Majors

Jewelers of America Names New Board Chair, Directors

MajorsOct 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 board members
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 … 

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.

The Latest

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy