Gem Legacy Names Three Jewelry Experts to Its Board

Gem Legacy has appointed Annie Doresca, Sara Yood and Mark Smelzer, three prominent jewelry-industry experts, to its board.

The new members will bolster the nonprofit’s leadership with their experience in finance, legal compliance and communications, Gem Legacy said Tuesday. These appointments strengthen the organization’s impact in its support for artisanal gem-mining communities in Tanzania and Kenya.

Doresca, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America (DCA), brings expertise in finance and frontline jewelry-industry leadership. Yood, president and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), contributes knowledge of legal compliance, responsible sourcing, and supply-chain oversight. Meanwhile, Smelzer, vice president of business development at Jewelers Mutual Group, has extensive industry connections developed through his broad network of relationships across the jewelry sector.

“Gem Legacy is at a stage where the strength of our board directly shapes our capacity to serve mining communities well,” said Gem Legacy executive director Bernadette Mack. “The addition of [Doresca, Yood and Smelzer] will make us a more effective and visible organization.”

Image (left to right): Annie Doresca, Sara Yood and Mark Smelzer. (Gem Legacy)