JSA President John Kennedy to Retire After 32 Years

Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) president John Kennedy will retire at the end of 2024 after heading the organization for 32 years.

Kennedy, an attorney, joined JSA, a nonprofit trade association that provides crime prevention information and assistance to the jewelry industry, as its president in 1992. He was previously assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation. The JSA has begun a search for his replacement, it said Monday.

“JSA has never been stronger. It has a superb board and crime team, excellent relations with law enforcement, and a wide and effective reach to its large membership and the entire industry,” said Kennedy. “JSA’s finances are solid, and its supporters are loyal and generous. This is a perfect time for me to step aside from what has been a very satisfying career.”

There have only been four JSA presidents since 1897, with average terms of more than 30 years.

“JSA will miss John’s steady leadership of the organization for the last 32 years. He will also be missed for his many contributions to the jewelry industry,” said JSA chairman Alan Zimmer.

Kennedy was awarded JCK’s Person of the Year in 2002, the American Gem Society (AGS) Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008, the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021, and the Stanley Schechter Award from Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) in 2021.

He will continue as secretary of the 24 Karat Club of New York, a position he has held for 22 years.

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Main image: John Kennedy. (Jewelers Security Alliance)