Jewelers of America adds two industry personalities to Board of Directors

Jewelers of America (JA) has appointed Karen Goracke - President & CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts and Mercedes Abramo - President & CEO of Cartier North America, to its Board of Directors. The announcement came at the JA semi-annual Board meeting in New York. Both new directors will serve through 2017.

“Their depth of industry knowledge will provide Jewelers of America with valuable insights as we continue with our mission to maintain consumer confidence in the fine jewelry marketplace,” says JA Board Chairman Bill Farmer Jr., Partner of Farmers Jewelry, on the new appointments.

Together, Goracke and Abramo have more than 45 years of experience in the fine jewelry and luxury goods industry. Karen Goracke began her career with Borsheims in 1988. She has held various roles across the company, lending to her broad retail background and depth of knowledge of the worldwide jewelry industry. She is active with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Jewelers for Children (JFC) and the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA).

Mercedes Abramo joined Cartier North America in 2008 and today oversees the strategy and operations covering 35 boutiques, an e-commerce boutique and over 150 specialty retailers. Prior to joining Cartier, she held management positions with Tiffany & Co., Ritz Carlton Hotels and Loews Miami Beach and today serves on the advisory board of the Luxury Education Foundation.