Jewelers Vigilance Committee Elects New Chair, Adds Five Members

Julie Yoakum, president of Kay and Peoples at Signet, was elected chairperson of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee as the trade group added five new board members in an announcement dated Feb. 18, 2026. The board changes were presented as measures to fill positions left by retiring directors and to respond to ongoing changes in regulatory compliance and legal and ethical issues facing the jewelry industry; JVC framed the vote as “an important moment” that reflects its “continued commitment to strong governance and proactive industry support.”

The new executive slate names Michael Richards of Underwood Jewelers as first vice president, John Kreul of Jewelers Mutual as second vice president, Mark Goldberg of ROLEX WATCH USA as treasurer and finance committee chair, and Lisa Lackland of Ben Bridge Jeweler as corporate secretary and legal action committee chair. Rebecca Foerster of Hearts on Fire remains immediate past chairperson, preserving continuity in the organization’s leadership.

JVC’s Feb. 18 announcement also introduced five new directors by name and title. Arien Gessner joins as president of Rio Grande; Charlie Green is listed as director of stores at Lux Bond & Green; Johanna Levy is GIA’s vice president of communications and ESG; Tina Moretti is senior vice president at GoldStar Jewellery; and Tara Zerr is divisional vice president of merchandising at Helzberg. Trade coverage of the election appeared in JCK and Rapaport on Feb. 19, 2026, which repeated the organization’s stated rationale for the new roster.

Sara Yood, JVC’s CEO and general counsel, summarized the committee’s mandate in the same materials: “JVC exists to help the jewelry industry navigate change with clarity and confidence. 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.” Instoremag’s description of JVC echoed that mandate, noting that “JVC serves as the jewelry industry’s independent legal compliance organization, providing education, guidance, advocacy, and monitoring related to advertising standards, regulatory compliance, and legal and ethical issues.” The outlet further noted that “Through its work, JVC helps support jewelry businesses of all sizes in understanding and meeting their legal obligations.”

The new composition brings representation from major retail brands, trade service firms and industry institutions, pairing Signet leadership with executives from Lux Bond & Green, Helzberg, Rio Grande, GoldStar Jewellery and GIA. JVC’s organizational history and prior advocacy work are documented on its organizational pages, which note that the committee submitted final comments to the Federal Trade Commission in June 2016 on proposed revisions to the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metal and Pewter Industries. For inquiries related to the committee, the JVCLegal contact information listed on the organization page includes phone number (212) 997-2002 and email liz@jvclegal.org.

With Julie Yoakum installed as chair and five new directors joining the board, JVC has reshaped its governance at a moment when legal standards and advertising rules are moving targets for jewelers and the businesses that serve them.