(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – The Jewelers for Children board of directors held elections at their semi-annual meeting in Las Vegas in June. Debra Puzio, founder and creative director of StarLuxe Branding, LLC was elected board chair. She replaces Pamela Mortensen, J. C. Penney, who served two, one-year terms as chair. New officers, along with nine new directors, were also elected.
John White, Balfour, was 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.
“I have been involved with Jewelers for Children in many roles for more than 10 years,” said Puzio. “Serving as the board chair is the ultimate honor and I am humbled to be elected.”
Nine 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.
Seven directors were also re-elected to a second, three-year term. They are Evan Berkley, Ross-Simons; Cora Lee Colaizzi, Quality Gold; Rudy Chavez, A. Lange Sohne; 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.
“We are very fortunate to have Moshe’s input and support for these past six years,” added Puzio.
Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Since its inception, JFC has donated nearly $57 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect.