Gem Legacy Names Bernadette Mack Exec Director

By Rob Bates | June 26, 2025

Gem Legacy, the nonprofit that supports East African artisanal gem mining communities, has appointed Bernadette Mack its new executive director.

Mack previously served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association and is the founder of a consultancy dedicated to nonprofit governance and strategy. In her new role, Mack will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of Gem Legacy’s first campus in Tanzania. She will work in collaboration with Gem Legacy’s directors of missions and outreach, Rachel Dery Merisheki (whose family founded Gem Legacy) and Bjorn Merisheki, her husband.

“Bernadette brings the right balance of heart, strategy, and industry insight to this role,” said Gem Legacy board member Monica Stephenson in a statement. “Her leadership will allow Gem Legacy to scale its impact while staying deeply rooted in its mission.”

(Photo courtesy of Gem Legacy)