Board of Directors

Matthew has helped his family grow Tiny Jewel Box, a three-generation jewelry business, into an iconic Washington institution and internationally renowned jeweler. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and a member of Gen Next Jewelers, the Centurion Jewelry Show Advisory Board and the Young President’s Organization.

Steve has over 40 years in the jewelry business. Steve and his wife Judy have grown Padis Jewelry since its founding in 1974 from a wholesale supplier and manufacturer to a premiere engagement ring destination in the San Francisco Bay area.

Elise is CEO of her family's jewelry store, which was founded in 1900 and is now in its third generation of ownership. Elise has extensive experience in financial management and accounting.

Karen’s long-tenured career with Borsheims, a Berkshire Hathaway company, began in 1988. Holding different roles across the company gives her a broad retail background and knowledge of the worldwide jewelry industry.

Steve Velasquez has over 24 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He began as a store manager at Barry’s Jewelers in 1993 and has gone on to serve jewelry stores big and small in many roles in management, advertising and operations.

Tobey Ritchie is Vice President of Harry Ritchie’s, a company founded by her grandfather, Harry, nearly 63 years ago. As Vice President, Tobey oversees a wide array of activities for the company, including development and implementation of its buying strategy, as well its business development activities.

Coleman’s jewelry store, BC Clark Jewelers, has been family owned and operated since 1892. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist.

John has served on countless local boards and charitable organizations, wearing several hats within the jewelry industry as well as being a CGA. He has held many positions on The American Gem Society Board of Directors including President, Chair of The Laboratory Advisory Board, and Chair of the Conclave sub-committee. In 2024, John was chosen as the recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award which is The American Gem Society’s highest honor.

Joseph oversees all operations for Day’s Jewelers, a chain of eight jewelry stores and e-commerce website. His experience in jewelry began at age 5 under his parents, then owners of Day's Jewelers. He became officially employed by Day's in 2006 as a Service Specialist and has since moved up to President since January 2021. Joseph serves on JCK Las Vegas Show’s Advisory Board and the Jewelers for Children Board of Directors.

Kim Crawford is a merchant executive with experience in buying, planning, assortment building and stores at Macy’s for over 20 years. She is responsible for omni buying, execution and vendor partnerships. Kim previously held roles in Accessories and RTW at Macys and has worked for Bloomingdales and the former May Company division.

Edward and his wife opened Weston Jewelers in 2001 and recently opened a second boutique location in the iconic Guitar Hotel. Edward grew up working in his father’s store and has extensive experience in gemology and customer relations. He is proud to welcome his children into the business.

Sue grew up in the retail industry, currently serving as the VP of Merchandising for Robbins Brothers Jewelers, a 101-year-old company. Prior to Robbins Brothers, Sue held VP positions at Visionworks, Sally Beauty Supply and Things Remembered. Her experience in the jewelry industry extends 14 years, including 7 years at Zales. She graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and an MBA from the University of Texas, Dallas.

Sheryl began her career in fine jewelry in 2000 after a decade of serving as VP of Communications at MTV. She worked for diamond manufacturers until 2013, when she opened her own retail space. Now, she sees private clients and wholesales for several stores. Sheryl has a GIA Graduate Diamonds degree and is on the advisory board for Black in Jewelry Coalition.

Julie is an industry leader and VP of Fred Meyer Jewelers, a 127-store chain based out of Portland. In her 10 years with the company, she has served as Regional Sales Director and VP of Sales, Stores and Midwest Sales. Julie is DCA Diamond and Gemstone Certified, a member of The Women’s Jewelry Association, a GIA alumnus and serves on the DCA Board.

Valerie Madison is the Owner and Creative Director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry based in Seattle, WA. Valerie has run an ecommerce business for 10+ years and opened her first brick and mortar in 2020 where she sells her own designs only and oversees all operations. Valerie serves on Black In Jewelry Coalition's Advisory Board.

In 1979, Robert began his career at his family’s jewelry store, where he is currently the third-generation President. Robert is on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Retail Network Self-Insurance Group, the Nevada Retail Risk Management Association, Advancing Vibrant Communities and serves as the Treasurer of the Leading Jewelers Guild.

Hunter is the fourth-generation CEO of TIVOL Jewelers in Kansas City, maintaining his family’s legacy and adapting to shifts in market trends and technologies. With accounting experience and a CPA designation, Hunter began at TIVOL as a sales associate and diamond buyer and was then promoted to VP for 8 years before his current CEO position.

Krista Peterson is a dedicated sales and business operations leader committed to serving, protecting, and advancing the jewelry industry. She is committed to driving growth, strengthening relationships, and delivering exceptional value to jewelers and their customers. With over a decade of experience in sales leadership, marketing, and event management, Krista is passionate about creating win-win solutions that support the success and sustainability of the jewelry community.

Constance is an American Samoan first-generation jeweler, serving as Chief Operating Officer at award-winning, multi-brand independent retailer Zachary’s Jewelers. With 15 years in jewelry retail, product development and leadership, Constance was named a JA 20 Under 40 and an Emerging Designer by Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz for her design venture, Birthright Foundry, in 2021.

For over three decades, Sherry has worked inside, alongside and on behalf of independent jewelry retailers. As Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths, she partners directly with jewelers and vendors to strengthen profitability, operational discipline and long-term resilience. In addition to consulting work, Sherry serves on the Jewelers of America Board of Directors, speaks at major industry events and contributes regularly to National Jeweler, INSTORE and other leading publications.

Alex joined Stuller in 2011 and has served in multiple roles across the organization including Customer Experience, Merchandising, Customization  and currently works for Stuller's innovative jewelry design software company, Gemvision.  She holds a BBA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is a GIA Diamonds Graduate, and actively participates in industry events. Alex also serves on the boards of the Stuller Family Foundation, Acadiana Animal Aid, and Jewelers for Children.

A proud graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School and Syracuse University, Scott has carried forward the Udell family legacy while helping to shape the future of luxury retail. As a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Scott's technical knowledge and his passion for quality uphold the values have defined the company since 1926. He oversees operations, brand partnerships, and client relationships, continuing to honor the vision of previous generations while inspiring the future of London Jewelers.

Tonia’s passion for jewelry started at her father's shop, later opening Mountz Jewelers in 1989 with her brother. Tonia is a member of the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Legatus, and currently serves on The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region’s Board of Directors and the Forevermark Leadership Council.

Prior to Victorinox Ulrich has led globally recognized brands including over 8 years as President & CEO of TAG Heuer North America (an LVMH company). He serves on the Jewelers for Children Board of Directors and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of NYC.