GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive Director
She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
Bernadette Mack, previously the executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association, is the new executive director of Gem Legacy.
Ferndale, Mich.—Gem Legacy, a nonprofit that supports artisanal gem mining communities in East Africa, has appointed Bernadette Mack as its new executive director.
She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as a deep connection to the jewelry industry, to the position.
In her new role, Mack will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of Gem Legacy’s landmark campus in Tanzania.
Previously, Mack has served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association and as managing director at Mercury Free Mining.
She also runs a consultancy dedicated to nonprofit governance and strategy that she founded in 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Bernadette brings the right balance of heart, strategy, and industry insight to this role,” said Monica Stephenson, Gem Legacy board member and founder of Anza Gems.
“Her leadership will allow Gem Legacy to scale its impact while staying deeply rooted in its mission.”
Related stories will be right here …
She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as a deep connection to the jewelry industry, to the position.
In her new role, Mack will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of Gem Legacy’s landmark campus in Tanzania.
Previously, Mack has served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association and as managing director at Mercury Free Mining.
She also runs a consultancy dedicated to nonprofit governance and strategy that she founded in 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Bernadette brings the right balance of heart, strategy, and industry insight to this role,” said Monica Stephenson, Gem Legacy board member and founder of Anza Gems.
“Her leadership will allow Gem Legacy to scale its impact while staying deeply rooted in its mission.”
Mack will work in close collaboration with Gem Legacy founder Rachel Dery Merisheki and her husband Bjorn Merisheki, who will continue to lead the nonprofit’s initiatives on the ground in Tanzania and Kenya during their annual residency.
These include expanding their local presence through strengthening community relationships, overseeing program implementation, and growing Gem Legacy’s reach in East Africa.
All of Gem Legacy’s core initiatives continue to grow, the organization said.
These include providing daily meals and clean water access at Kitarini Primary School, benefiting over 900 students annually and boosting test pass rates to 94 percent, and ongoing support for the Mwatate Children’s Home in Kenya, covering school fees, clothing, and personal care needs for vulnerable children.
The organization also facilitated the delivery of more than 440 customized miner toolkits, with a growing emphasis on reaching women miners to enhance safety and productivity.
Mack’s appointment ensures that the nonprofit’s infrastructure can grow in lockstep with its programs, including creating capacity for deeper partnerships, sustainable fundraising, and long-term strategy, the organization said.
“Gem Legacy’s future is grounded in the trust we’ve built with local communities,” said Rachel Dery Merisheki.
“This leadership expansion will allow us to deepen that trust and grow our impact where it matters most.”
Gem Legacy is preparing to break ground on its first permanent campus.
The residential and educational facility will house college scholarship recipients and contain its self-operated Gem Faceting School.
Funded by business and individual donors from across the jewelry industry, the Gem Legacy Campus is a step toward creating jobs and educational opportunities in gem mining communities, the organization said.
The facility will allow the nonprofit to increase the number of students it serves from 15 to more than 50 per year.
Select campus sponsorships remain available.
For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about the campus project, contact Mack at info@gemlegacy.org or visit Gem Legacy’s website.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
