MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersMajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board Chair
JVC also announced the election of five new board members.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the organization that provides the industry with legal education and compliance guidance, has named a new chairperson and five new board members.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has a new board chairperson and five new board members following its recent election.
Julie Yoakum, president of Signet Jewelers’ Kay and Peoples Jewelers brands and former president of Helzberg, has been elected chairperson of the board.
“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” Yoakum said.
“I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”
The new leadership comes at an important time for the organization, said JVC, as it faces “increasing regulatory complexity, heightened consumer expectations, and evolving standards around advertising, sourcing, and compliance.”
Yoakum is joined by the following officers:
Rebecca Foerster, past chairperson, Hearts On Fire;
Michael Richards, first vice president, Underwood Jewelers;
John Kreul, second vice president, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group;
Mark Goldberg, treasurer and finance committee chair, Rolex Watch USA; and
Lisa Lackland, corporate secretary and legal action committee chair, Ben Bridge Jeweler.
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Julie Yoakum, president of Signet Jewelers’ Kay and Peoples Jewelers brands and former president of Helzberg, has been elected chairperson of the board.
“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” Yoakum said.
“I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”
The new leadership comes at an important time for the organization, said JVC, as it faces “increasing regulatory complexity, heightened consumer expectations, and evolving standards around advertising, sourcing, and compliance.”
Yoakum is joined by the following officers:
Rebecca Foerster, past chairperson, Hearts On Fire;
Michael Richards, first vice president, Underwood Jewelers;
John Kreul, second vice president, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group;
Mark Goldberg, treasurer and finance committee chair, Rolex Watch USA; and
Lisa Lackland, corporate secretary and legal action committee chair, Ben Bridge Jeweler.
JVC’s five new board members and officers have backgrounds in retail, manufacturing, education, communications, merchandising, insurance, and supply chain operations.
They are Charlie Green, Arien Gessner, Johanna Levy, Tina Moretti, and Tara Zerr.
Green is the director of stores for Lux Bond and Green Jewelers, marking the fifth generation of his family in the business.
Gessner is president of Rio Grande, Richline Group’s jewelry industry supply division. He has a background in digital marketing and e-commerce, and worked at a national laboratory. He holds a U.S. Department of Energy security clearance.
Levy is vice president of communications and ESG at the Gemological Institute of America, leading its global communications strategy. She also advises its leadership on brand reputation and public perception.
Moretti, senior vice president of GoldStar Jewellery LLC, has been in the jewelry industry for more than 30 years. Her focus is on aligning creative direction with strategic sales initiatives and long-term partnerships.
Zerr, divisional vice president of merchandising at Helzberg, has more than 24 years of experience in large-scale retail leadership. She oversees the engagement, anniversary, and luxury pre-owned categories.
The following board members will continue to serve:
Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Jewelers Inc.;
Katherine Bodoh, American Gem Society;
Richard Corbo, Chanel;
Brandee Dallow, Grandview Klein Diamonds;
Annie Doresca, Diamond Council of America;
Steven Holtzman, CD Peacock;
Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA;
Malyia McNaughton, Made by Malyia;
Belit Myers, Stuller Inc.; and
Shekhar Shah, Real Gems Inc.
“JVC exists to help the jewelry industry navigate change with clarity and confidence,” said Sara Yood, CEO and general counsel of JVC.
“As legal and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, this board brings the experience and perspective needed to ensure the industry has trusted guidance and a strong, independent voice.”
For more information about JVC, visit its website.
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