Majors

DCA Has a New Board Chair

MajorsJan 18, 2024

DCA Has a New Board Chair

The nonprofit also elected a new director.

Jennifer Hammond
Jennifer Hammond of Signet Jewelers has been elected as board chair for nonprofit jewelry education organization Diamond Council of America.
New York–Diamond Council of America (DCA), a nonprofit organization that provides education and professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales, has expanded its team.

Jennifer Hammond, Signet Jewelers’ divisional vice president of store operations for Kay Jewelers and Zales, was elected as DCA board chair. Hammond will serve a two-year term.

Joseph Corey, president of Day’s Jewelers, was elected to a two-year term as director. 

“I am elated to welcome Jennifer Hammond as the DCA board chair. She has tremendous experience in the field that will help propel DCA forward,” said DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler.

“I look forward to having her lead the board of directors and, in turn, allow DCA to better serve the jewelry industry. I am also happy to welcome Joseph Corey to the board.”

In her role at Signet, Hammond leads over 1,800 store teams. She has over 26 years of experience in retail and began working at Signet in 2004. 

During her tenure with Signet, Hammond has received leadership awards including District Manager of the Year. 

She attributes her career growth and success to building great teams, making significant investments into their training and development, while encouraging collaboration and diversity, DCA said.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Corey has been involved in the jewelry business from a young age, learning from his parents at Day’s Jewelers.

The eight-store chain, located in Maine and New Hampshire, was founded in 1914 and bought by Corey’s parents in 1988. It has 135 employees.

Corey, now responsible for the oversight of all company operations as president, was first hired in 2006 as a service specialist. He took over the role of president in January 2021, and Day’s Jewelers became an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) in November of that year.

He also serves on JCK Las Vegas Show’s Advisory Board and the Jewelers for Children (JFC) Board of Directors.

The Corey family will be honored by JFC at its Facets of Hope event at the 2024 Las Vegas shows.

The membership elected the remainder of Board of DCA as follows:

Vice Chair, David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America;
Vice Chair, Bill Luth, Kay Jewelers;
Secretary/Treasurer, Julie Keeney, Fred Meyer Jewelers;
Past Chair, Chuck Kuba, Iowa Diamond;
Director, Mike Blank, Riddle’s Jewelry;
Director, Bud Fluty, Absolute Brilliance, Inc.; and
Director, Steve Velasquez, Madison Jewelers.

For more information about DCA, to enroll in DCA courses or to become a member, visit the DCA website.

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