Headlines

John Kennedy to Retire as President of JSA

He’s been with the organization for 32 years.

Published

7 months ago

March 4, 2024

INSTORE Staff

NEW YORK — John Kennedy, who has served as president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance for 32 years, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of 2024.

Kennedy, an attorney, joined JSA in 1992 after serving as assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation. He had also held other positions in government, academia and a non-profit organization.

“JSA has never been stronger,” Kennedy said. “It has a superb Board and crime team, excellent relations with law enforcement, and a wide and effective reach to its large membership and the entire industry. JSA’s finances are solid, and its supporters are loyal and generous. This is a perfect time for me to step aside from what has been a very satisfying career.”

The organization’s board and its search committee are in the process of selecting a new JSA president, according to a press release. There have only been four JSA presidents since 1897, with an average terms of over 30 years each. JSA is a non-profit trade association providing crime prevention information and assistance to the jewelry industry.

Alan Zimmer, chairperson of JSA, said, “JSA will miss John’s steady leadership of the organization for the last 32 years. He will also be missed for his many contributions to the jewelry industry. On a personal level, I would like to thank John for his stewardship of JSA and will greatly miss John for his professionalism and friendship. We wish John all the best in his future retirement.”

Kennedy has been recognized for his many contributions to the jewelry industry and been awarded JCK’s Person of the Year in 2002; the AGS Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008; the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement from Jewelers of America in 2021; and the Stanley Schechter Award from Jewelers Vigilance Committee, also in 2021.

Kennedy said, “I am grateful for the unfailing industry support that I have always felt, and I look forward to staying in touch with friends and colleagues by continuing my service as Secretary of the 24 Karat Club of New York, as I have done for the past 22 years.”

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”