JA Welcomes New Board Chair, Elects 5 New Directors

New York—Minnesota jeweler Robert (Bob) Moeller II is the new chair of Jewelers of America’s board of directors, succeeding Holly Wesche.

Moeller, the president and director of sales for R.F. Moeller Jeweler in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was elected at the trade association’s July 22 board meeting.

Moller grew up in the jewelry industry.

His father, Robert F. Moeller, founded R.F. Moeller in 1951.

Moeller II took over as president in 2006 and now oversees the company his father started. R.F. Moeller has two stores in the Twin Cities area.

He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

In a press release announcing his election, Moeller said: “It is a privilege to serve as chair of the Jewelers of America board of directors.

“Jewelers of America has always fought for the jewelry industry and now more than ever, they are committed to helping their members succeed. I look forward to serving with the board.”

Moeller will lead an executive committee consisting of the following elected officers: Chair Elect Coleman Clark, BC Clark Jewelers; Vice Chair Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; Vice Chair Craig Rottenberg, Long’s Jewelers; Treasurer Elise Greenberg, Greenberg’s Jewelers; Secretary Karen Goracke, Borsheims, and Past Chair Holly Wesche, Wesche Jewelers.

Elected alongside Moeller were five new directors, each of whom will serve a three-year term.

They are as follows.

Jeffery Bolling, president and owner, Jeffery B Jewelers, Denver. Bolling has more than 30 years of industry experience, and is the only Black full-service jeweler in Colorado. He’s proud to serve the community with his son by his side.

Kim Crawford, vice president divisional business manager, fine jewelry at Macy’s Inc., New York. A merchant executive with experience in buying, planning, assortment building and stores, Crawford has been with Macy’s for more than 20 years. She is responsible for omni-buying, execution and vendor partnerships.

Edward Dikes, founder and CEO, Weston Jewelers, Weston, Florida. Dikes grew up working in his father’s store. He and his wife opened Weston Jewelers in 2001, recently adding a second location in the Guitar Hotel. He is proud to welcome his children into the business.

Valerie Madison, owner, Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry, Seattle. Madison is a Black-Latina fine jewelry designer, owner, and creative director. She creates modern heirlooms using recycled metals, sustainably sourced diamonds and unique gemstones, celebrating her clients’ milestones and love stories in gold and precious gems.

Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, president, COO and co-owner, Mountz Jewelers, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Ulsh worked at her father’s store before opening Mountz Jewelers with her brother in 1989. She is active with a number of organizations, including the United Way and The Salvation Army, and serves on the Forevermark Leadership Council.

For the complete list of JA’s 2021-2022 board of directors, visit Jewelers.org.