(Press Release) New York, NY – Jewelers for Children has welcomed 14 new industry leaders to its board of directors.
The new directors assumed their roles on Oct. 1, following election by the board in the summer.
The board also re-elected the current executive committee to an additional one-year term and added one member.
The officers re-elected are Dennis Ulrich, Richline Group, chairman; Mark Light, Signet Jewelers Inc., vice president of charity programs; Pamela Mortensen, J.C. Penney, vice president of fundraising; John White of Fossil Inc., vice president of marketing and public relations; Debra Puzio, Star Luxe LLC, vice president of special programs; Howard Hauben, secretary; and Alan Zimmer, Reeds Jewelers, treasurer. Ruth Batson will continue as immediate past chair and will chair the nominating committee.
“I’m humbled to be elected to a second term as chairman,” Ulrich said. “Working with a group of such dedicated individuals who are so committed to helping children is an honor.”
The 14 new directors are: Evan Berkley, Jacmel Jewelry Inc.; Katy Briggs, Hallmark Jewelry; Caryl Capeci, Hearts On Fire; Rudy Chavez, Cartier; Cora Lee Colaizzi, Quality Gold; Dan Dean, Asurion; Jake Duneier, Clyde Duneier; Sebastian Hobbs, Signet Jewelers Inc.; Howard Hauben, Centurion Jewelry Shows; Howard Hurwitz, Howard’s Jewelry Center; Scott Key, Alex and Ani; Anna Martin, Gemological Institute of America; Scott Saunders, London Jewelers; and Trina Woldt, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.
Three current directors were elected to a second, three-year term. They are R. Andrew Johnson, the Diamond Cellar; Moshe Klein, Julius Klein; and Charles Stanley, Forevermark.
Thirteen directors also concluded their terms on the board. They are Nabil Abdallah, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.; Debbie Azar, Gemological Science International; Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry; Patrick Drummond, Rebecca Foerster, Leo Schachter Diamonds; Russell Kwiat, Kwiat; Michael Langhammer, Quality Gold Inc.; Dipu Mehta, Rosy Blue; Carol Pennelli, David Yurman; Mark Udell, London Jewelers; Steve Velasquez, Bailey, Banks & Biddle; Joshua Weinman, Firestar; and Bobby Wilkerson, Wilkerson.
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 more than $51 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect.