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MajorsFeb 13, 2018
WJA Elects Jenny Luker President of Board of Directors
Luker is president of Platinum Guild International.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s International Board of Directors.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced the newly elected officers for its International Board of Directors.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the board. She, along with the other new board members, will serve a two-year term.
Luker said: “I’m delighted to serve as the new president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have a new executive committee and a board reflecting our diverse membership in terms of geography and segment of the industry. This gives us a chance to view our mission with fresh eyes.
“The range and depth of experience of our board members, and our strong regional chapters and affiliates are our greatest assets. I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the next two years.”
Joining Luker on the executive committee are Sara Yood, senior counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, as treasurer; Rebecca Moskal, partner at Communique, as corporate secretary; and Lauren Thompson, associate director of communications and digital development at Jewelers of America, as vice president of chapter affairs.
Immediate past board president Brandee Dallow of Fine Girl Luxury Brand Building & Communications will also serve on the committee.
WJA also elected four new women to its board of directors. Molly Bell, executive vice president of Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Kendra Bridelle, director of sales at Frieda Rothman and former WJA president; Jacqueline Cassaway, vice president merchandising, watches and jewelry, Starboard Cruise Services, an LVHM Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Company; and Brenda Gamba, independent contractor at Brenda Gamba.
Bridelle will serve as liaison between the board and the WJA Advisory Council. Gamba is the new president of the WJA Foundation Board, which handles the grants and scholarships program.
WJA has elected three U.S. regional directors to facilitate communications between various chapters and groups. Jen Cullen Williams of Luxury Brand Group is the head of the Western region; Sara Commers of Commers Custom Jewelers will head the Central U.S.; and Danielle Ingwer Cohen of Leo Ingwer will be the director of the Eastern region.
Four women are ending their terms as board members: Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher; Becka Johnson Kibby of The Edge Retail Academy; Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting; and Lisa Slovis-Mandel of Lisa Slovis Metalsmiths, former WJA Foundation president.
The continuing WJA board members are: Regina Ciarleglio of Worthy; Craig Selimotic Danforth of GIA; Katie Dominesey of JCK Events; Peggy Jo
Donahue of Peggy Jo Donahue, Writer; Monica Elias of Elias World Media; Rebecca Foerster of Leo Schachter & Co.; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Desiree Hanson of Urban Expo; Hayley Henning of Greenland Ruby; Debbie Hiss of Debbie Hiss Consulting; Katy Jones of Signet Jewelers; Allison Neumann of Allison Neumann Studio; Kristie Nicolosi of The Kingswood Company; Erin O’Donnell of Emerald Expositions; Michelle Peranteau of Harry Winston; Maren Rosen of Stuller; Benjamin Smithee of The Smithee Group; Clare Ullman of Clare Ullman Designs; and Trina Woldt of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group.
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
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