGS Certified Gemologist. He has served on the Jewelers of America board of directors in various capacities since 2012.
“I am proud to serve as the new Chairman of the Jewelers of America Board of Directors. I look forward to working with this talented group of individuals as we help JA continue to serve and represent our jewellery industry in a powerful and meaningful way,” said Clark.
The Board of Directors includes：
Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box, Chair-Elect;
Steve Padis of Padis Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Elise Greenberg of Greenberg’s Jewelers, Vice Chair;
Steve Velasquez of Madison Jewelers, Secretary;
Karen Goracke of Borsheims, Treasurer;
Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers, Immediate Past Chairman.
“The Jewelers of America Board of Directors advises on the strategic direction of Jewelers of America and shares a passion for Jewelers of America’s mission to enhance consumer confidence in the jewellery industry,” the organisation said.
Each director’s company adheres to JA’s Code of Professional Practices through a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.Three new directors were elected for a three-year term.
New to the board is Constance Polamalu, Chief Operating Officer of Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland. A first-generation American Samoan, she has 15 years of experience in jewellery retailing, product development and leadership.
Polamalu was named one of JA’s “20 Under 40” and an “Emerging Designer” by the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz for her design company, Birthright Foundry, in 2021.
Also new is Hunter Tivol McGrath of Tivol Jewelers in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the fourth-generation CEO of the family business.
McGrath, who has accounting experience and a CPA designation, started as a sales associate and diamond buyer. He was later promoted to vice president, a role he held for eight years before becoming CEO.
The third new director is Julie Keeney, Vice President of Fred Meyer Jewelers in Portland, Oregon.
Keeney is DCA Diamond and Gem Certified, a member of the Women’s Jewellery Association, a GIA Alumna, and serves on the DCA Board of Directors.
In addition to those listed above, the 2023-2024 JA Board of Directors includes：
Chad Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewellery;
Lawrence Bock, Bachendorf’s;
Jeffery Bolling, Jeffery B Jewelers;
Joseph Corey, Day’s Jewelers;
Kim Crawford, Macy’s Inc.;
Krystle Craycraft, Jewelers Mutual Group;
Edward Dikes, Weston Jewelers;
Sue Hopeman, Robbins Brothers Jewelers;
Lenny Kramer, Leo Schachter;
Valerie Madison, Valerie Madison Fine Jewellery;
Robert Marks, Rogers Jewellery Co;
Stan Razny, Razny Jewelers;
Tobey Ritchie, Harry Ritchie’s;
Sherry Smith, The Edge Retail Academy;
Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, Mountz Jewelers.
