Jewelers of America Picks New Chair

RAPAPORT… Jewelers of America (JA) has elected Robert Moeller, a second-generation jeweler, to head its board of directors.

Moeller, the president and director of sales of R.F. Moeller Jeweler in Minnesota, will succeed outgoing chair Holly Wesche, the organization said Tuesday. A Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate gemologist and an American Gem Society (AGS) certified gemologist appraiser, he runs two stores in the Twin Cities region. Moeller was elected at a JA meeting on July 22.

“[Moeller’s] experience leading R.F. Moeller Jeweler will help Jewelers of America better serve our core membership of independent jewelry stores,” said JA CEO David Bonaparte. “His leadership will enable JA to better address all of their unique challenges and provide solutions through resources, recognition and representation.”

In addition to Moeller, the newly elected directors are as follows:

Jeffery Bolling, president and owner of Jeffery B Jewelers in Denver, Colorado
Kim Crawford, vice president divisional business manager of fine jewelry for Macy’s
Edward Dikes, CEO of Weston Jewelers in Florida
Valerie Madison, owner of Seattle-based Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry
Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, president of Mountz Jewelers in Pennsylvania

Image: Robert Moeller. (Jewelers of America)