James K. McCarty has been promoted to chief operating officer of the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, effective immediately. The appointment follows the recent resignation of Frank Dallahan, who stepped down as MJSA president/CEO to head the American Gem Society Laboratories. McCarty was the association’s executive vice president.

Alan Bell, MJSA chairman said that the MJSA Board of Directors will keep its prior commitment to conduct a strategic review of the association’s mission and long-term goals. That review, to be led by former MJSA chairman and longtime industry veteran Curt Ley, will begin with a board retreat in early August.

“The board of MJSA thanks Frank for his significant contributions to the association, and we wish him well in his new position,” Bell said. “We also have every confidence that Jim McCarty and the staff of MJSA will continue the association’s fine work on behalf of its members. Our strategic review comes at an opportune time for us to evaluate the needs of our membership and the industry at large, and it will help to inform the decisions we make going forward to ensure MJSA retains its vital role as the voice of the U.S. jewelry manufacturer.”

McCarty joined MJSA as chief financial officer in 2001, and he has played a key role in the association’s growth. He was instrumental in the establishment and enhancement of such cost-saving benefits as the FedEx high-value shipping program, which contributed to a 30 percent rise in membership over the past six years. He also streamlined operational efficiencies, including an association-wide upgrade of the association’s information retrieval and storage systems.

JCK