Susan Thea Posnock has joined Jewelers of America in the newly created position of Public Affairs manager.

“We welcome Susan to our staff,” said Peggy Jo Donahue, JA’s Public Affairs director. “With her depth of industry knowledge and her excellent writing and research skills, she will be a great asset to our work in the public affairs area.”

JA’s Public Affairs department supports the association’s communications with JA members, the global jewelry trade, and external stakeholders. In conjunction with the board of directors and its committees, the department addresses legislative and legal issues that affect the jewelry industry at large together with responsible business practices issues in the jewelry supply chain, from mine to retail. The department also publicizes JA’s other products and services for retail jewelers, in areas such as education, marketing and management.

As Public Affairs manager, Posnock will work with Donahue and public affairs coordinator Lauren Thompson to communicate to a range of audiences, including JA members, the wider jewelry industry, other industry organizations, governments, civil society (non-governmental organizations), and the media.

Posnock has ample experience to prepare her for her new role, during more than 15 years in the journalism and public relations fields. Posnock comes to JA from National Jeweler magazine, where as senior editor she covered the international diamond industry and retail business news. Posnock received several awards for her journalistic work; most recently, a 2007 Folio: magazine Eddie award for “Work in Progress” (May 2007), which tracked the slow progression of retailers entering the online business arena.

Prior to National Jeweler, she held a number of communications-focused positions, including senior editor of Folio: magazine, communications manager at Barnes & Noble, and conference producer at the Institute for International Research.

“The expansion of our Public Affairs department is in keeping with JA’s mission to be a leader in the promotion of education, professionalism and responsible business practices,” says JA President and CEO Matthew A. Runci. “I look forward to working with Susan, as her contribution to that mission promises to be invaluable.”

JCK