MajorsOct 05, 2023
JFC Names New Executive DirectorMajorsOct 06, 2023
Jewelers of America Names New Board Chair, Directors
The trade organization has welcomed three new members to its 2023-2024 board.
Jewelers of America has announced its new board for 2023-2024. From left, Coleman Clark is the new board chair while Constance Polamalu, Hunter Tivol McGrath, and Julie Keeney have been elected to serve three-year terms as directors.
New York—Jewelers of America has elected a new chair and executive committee, as well as new directors, to its board.
The directors were elected on Oct. 2 during JA’s annual general meeting, while the executive committee was elected the following day at its board of directors meeting.
Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was chosen as chair.
His family-owned-and-operated store was founded in 1892 and has expanded to three locations.
Clark is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist. He has served on the Jewelers of America Board in several roles since 2012.
“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,” said Clark.
The executive committee 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; and
Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers, Immediate Past Chair.
“Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors advises the strategic direction of Jewelers of America and shares a passion for Jewelers of America’s mission to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry,” said the organization.
Each director’s company follows JA’s Code of Professional Practices through a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.
Related stories will be right here …
The directors were elected on Oct. 2 during JA’s annual general meeting, while the executive committee was elected the following day at its board of directors meeting.
Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was chosen as chair.
His family-owned-and-operated store was founded in 1892 and has expanded to three locations.
Clark is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist. He has served on the Jewelers of America Board in several roles since 2012.
“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,” said Clark.
The executive committee 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; and
Robert F. Moeller II of R. F. Moeller Jewelers, Immediate Past Chair.
“Jewelers of America’s Board of Directors advises the strategic direction of Jewelers of America and shares a passion for Jewelers of America’s mission to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry,” said the organization.
Each director’s company follows JA’s Code of Professional Practices through a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.
Three new directors have been elected for a three-year term.
Constance Polamalu, chief operating officer at Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland, is new to the board. The American Samoan first-generation jeweler has 15 years of experience in jewelry retail, product development and leadership.
Polamalu was named one of JA’s “20 Under 40” and an “Emerging Designer” by Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz for her design venture, Birthright Foundry, in 2021.
Hunter Tivol McGrath of Tivol Jewelers in Kansas City, Missouri, is also a new addition. 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 served in for 8 years, before becoming CEO.
The third new director is Julie Keeney, vice president at Fred Meyer Jewelers in Portland, Oregon.
Keeney is DCA diamond and gemstone certified, a member of the Women’s Jewelry Association, a GIA alumna, and serves on the DCA Board.
In addition to those listed above, JA’s 2023-2024 board of directors includes:
Chad Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry;
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 Jewelry;
Robert Marks, Rogers Jewelry Co.;
Stan Razny, Razny Jewelers;
Tobey Ritchie, Harry Ritchie's;
Sherry Smith, The Edge Retail Academy; and
Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, Mountz Jewelers.
For more information, visit the JA website.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
