JA elects Hilly Wesche as Board Chair, names new board

Jewelers of America (JA), the USA's leading national jewelry trade association elected Holly Wesche, owner of Wesche Jewelers in Melbourne, FL, as Board Chair. She succeeds John Henne, of Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, PA. Wesche was elected on July 30, 2019 at Jewelers of America's Board meeting that also welcomed new Directors.

"Holly Wesche has already made tremendous contributions to our Board," David Bonaparte, JA President and CEO, stated. "She is a brilliant businesswoman whose passion for JA runs deep. We look forward to her leadership as she helps to guide Jewelers of America forward.":

Holly Wesche is the third generation of a jewelry family. She is a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and holds the advanced title of Certified Gemologist from the American Gem Society. She is very active within the jewelry industry, serving as Past President of the Florida Jewelers Association, speaker for Jewelers Education Foundation, past Vice Chair of the Leading Jewelers of the World. Holly is also actively involved in the Melbourne community where she has been a Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Member for over 10 years. Wesche Jewelers is Brevard County's largest independent jeweler with a professional staff that includes a Certified Gemologist, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, two talented jewelry designers, and a master goldsmith. They also have a fully accredited gemological laboratory.

"Being involved with Jewelers of America has been a priority for my family for generations," says Holly Wesche. "My Great Uncle, Herb Underwood, was the President of the Retail Jewelers of America (now JA) and my Dad, Jim Wesche, was the President of the Florida Jewelers Association. I am honored to be part of the JA Board and to serve as Chair during this exciting time of change for our industry."

As Chair, Wesche will lead an Executive Committee of the following elected officers: Chair Elect - Robert F. Moeller II, R.F. Moeller Jeweler; Vice Chair - Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers; Vice Chair - Karen Goracke, Borsheims; Treasurer - Craig Rottenberg, Long's Jewelers; Secretary - Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; and Past Chairman - John Henne, Henne Jewelers.