Dennis Ulrich elected JFC chairman

New York--Richline Group CEO Dennis Ulrich has been elected as the next chairman of the board for industry charity Jewelers for Children.

Ulrich, whose appointment is effective Oct. 1, is replacing Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. Batson is concluding her second one-year term as chairwoman of the JFC board.

“I’m honored to be selected to lead the board of directors,” Ulrich said. “It’s one of the most committed group of individuals I have had the pleasure of working with and I look forward to continuing the success of Jewelers for Children.”

Elected to officer positions on JFC’s board of directors are Mark Light of Signet Jewelers Ltd., as vice president of charity programs; Pamela Mortensen of J.C. Penney Co. Inc. as vice president of fundraising; John White of Fossil Inc. as vice president of marketing and public relations; Debra Puzio of Star Luxe as vice president of special programs; Ulrich Wohn as secretary; Alan Zimmer of Reeds Jewelers as treasurer; and Batson, who will continue as immediate past chair and will be chair the nominating committee.

Seven new directors were elected to three-year terms: Katie Dominesey of JCK Events, Abhay Javeri of SDC Designs/M. Suresh, Karen Goracke of Borsheims, Jenny Luker of the Platinum Guild International, Gregory Thumm of Bulova, Samuel Sandberg of A. Jaffe, and Michael Benevente of Scott Kay.

Eight current directors were elected to additional three-year terms: David Bonaparte of Jewelers of America, Scott Burger of Pandora Americas, Alan Chinich of Movado Group, David Cochran of MJSA, Jeffrey Corey of Day’s Jewelers, Vicki Cunningham of Cunningham Fine Jewelry, Jerry Ehrenwald of the International Gemological Institute, Eddie LeVian of Le Vian, and Scott McQuaid of In House Jewelers.

Six directors also concluded their terms on the board. They are: Gail Friedman of Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers, Howard Hauben of H2 Events/the Centurion jewelry shows, John Hayes of Goodman’s Jewelers, Steven Kaiser of Kaiser Time, Sally Morrison of the World Gold Council, and Yancy Weinrich of JCK Events.