JVC Expands Board Membership to Address Industry Change

By Karen Dybis | February 19, 2026

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has elected Julie Yoakum (pictured), president of Signet-owned jewelry brands Kay and Peoples, chairperson of its board and added five new board members to fill the positions of retiring directors and in response to the ongoing changes in regulatory compliance as well as legal and ethical issues in the jewelry industry.

In its Feb. 18 announcement of the board members and officers, JVC said their election marks “an important moment” for the trade group and reflects its “continued commitment to strong governance and proactive industry support.”

The new board members are Arien Gessner, president of Rio Grande; Charlie Green, director of stores at Lux Bond & Green; Johanna Levy, GIA’s vice president of communications and ESG (environmental, social, and governance); Tina Moretti, senior vice president at GoldStar Jewellery; and Tara Zerr, divisional vice president of merchandising at Helzberg.

“JVC exists to help the jewelry industry navigate change with clarity and confidence,” Sara Yood, CEO and general counsel of JVC, said in the statement. “As legal and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, this board brings the experience and perspective needed to ensure the industry has trusted guidance and a strong, independent voice.”

Yoakum is joined on the JVC board by the following officers: Michael Richards of Underwood Jewelers, first vice president; John Kreul, Jewelers Mutual, second vice president; Mark Goldberg of Rolex Watch USA, treasurer and finance committee chair; Lisa Lackland, Ben Bridge Jeweler, corporate secretary and legal action committee chair; and Rebecca Foerster of Hearts on Fire, immediate past chairperson.

“The Jewelers Vigilance Committee plays a critical role in protecting trust across our industry,” Yoakum said in a statement. “I am honored to serve alongside such a thoughtful group of leaders as we continue to support businesses and uphold the standards that matter to consumers.”

Continuing board members are Scott Berg, Lee Michaels Jewelers; Katherine Bodoh, American Gem Society; Richard Corbo, Chanel; Brandee Dallow, Grandview Klein Diamonds; Annie Doresca, Diamond Council of America; Steven Holtzman, C.D. Peacock; Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA; Malyia McNaughton, Made by Malyia; Belit Myers, Stuller Inc.; and Shekhar Shah, Real Gems Inc.

JVC serves as the jewelry industry’s independent legal authority, providing education, guidance, advocacy, and monitoring related to advertising standards, regulatory compliance, and evolving legal and ethical issues. Through its work, JVC helps protect consumer trust while supporting jewelry businesses of all sizes in understanding and meeting their legal obligations.