Independents

Debra Puzio Takes Over as JFC Chair

IndependentsOct 01, 2019

Debra Puzio Takes Over as JFC Chair

She succeeds J.C. Penney’s Pamela Mortensen, who served two one-year terms as the head of Jewelers for Children’s board.

2019_Debra_Puzio.jpg
Debra Puzio, founder and creative director of StarLuxe Branding LLC, is the new chair of Jewelers for Children’s board of directors.

New York—Jewelers for Children announced Monday that Debra Puzio has been elected board chair of the children’s charity organization.

Puzio, who was elected at JFC’s semi-annual meeting in Las Vegas in June, is the founder and creative director of StarLuxe Branding LLC, and has been involved with JFC for more than a decade.

She called being selected JFC board chair “the ultimate honor.”

Puzio succeeds J.C. Penney’s Pamela Mortensen, who served two one-year terms.

Also elected at the Las Vegas meeting were new officers and nine new directors.

The new officers are:
John White, Balfour, elected vice president for charity programs;
Jeffrey Cohen, Citizen Watch America, vice president for fundraising;
Howard Hauben, H2 Events/Centurion Jewelry Show, vice president for special programs;
Alan Zimmer, Reeds Jewelers, vice president marketing and public relations;
Bill Luth, Signet Jewelers Ltd., secretary; and
Charles Stanley, Forevermark USA, treasurer. 

Mortensen will continue as immediate past chair and chair the nominating committee.   

The new directors were elected to three-year terms. They are:
Lisa Bridge, Ben Bridge Jeweler;
Adam Gerber, Goldstar Jewellery;
Rebecca Foerster, Alrosa North America;
Hannah Duguie, Day’s Jewelers,
Katie Zimmerman, Blue Nile,
Bill Luth, Signet Jewelers Ltd.;
Sid Keswani, Pandora North America;
Eric Horowitz, Citizen Watch America; and
Joshua Gilbert, Hearts On Fire.

In addition, JFC said seven directors were re-elected; they will each serve a second three-year term:
Evan Berkley, Ross-Simons;
Cora Lee Colaizzi, Quality Gold;
Rudy Chavez, A. Lange Söhne;
Jake Duneier, Clyde Duneier;
Howard Hurwitz, Howard’s Jewelry Center;
Anna Martin, Gemological Institute of America; and
Scott Saunders, London Jewelers.

Moshe Klein, of Julius Klein, concluded his time on the board.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Earrings Similar to Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

Kentaro Nishimura
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AI

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Brigette and Laura Pheloung with Tania and Anita Sarin
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day Campaign

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Pary LeVian
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

Hamptons Jewelry Show
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This Summer

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Tiffany & Co. Iguatemi São Paulo Flagship Exterior
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in Brazil

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Chaumet Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet Jewels

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

Tyla in Pandora jewelry campaign
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand Ambassador

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

GIA logo
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Rolex Land-Dweller Platinum Watch
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

David Webb necklace
MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

Willis Cowlishaw
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong Kong

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is Sentenced

In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleau Byblos Watch
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6M

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

Jewelers Mutual and Jewellers Loop logos
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New Acquisition

The company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.

Neuroscientist and speaker Beau Lotto
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote Speaker

Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.

Victorian Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101K

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

Mason Kay International Jade Summit 2025 Graphic
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade Summit

The event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.

Heather B. Moore Lily of the Valley Oval Charm
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ Charm

The charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy