Selects yearly theme: Connect and Transform
(NEW YORK) – The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) elected Andrea Hansen of LuxeIntelligence, New York City, as its new president, with Brandee Dallow of Julius Klein Group, New York City, taking on the president-elect role. Hansen succeeds Tryna Kochanek of Sterling Jewelers Inc. in Akron, OH, who is now immediate past president. Kristie Nicolosi of The Kingswood Company in Columbus, OH, continues in her position as WJA treasurer.
Newly elected President of the Women’s Jewelry Association, Andrea Hansen.
“I am honored to lead WJA through the next two years,” says Hansen. “We have selected the theme of ‘Connect and Transform’ for 2014, and these words will guide our annual educational efforts and will also center our networking, mentoring, and leadership training around a common theme.
“In deciding on a theme, the word ‘transformation’ kept coming up over and over in our conversations,” says Hansen. “Our industry is in a time of transition and WJA would like to address the challenges that professionals and businesses face in understanding new consumer habits. We want to help our members adapt their business practices to thrive in the highly digital, omni-channel, socially engaged market we serve.”
“Connecting with like-minded people is also a crucial part of our world and one of the cornerstones of WJA’s mission,” adds Teresa Stohs, WJA’s executive director. “Our new theme addresses how vitally important our events, online networking, and mentoring are to our members.”
Among the professionals who will serve on the WJA Executive Committee with its officers are: VP of Administration Kendra Bridelle of LusciousS International, Inc.; VP of Chapter Affairs Becka Johnson Kibby of The Edge Retail Academy; VP of Communications Peggy Jo Donahue of MJSA; VP of Education Katie Dominesey of Frederick Goldman; VP of Events Natalie Humphrey of Forevermark US, Inc.; VP of International Relations Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher of America; VP of Leadership Development Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx; Co-VP of Membership Development Cindy Edelstein of Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Co-VP of Membership Development Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting, LLC; Co-VP of Sponsorship Diane Warga-Arias of DWA Communications; Co-VP of Sponsorship Anna Martin of Standard Chartered Bank; and VP of Scholarship Ann Arnold of Arnold Advisory Group.
The three regional directors for WJA are: U.S. Regional Director (Eastern) (ex-officio) Desiree Hanson of Luxury Privé; U.S. Regional Director (Central) (ex-officio) Janel Russell of Janel Russell Designs Inc.; and U.S. Regional Director (Western) (ex-officio) Jenny O. Calleri of T-Bird Jewels.
Among regular members of the Women’s Jewelry Association Board are: Ruth Batson of the American Gem Society; Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring Corp.; Lisa Cochin of Forevermark US, Inc.; Suzan Flamm of Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich Jewelers; Regina Leadem of GE Capital; Jenny Luker of Platinum Guild International; Michelle Orman of Last Word Communications; Nancy Moeller of RF Moeller Jeweler; Allison Neumann of Allison Neumann Studio; Orit of O Group; and Yancy Weinrich, JCK Events.
For more information visit www.womensjewelryassociation.com.
