(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has elected Holly Wesche, owner of Wesche Jewelers in Melbourne, FL, as Board Chair. She succeeds John Henne of Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, PA. Wesche was elected on July 30 at Jewelers of America’s Board meeting that also welcomed new Directors.
“Holly Wesche has already made tremendous contributions to our Board,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte. “She is a brilliant businesswoman whose passion for Jewelers of America runs deep. We look forward to her leadership as she helps to guide Jewelers of America forward.”
Holly Wesche is the third generation of a jewelry family. She is a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and holds the advanced title of Certified Gemologist from the American Gem Society. She is very active within the jewelry industry, serving as Past President of the Florida Jewelers Association, speaker for Jewelers Education Foundation, past Vice Chair of the Leading Jewelers of the World. Holly is also actively involved in the Melbourne community where she has been a Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Member for over 10 years. Wesche Jewelers is Brevard County’s largest independent jeweler with a professional staff that includes a Certified Gemologist, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, two talented jewelry designers, and a master goldsmith. They also have a fully accredited gemological laboratory.
“Being involved with Jewelers of America has been a priority for my family for generations,” says Holly Wesche. “My Great Uncle, Herb Underwood, was the President of the Retail Jewelers of America (now JA) and my Dad, Jim Wesche, was the President of the Florida Jewelers Association. I am honored to be part of the JA Board and to serve as Chair during this exciting time of change for our industry.”
Board Executive Committee Elections
As Chair, Wesche will lead an Executive Committee of the following elected officers: Chair Elect – Robert F. Moeller II, R.F. Moeller Jeweler; Vice Chair – Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers; Vice Chair – Karen Goracke, Borsheims; Treasurer – Craig Rottenberg, Long’s Jewelers; Secretary – Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; and Past Chairman – John Henne, Henne Jewelers.
Incoming Directors
The following Directors have been elected for a three-year term:
- Lawrence Bock – President & Owner, Bachendorf’s
Lawrence Bock is president and third-generation owner of Bachendorf’s, a luxury jewelry company comprised of four boutiques in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. Lawrence joined The Harry Bock Company, Bachendorf’s parent company, in 1982 and has served as president of The Harry Bock Company since 2000. He was inducted into National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2011. - Caryl Capeci – President, Chow Tai Fook, North America Caryl
Capeci is the President of Chow Tai Fook, North America, overseeing operations in the U.S., including brands Hearts On Fire and Memoire. Prior to this role, Caryl led Hearts On Fire as Chief Marketing Officer then President, leading the integration of the brand into 2,200 storefronts across China. Caryl’s career began creating demand for diamond jewelry for De Beers. - Tobey Ritchie – Vice President, Harry Ritchie’s; Eugene, OR
Tobey Ritchie is Vice President of Harry Ritchie’s, a company founded by her grandfather, Harry, nearly 63 years ago. As Vice President, Tobey oversees a wide array of activities for the company, including development and implementation of its buying strategy, as well its business development activities. In addition, she ensures Harry Ritchie’s is involved in community fundraising. - Lenny Kramer – EVP Sales, Leo Schachter; New York, NY
Lenny Kramer’s career with Leo Schachter spans three decades. In the 1990’s, he established its lab-grown emerald business. After managing the jewelry division, he was instrumental in establishing the Leo Diamond, The Elexese Diamond, and now Kalahari Dream Diamonds for all channels of distribution. - Stan Razny – Owner, Razny Jewelers; Chicago, IL
Stan Razny, with his wife Ingrid, have overseen the Razny Jewelers’ exponential growth from one small independent boutique to four thriving locations. For nearly 70 years and three generations, Razny Jewelers has been the Chicago area’s favorite family-owned jeweler. Stan is proud to represent the world’s most distinguished designers and brands — including Razny’s own bridal collection, Forever by Razny.
In addition to John Henne, outgoing directors include: Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers; Jenny Caro, Jewelry By Designs and Cathy Tivol, TIVOL.
For the complete list of JA’s 2019-2020 Board of Directors, visit https://www.jewelers.org/ja/members/about/board.