Independents

IJO Adds 3 New Board Members

IndependentsFeb 05, 2024

IJO Adds 3 New Board Members

The organization’s new president Stephen Barnes is also stepping down from the board.

John Herold, Todd Bazar, Allison Peck
The IJO Board of Directors has three new members: (left to right) John Herold of John Herold Jewelers; Todd Bazar of Imperial Pearl; and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.
Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has added three new members to its board of directors. 

The board is composed of 10 retail members and three vendor members.

The new retail member is John Herold of John Herold Jewelers in Randolph, New Jersey, and the new vendor members are Todd Bazar of Imperial Pearl; and Allison Peck of Brevani/Color Merchants.

The new additions will serve with current retail board members: 

Nathan Regan
of Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas; 
Kari Johnson Smith of Champaign Jewelers in Champaign, Illinois; 
Janelle Mead of Harris Jewelers in Rio Rancho, New Mexico; 
Daniel Widmar of Rasmussen Diamonds in Racine, Wisconsin; 
Cindi Haddad-Drew of Cindi’s Diamond & Jewelry Gallery in Foxboro, Massachusetts; 
Rick Sanders of Sanders Jewelers in Gainesville, Florida; 
Tia Daniel of Conti Jewelers in Endwell, New York; 
Scott Stambaugh of Stambaugh Jewelers in Defiance, Ohio; 
Joanne Osborne of Osborne Jewelers in Goodyear, Arizona; 
and vendor board member Brecken Farnsworth of Parlé Jewelry Designs in Pocatello, Idaho. 

“The input from these very creative, supportive members is invaluable, and many significant changes have taken place as a result of their contributions,” said IJO Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts.  

“Their leadership abilities have played a key role in this organization for a good number of years, and I look forward to working with our new appointees.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Stephen Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Goldsboro, North Carolina, who was recently named president of IJO, will be leaving the board.

“Since I have been named president of IJO, I felt I should step down from my role on the board, but I’ll be working closely with them,” said Barnes. “I’m excited and believe we can all make a difference. I have some lofty goals with a list of core values, and I’m happy to be in this position to help make things even better in the coming years.”

Members Jeff Wynkoop of Quality Gold in Fairfield, Ohio, and Kyle Pancis of Pancis Gems in Morris Plains, New Jersey are also rolling out. 

“These outgoing board members have provided outstanding service to the IJO family, and they’ve been a great asset. I’m deeply grateful for their support,” said Roberts.

The board meets twice yearly at IJO conferences and is available for consultation throughout the year. New members will be welcomed at the organization’s next conference in Dallas, Texas, March 8-12.

For information on membership in IJO, visit the organization’s website or call Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252. 


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