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Fifth-Generation Iowa Jeweler Named Board Chair Of DCA February 01, 2021 (0 comments)
New York, NY—Diamond Council of America has elected Chuck Kuba, a third-generation retail jeweler and president and owner of Iowa Diamond in Des Moines, IA, as its board chairman. DCA is a non-profit organization that provides quality, affordable distance education for retail jewelers and sales associates, with the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales.
Kuba, who was elected to a two-year term, holdsa Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and a BA in performing arts management from the University of Nebraska. Kuba also holds titles as Accredited Senior Gemologist by the Accredited Gemologists Association, Certified Diamontologist by the DCA, and Certified Senior Management Professional by Jewelers of America (JA). He serves on the board of directors of JA, and is a past president of the Iowa Jewelers Association.
Iowa Diamond is now in its fifth generation of family leadership. Kuba’s grandfather made rings in the Chicago area and his was a lapidary. Kuba’s daughters, Jennifer and Melissa, and two grandchildren now have joined the company as well, the fourth and fifth generation.
In addition to Kuba, DCA members also elected the remainder of the executive board as follows: vice chairmen, David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America and Bill Luth, Kay Jewelers; and Secretary/Treasurer, Dan Casanova, Riddles Jewelry.
Jennifer Hammond of Kay Jewelers was elected to the Board for a one-year term. She joins Peter Engel, Bud Fluty, Kate Peterson and Steve Velasquez as Board members.
“I want to congratulate Chuck Kuba and the newly elected DCA Board members. We have been fortunate over the years to have talented and engaged board members and this year is no exception. I am confident that with Chuck at the helm they will lead us well in 2021 and position DCA for future growth,” says DCA president/CEO Terry Chandler.
For more information about DCA, to enroll in DCA courses or to become a member, please visit www.diamondcouncil.org.