Jewelers of America has named Peggy Jo Donahue as its new Director of Public Affairs, effective Feb. 1.

“We are so pleased to have someone of Peggy Jo’s stature and experience to take on this exciting new position,” said JA President and CEO Matthew A. Runci. “She is a highly-regarded professional in the jewelry industry who will add an important new dimension to JA’s outreach in the areas of communications relative to industry and public affairs.”

As JA’s Director of Public Affairs, Donahue will act as chief spokesperson for JA and Jewelry Information Center on issues of industry and public concern. She will work closely with Runci, the JA Board of Directors and JA’s regional affiliates to plan communications strategies on issues affecting the jewelry industry.
 
“I am eager to begin working with Matt Runci, the JA staff and the JA Board of Directors to continue the important work already begun by JA in the public affairs arena – particularly on issues of responsible business practices and legislative priorities,” said Donahue.

Since 1997, Donahue has been editor in chief of Professional Jeweler magazine and vice president of its publisher, Bond Communications in Philadelphia. Previously, she was editor in chief of Jewelers’ Circular-Keystone. She has won numerous awards from trade and professional organizations over the years, and she is the author of a number of books, including several jewelry industry histories.

The position of JA Director of Public Affairs was created as part of JA’s evolving strategy to communicate more effectively with all of its audiences, including JA members and other jewelry industry businesses, public agencies and legislative bodies, and national and international associations and non-governmental organizations.

JCK