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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.
The Community for Ethical Jewelry has appointed Marianna Smirnova to executive director.
Cincinnati, Ohio—The Community for Ethical Jewelry (CEJ) has named Marianna Smirnova as its new executive director.
The organization said her appointment reinforces its leadership in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible business practices across the jewelry industry as Smirnova brings deep expertise and strategic leadership to the role.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director. Following her departure, Alix Hart served as interim executive director.
Smirnova has more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, human rights, responsible sourcing, due diligence, and mineral supply chains.
In her new role, she will work closely with CEJ’s board of directors, members, volunteers, and partners to advance the organization’s mission and guide its next chapter of growth, engagement, and industry leadership.
Her appointment also comes at a pivotal time for both CEJ and the industry, CEJ noted, as responsible business practices become increasingly central to long-term success.
Under Smirnova’s leadership, CEJ said it is poised to broaden its influence, deepen engagement across the sector, and accelerate its work in support of a more responsible and sustainable jewelry industry.
"For more than two decades, CEJ has championed the belief that responsible business is essential to the future of the jewelry industry. Marianna's appointment reflects our commitment to building on that legacy,” said Brandee Dallow, president of CEJ.
“She brings extraordinary expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach that will help strengthen our programs, deepen industry engagement, and help CEJ reach its next level of impact. I am incredibly optimistic about what we will accomplish together and the opportunities ahead for CEJ and the industry we serve."
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The organization said her appointment reinforces its leadership in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible business practices across the jewelry industry as Smirnova brings deep expertise and strategic leadership to the role.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director. Following her departure, Alix Hart served as interim executive director.
Smirnova has more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, human rights, responsible sourcing, due diligence, and mineral supply chains.
In her new role, she will work closely with CEJ’s board of directors, members, volunteers, and partners to advance the organization’s mission and guide its next chapter of growth, engagement, and industry leadership.
Her appointment also comes at a pivotal time for both CEJ and the industry, CEJ noted, as responsible business practices become increasingly central to long-term success.
Under Smirnova’s leadership, CEJ said it is poised to broaden its influence, deepen engagement across the sector, and accelerate its work in support of a more responsible and sustainable jewelry industry.
"For more than two decades, CEJ has championed the belief that responsible business is essential to the future of the jewelry industry. Marianna's appointment reflects our commitment to building on that legacy,” said Brandee Dallow, president of CEJ.
“She brings extraordinary expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative approach that will help strengthen our programs, deepen industry engagement, and help CEJ reach its next level of impact. I am incredibly optimistic about what we will accomplish together and the opportunities ahead for CEJ and the industry we serve."
Most recently, Smirnova was a senior advisor to the Global Battery Alliance and the London Bullion Market Association.
Previously, she spent a decade with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, where she served as senior director and interim head.
Smirnova has also worked alongside many organizations that help to advance responsible sourcing, ethical jewelry, and artisanal mining worldwide.
These organizations include the Responsible Jewellery Council, Alliance for Responsible Mining, Craft Impact, Artisanal Gold Council, Solidaridad, European Partnership for Responsible Minerals, PPA, Resolve, Diamond Development Initiative, Swiss Better Gold Association, WGC, PACT, and Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030.
“At a time when ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and respect for human rights are more important than ever, I am honored to join CEJ,” said Smirnova.
“I look forward to working closely with our members, volunteers, partners, and leadership to advance meaningful initiatives fostering an inclusive and diverse community—one that supports artistry, creativity, equitable opportunities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and strengthens meaningful collaboration across the jewelry value chain. Together, we can drive lasting change that benefits jewelers, artisanal and small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and all those whose livelihoods are connected to our industry.”
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