Next Generation Takes the Stage at Cordier Auctions

Cordier Auctions is pleased to announce the hiring of Jane Seibert as their Consignment Manager. As part of a business transition in 2023, Jane joined the company in September. Since that time, she has been handling client inquiries and vetting consignments for the regional auction house located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition, Jane has been conducting marketing efforts for Cordier in conjunction with their sister company Sunset River Gallery located in Calabash, North Carolina.

Jane graduated in 2023 with her Master’s in Public History from American University in Washington, DC. In 2021, she received her Bachelor’s, summa cum laude, in History with an emphasis in art history and museum studies from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. Jane grew up in the world of art, antiques and collectibles. She fondly remembers traveling to both large gallery auctions as well as small country sales with her father as a child. She is an avid collector of cameras, vinyl, American Southwest, art pottery, and so much more. Jane said that her generation is “truly the new audience for the auction world, representing the new buyers and eventual sellers. We are an untapped audience that the auction world needs to take advantage of.” In that regard, Jane is passionate about implementing a marketing plan and increasing social media engagement for Cordier Auctions.

The announcement came following a company ownership transition effective July 1, 2023, after which Erika Kelly was promoted to President. Erika is the daughter of David Cordier, founder of Cordier Auctions. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Penn State and is a licensed auctioneer and certified appraiser. Erika also holds a Graduate Gemologist diploma with the Gemological Institute of America, known as the world’s leading source of knowledge and standards in gemstones and jewelry. David has remained a critical part of the company in the capacity of advisor and handling special projects, and as a licensed auctioneer and certified appraiser. David holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Penn State and has attended classes in the Fine and Decorative Arts at George Washington University as well as the Appraisal Studies Program at New York University. David also studied Arts and Decorative Arts in Pennsylvania at Penn State and is a graduate of Winterthur Museum’s Winter Institute.

The new owner of Cordier Auctions, Larry Johnson, has acquired and owned small businesses since 1990. His educational background consists of a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, followed by seven years in the engineering field including management of a branch office in New York City for an environmental consulting firm. Acquisitions completed by Larry Johnson have included Arttech Neon, Metro Graphics, SignArt, Lockwood Identity, Waynesboro Alloy Works, Creasy & Whiteed, Sunset River Gallery, and Cordier Auctions. Currently he owns solely, or with a partner, four businesses employing approximately ninety employees in three states. Larry has also operated a sole proprietorship for over twenty years consisting of purchasing items of value at auction and reselling. His latest acquisition, Cordier Auctions is, in many ways, an extension of this business and an excellent fit in terms of his background. He also brings the experience of having been a buying customer to nearly every middle market auctioneer in the U.S. and most of the international major auction houses.

Cordier Auctions handles consignments of single items, collections, estates, and real estate. The company conducts bi-weekly Consignment & Estate Auctions, quarterly Fine & Decorative Arts Auctions, and quarterly Firearms & Militaria Auctions. They also hold monthly auctions of Coins, Sterling, Jewelry & Watches, and other auctions in specialty collecting areas including Toys & Model Trains, Books, Ephemera & Comics, and Sports Collectibles. Regardless of the type of auction, all items are expertly marketed and presented to a global audience from the heart of Central Pennsylvania.

Erika and Jane are complemented by a full-time professional staff including an all-female management team. Their management associates include Lauren Radkiewicz, Director of Consignment & Estate Auctions, and Michelle Lawyer, Director of Administration. Cordier staff also regularly work with specialists in many areas of expertise including coins, art, watches, fine furniture, militaria, rugs, firearms, and more.

When discussing company growth and direction, Erika Kelly said “Cordier Auctions’ goal is to obtain the most value for consignments as possible, because we win only when our clients win. As the auction industry continues to change, I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining established company standards while expanding our target market and improving customer service. With a strong, committed team, I am confident that we will be able to develop and maintain professional relationships and continue to grow a successful and sustainable business.”

To contact Cordier Auctions regarding consignment or upcoming auctions, call 717-731-8662 or email [email protected].