Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board Member
Executives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
The nonprofit organization has elected Julie Keeney of Fred Meyer Jewelers as secretary and treasurer and added Mike Blank of Riddles Jewelers to the board.
Keeney, vice president of sales at Fred Meyer Jewelers, works across physical stores, ecommerce, merchandising, marketing, and human resources at the 130-store chain.
Prior to her decade of work at Fred Meyer’s, Keeney held management and executive roles at other companies in the jewelry industry.
A member of the Women’s Jewelry Association and a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Keeney is DCA diamond and gemstone certified.
Blank is the director of operations and training for Riddles Group, the parent company of Riddles Jewelry.
The founder of Riddles Jewelry, Jess Riddle, brought Blank to the company 35 years ago. In that time, Blank has been part of the chain’s growth from 14 to 60 retail stores.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler said, “I want to congratulate Julie for her election to Secretary/Treasurer as well as welcome Mike to the DCA Board.
“Their depth of retail knowledge will help DCA as it continues to grow and better serve those who need an affordable, distant education option.”
DCA provides professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales through distance education.
In addition to Keeney’s role as secretary/treasurer, the board’s executive committee consists of Chairman Chuck Cuba of Iowa Diamond and Vice Chairman Dave Bonaparte, CEO of Jewelers of America.
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