Governance

The Pearl Association of America is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors whose collective expertise, passion for pearls, and leadership help steer the association’s mission and strategic vision. Each member brings a wealth of experience from across the pearl and jewelry industries.

Current Board of Directors of the Pearl Association

President- Jeremy Shepherd

Jeremy Shepherd is the founder, CEO and President of Pearl Paradise, Inc., one of the largest online pearl retailers in the US. With over three decades of experience in the pearl industry, Mr. Shepherd is a recognized industry leader whose work has made high-quality pearls accessible to a global audience.

As President of the Pearl Association of America, Mr. Shepherd oversees the direction and operations of the Association and leads its strategic objectives.

jeremy@thepearlassociation.org

Vice President – Pierre Fallourd

Pierre Fallourd is the founder of The Sustainable Value Generator, an organization that has helped many businesses, especially in the pearl sector, reconcile growth, sustainability and supply-chain transparency.

As Vice President of the Pearl Association of America, Mr. Fallourd assists the President in executing initiatives and governance and provides oversight of committees.

pierre@thepearlassociation.org

Treasurer – Sarah Canizzaro

Sarah Canizzaro is the owner and managing director of Kojima Pearl Company that offers nearly every variety of both natural and cultured pearls. Ms. Canizzaro also organizes ‘Pearls by the Bay,’ an annual, day-long seminar that is dedicated to pearls.

As Treasurer, Ms. Canizzaro oversees the financial affairs of the Association, thus ensuring that all funds are properly collected, accounted for and disbursed.

sarah@thepearlassociation.org

Secretary – Joshua Israileff

Joshua Israileff is the co-owner of ASBA USA, a jewelry company specializing in cultured South Sea, Tahitian and Akoya
pearls and finished pearl jewelry.

As Secretary, Mr. Israileff is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all Association meetings as well as issuing official notices.

joshua@thepearlassociation.org

Chairs

Marketing and Communications – Matt Harris

Matt Harris is the founder and owner of Matt Harris Designs, a jewelry brand specializing in cultured pearls. He is also a jewelry designer and pearl historian.

As Marketing and Communications Chair, Mr. Harris overseas the branding, media outreach and public relations initiatives by the Pearl Association, to promote pearls as well as the Associations various initiatives.

matt@thepearlassociation.org