appointment culminates a three-month, national search conducted by a JBT search committee made up of JBT board members, according to a statement issued by JBT.

Kenyon, who was named interim president in May, succeeds Nathaniel Earle who died of cancer in April.

Kenyon brings to JBT extensive experience in precious metals and banking services following a long tenure at FleetBoston Financial Corp. and Fleet Precious Metals, the statement reads. She also served on JBT’s Board for seven years.

“I was associated with JBT as a director for most of the Nineties and then I left the precious jewelry industry,” she told JCK. “It’s nice to be back. It’s a great opportunity to take an organization that was already strong, and really leverage that foundation to move us to a new level of excellence in a member driven fashion. I look forward to working with the staff. I’m looking forward to getting back into the industry and making sure we stay vital, relevant, and financially sound.”

She told JCK that the JBT board has been working on a long-term strategic plan that will focus on member services. She said implementing that plan will be one of her primary goals.

JCK