The UJA-Federation of New York’s Diamond, Jewelry, and Watch Division will honor Anna Martin of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Jeff E. Pfeffer of Bank Leumi USA, and Irene Spector of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. on Wednesday, March 31, at the organization’s annual awards dinner at The Pierre in New York City. The three will be presented with the Award of Excellence for their outstanding service to the industry and their support of charitable causes.

As senior vice president and regional director at ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Anna Martin is responsible for diamond, jewelry, and precious metals covering North and South America. A 35-year veteran of the bank, she has significantly increased the bank’s diamond lending and diversified the portfolio to include jewelry and gold leasing. Martin is deeply involved in industry affairs as well as in charitable causes. She is a governor in the League of Honor Sovereign of the Gemological Institute of America; a board member of the Jewelry Board of Trade and the Jewelry Charity Fund; and current president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. She was inducted into the Diamond Hall of Fame by the U.S. Diamond Industry Steering Committee and has received awards from the American ORT, the Women’s Jewelry Association, and the Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association.

Jeff Pfeffer joined Bank Leumi USA in 1985. As senior vice president and department head in middle market lending, Pfeffer oversees a specialized lending group servicing the diamond and jewelry industry in the United States. His previous portfolio in the bank included apparel and textile. Prior to joining Bank Leumi, he worked at Citibank, N.A., National Bank of North America, and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company. He is often quoted in industry publications including Jewelers Circular Keystone, NY Diamonds, and Mazal Baracha.

Irene Spector joined J.P. Morgan Chase in 1995 as vice president responsible for the firm’s diamond and jewelry group. She is credited with substantially increasing the bank’s customer base in the diamond and jewelry industry and expanding its expertise in global gold leasing. Spector began her banking career in the mid-1970s specializing in international trade financing and lectured extensively on various financing alternatives. At that time, she was one of the few women bankers active in the international arena. In the 1980s, she deepened her experience in middle market lending and then specialized further in the diamond and jewelry business. Irene is an active supporter of the industry and is frequently quoted in the trade press. She sits of the board of the UJA-Federation’s Diamond, Jewelry, and Watch Division and serves as an advisor to the local chapter of B’nai Brith Youth Organization.

For information and reservations contact Nurit Seri-Pokart at 1-212-836-1115 or via e-mail: seripokartn@ujafedny.org

The world’s largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York strengthens community and helps 1.4 million persons in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, as well as 3 million in Israel and 60 other countries. Funds raised by UJA-Federation sustain the activities of more than 100 health, social service, educational, and community agencies, providing a multitude of services that improve and enhance people’s lives.

JCK