Jewelers Vigilance Committee Elects New Board Members and Officers

NEW YORK — The Jewelers Vigilance Committee announced the election of new board members and officers as the jewelry industry navigates increasing regulatory complexity, heightened consumer expectations, and evolving standards around advertising, sourcing, and compliance.

The new leadership draws from expertise across retail, manufacturing, education, communications, merchandising, insurance, and supply chain operations.

JVC serves as the jewelry industry’s independent legal compliance organization, providing education, guidance, advocacy, and monitoring related to advertising standards, regulatory compliance, and legal and ethical issues. Through its work, JVC helps support jewelry businesses of all sizes in understanding and meeting their legal obligations.

Julie Yoakum, President of Kay and Peoples Jewelers, has been elected Chairperson of the Board. She is joined by the following officers:

• Rebecca Foerster, Past Chairperson, Hearts on Fire
• Michael Richards, 1st Vice President, Underwood Jewelers
• John Kreul, 2nd Vice President, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
• Mark Goldberg, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, ROLEX WATCH USA
• Lisa Lackland, Corporate Secretary and Legal Action Committee Chair, BEN BRIDGE JEWELER

JVC also welcomed five new board members:

• Charlie Green, Lux Bond and Green: Charlie Green is Director of Stores at Lux Bond and Green Jewelers and represents the fifth generation of his family business. He joined the company in 2023 after seven years working in New York City with Jack Abraham. He holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and is a Graduate Gemologist from GIA.
• Arien Gessner, Richline Group, Rio Grande: Arien Gessner is President of Rio Grande, Richline Group’s jewelry industry supply division. He joined Rio Grande in 2013 and stepped into the role of President in 2020. His background includes digital marketing, ecommerce, and work at a national laboratory holding a Department of Energy security clearance.
• Johanna Levy, Gemological Institute of America: Johanna Levy is Vice President of Communications and ESG at GIA, where she leads global communications strategy and advises executive leadership on brand reputation and public perception.
• Tina Moretti, Goldstar Jewellery LLC: With more than 30 years in the jewelry industry, Tina Moretti serves as Senior Vice President of GoldStar Jewellery LLC, focusing on aligning creative direction with strategic sales initiatives and long-term partnerships.
• Tara Zerr, Helzberg: Tara Zerr is Divisional Vice President of Merchandising at Helzberg, overseeing engagement, anniversary, and luxury pre-owned categories. She brings more than 24 years of experience in large-scale retail leadership.

The board also includes the following continuing members:

• Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Jewelers Inc.
• Katherine Bodoh, American Gem Society
• Richard Corbo, CHANEL
• Brandee Dallow, Grandview Klein Diamonds
• Annie Doresca, Diamond Council of America
• Steven Holtzman, C.D. Peacock
• Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA
• Malyia McNaughton, Made by Malyia
• Belit Myers, Stuller, Inc.
• Shekhar Shah, Real Gems Inc.

“JVC exists to help the jewelry industry navigate change with clarity and confidence,” said Sara Yood, CEO and General Counsel of JVC. “As legal and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, this board brings the experience and perspective needed to ensure the industry has trusted guidance and a strong, independent voice.”

“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” said Julie Yoakum, Board Chair of JVC. “I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”

About the Jewelers Vigilance Committee: JVC serves as the jewelry industry’s independent legal compliance organization, providing education, guidance, advocacy, and monitoring related to advertising standards, regulatory compliance, and legal and ethical issues. For more information, visit jvclegal.org.