COMMITTEES
The jewelers that keep JA running
JA committees bring together industry leaders and experts to share their knowledge and help move the jewelry industry forward through recognition, advocacy, responsible business practices and strategic guidance.
JAPAC Board
The Jewelers of America Political Action Committee Board is a separate entity from the JA Board of Directors. The JAPAC Board develops fundraising and disbursement strategies for Jewelers of America’s Political Action Committee. Additionally, the JAPAC Board monitors political issues important to the jewelry industry to aid in the development of its fundraising strategy.
- Chair, Lawrence Bock, Bachendorf’s
- Treasurer, David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America
- Vice Chair, Steve Padis, Padis Jewelers
- Past Chair, Joseph Molfese, Bella Costa Jewelers
Directors:
- Brian Alter, Alter’s Gem Jewelry
- Jon Bridge, Ben Bridge Jeweler
- Susan Eisen Susan, Eisen Fine Jewelry
- Bill Farmer, Farmer’s Jewelers
- Roger Forman, Marathone
- Steven Lerche, Goldstar Jewellery
GET INVOLVED IN JAPAC
All members can be a part of JAPAC, learn more here.
MJSA Advisory Committee
The MJSA Advisory Committee offers guidance to Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors on industry issues affecting jewelry manufacturing and design—from legislative regulations and tariffs to the fostering of of the industry’s workforce.
- Chair, Ed DeCristorfaro, LDC Inc.
- Ann Arnold, H. Arnold Wood Turning Inc.
- Jim Bernard, Stuller Inc.
- Steve Cipolla, National Chain Group
- Steven Anthony Cipolla, National Chain Group
- Jennifer Markus, Jewelers Mutual
- Joseph Esposito, National Chain Group
- Arien Gessner, Rio Grande
- Roger Gesswein III, Gesswein
- Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers
- Dave Meleski, Richline Group
- Allison Peck, Color Merchants
- David Siminski, United Precious Metal Refining
- William Taubner, Ball Chain Mfg. Co.
- Michael Toback, Myron Toback Inc.
GEM Awards Committee
GEM Awards Committee’s purpose is to plan and execute a successful GEM Awards each year by selecting and recognizing the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work amplifies JA’s mission and raising the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches on behalf of the industry.
- Chair, Marion Fasel, The Adventurine
- Sarin Bachmann, JCK & LUXURY
- David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America
- Sam Broekema, Natural Diamond Council
- Gannon Brousseau, COUTURE
- Annie Doresca, DCA
- Tanya Dukes, Editor
- Dorit Engel, CHANEL
- Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Harwell Godfrey
- Jennifer Gandia, Greenwich St. Jewelers
- Michelle Graff, National Jeweler
- Sally Morrison, De Beers Group
- Rebecca Moskal, COMMUNIQUÉ
- Jill Newman, Editor
- Randi Udell Alper, London Jewelers
Ethical Initiatives Committee
The Ethical Initiatives Committee advises of Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors on ethical, social and environmental initiatives.
- Chair, Bill Farmer, Farmer’s Jewelers
- Adam Small, Diamond Dealers Club of NY
- Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers
- Sarin Bachmann, Reed Expo
- Gail Brett Levine, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
- Georgie Gleim, Gleim the Jeweler
- James Evans Lombe, Sustainable Responsible Solutions
- Jeremy Shepherd, Cultured Pearl Association of America
- Berna Lowenstien, Cultured Pearl Association of America
- Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box
- John Ford, AGTA
- John Hall, Responsible Jewellery Council
- Katherine Bodoh, American Gem Society
- Moshe Salem, Diamond Dealers West Coast
- Kalpesh Jhaveri, Indian Diamond Colorstone Association
- Ronnie VanderLinden, DMIA
- Stuart Samuels, Premier Gem
- Sue Hopeman, Robbins Brothers
- Larry Drummond, International Precious Metals Institute
- Annie Doresca, DCA
- Sheryl Jones, Sheryl Jones Inc
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee JA management regarding systems of internal controls and risk mitigation; the integrity of JA’s financial statements and reports–and the engagement, independence and performance of JA’s independent auditors.
- Chair, Steve Velasquez, Madison Jewelers
- Joe Corey, Day’s Jewelers
- Karen Goracke, Borsheims
- Elise Greenberg, Greenberg’s Jewelers
- Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box (ex officio)
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee is responsible for formulating JA’s investment policies, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, and establishing investment guidelines in furtherance of those policies. The committee also monitors the management of the portfolio for compliance with investment policies and guidelines and for meeting objectives over time.
- Chair, Karen Goracke, Borsheims
- Ed Dikes, Weston Jewelers
- Sue Hopeman, Robbins Brothers Jewelers
- Constance Polamalu, Zachary’s Jewelers
- Sherry Smith, The Retail Smiths
- Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box (ex officio)
Governance & Nominations Committee
The Governance & Nominations Committee is charged with the oversight of policies and practices regarding issues of Jewelers of America’s board service, governance and bylaws.
- Chair, Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers
- John Carter, Jack Lewis Jewelers
- Hunter McGrath, TIVOL Jewelers
- Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry
- Constance Polamalu, Zachary’s Jewelers
- Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box
- Scott Udell, London Jewelers