Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association representing businesses in the fine jewelry marketplace, has ushered in a new era of leadership.
The association recently elected a new Chair, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. These pivotal changes were formalized during Jewelers of America’s annual general meeting on October 2, 2023, and the subsequent Board of Directors meeting on October 3, 2023.
Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark, has been elected as the new Chair.
The Executive Committee will comprise Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box as Chair-Elect, Steve Padis of Padis Jewelers and Elise Greenberg of Greenberg’s Jewelers as Vice Chairs, Steve Velasquez of Madison Jewelers as Secretary, Karen Goracke of Borsheims as Treasurer, and Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers as the Immediate Past Chair.
The Role of the Board
The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of Jewelers of America, with each member playing a role in JA’s mission of bolstering consumer confidence in the jewelry industry. This commitment is further solidified by their adherence to Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices, which emphasizes professionalism and ethical business conduct.
Coleman Clark: New Chair
Coleman Clark, the newly elected JA Chair, is no stranger to the jewelry industry. As the president of B.C. Clark, a family-owned business that has been operational since 1892 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Clark brings a wealth of experience to the table. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist.
Having served on the Jewelers of America Board in various capacities since 2012, Clark expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am proud to serve as the new Chair of the Jewelers of America Board of Directors. I look forward to serving alongside this talented group of individuals as we help JA continue to serve and represent our jewelry industry in powerful and meaningful ways.”
Introducing the New Directors
The newly elected Directors, set to serve a three-year term, bring a diverse range of experiences to the board:
- Constance Polamalu of Zachary’s Jewelers is a first-generation jeweler with 15 years of experience in jewelry retail, product development, and leadership. She was recognized as a JA 20 Under 40 and an Emerging Designer by the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz in 2021 for her design venture, Birthright Foundry.
- Hunter Tivol McGrath of TIVOL Jewelers represents the fourth generation at TIVOL Jewelers in Kansas City. With a background in accounting and a CPA designation, McGrath has climbed the ranks from a sales associate and diamond buyer to his current position as CEO.
- Julie Keeney of Fred Meyer Jewelers brings a decade of experience with the company, where she has held various leadership roles. She is DCA Diamond and Gemstone Certified and is actively involved in industry associations.
Implications for the US Jewelry Industry
The leadership changes at Jewelers of America signify a renewed focus on industry growth, ethical practices, and consumer trust. For US jewelers, this transition offers an opportunity to align with JA’s vision and benefit from the collective expertise of the new board.
The diverse backgrounds of the newly elected directors underscore the evolving landscape of the jewelry industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and ethical business practices.
For more details on the board and its members, visit Jewelers of America’s official website.
