Diamond Council of America (DCA), a non-profit organization that provides quality, affordable distance education and the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and fine jewelry sales, announces new a board Chair and board Director. Jenn Hammond of Signet Jewelers in Akron, OH was elected to a two-year term as Chair and Joseph Corey of Day’s Jewelers in Scarborough, Maine was elected to a two-year term as Director.
“I am elated to welcome Jenn Hammond as the DCA board chair. She has tremendous experience in the field that will help propel DCA forward. 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,” says DCA President/CEO Terry Chandler.
Jenn Hammond, Divisional Vice President, Store Operations-Kay Jewelers, Signet Jewelers Ltd; as Divisional Vice President of Store Operations, Jenn Hammond leads over 1,100 store teams for the world’s largest retailer of jewelry, Signet Jewelers. Jenn delivers leadership for the largest brand, Kay Jewelers. Jenn has over 28 years of experience in retail and began working at Signet in 2004.
Over her tenure with Signet, Jenn has been the recipient of many leadership awards, including District Manager of the Year. Jenn attributes career growth and success to building great teams, making significant investments into their training and development, while encouraging collaboration and diversity.
Joseph Corey is President of Day’s Jewelers, a chain of eight jewelry stores, located in Maine and New Hampshire, and full e-commerce website. The company was founded in 1914 and currently employs 135 people. Joseph is responsible for oversight of all company operations.
His experience in the jewelry business began at age 5 under the tutelage of his parents, then owners of Day’s Jewelers. He became officially employed by Day’s in 2006, hired as a Service Specialist. Joseph was made Day’s President in January 2021. He currently serves on JCK Las Vegas Show’s Advisory Board and the Jewelers for Children Board of Directors. Day’s Jewelers became an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) in November of 2021.
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.; Director, Steve Velasquez, Madison Jewelers.