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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
