The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) would like to recognize Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, for her dedication and leadership as AGTA President. She will continue to serve until AGTA GemFair Tucson 2025, at which point she will step into the role of Past President. AGTA would also like to recognize Eric Yen, Yen’s Jewelry & Accessories, for his commitment to the AGTA Board of Directors. His term as Director will also end in February 2025.
“Congratulations to our newly elected Board members!” says Collins. “First, I would like to welcome incoming President Bruce Bridges of Bridges Tsavorite, whose passion for ethics in our industry is unsurpassed. I’m thrilled to see Matthew Hopkins of Hopkins Opal, Dudley Blauwet of Dudley Blauwet Gems and Eshvar Kotahwala of Vinod Kotahwala, Inc., returning for second terms on the Board of Directors.
I’m also pleased to see Tracy Lindwall of Nomad’s Lapidary Co., Inc., dba Nomads, and founding member Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corporation as first-time Board members. These newly elected officials will begin their terms after the 2025 GemFair Tucson. I wish you all tremendous success in your roles!”
Past President Ruben Bindra chaired the Nominating Committee. Other members included John Bachman, Afshin Hackman, David Nassi, and Shekhar Shah. The AGTA Board of Directors holds elections on a rotating cycle to guarantee the coherence of the Board’s long-term plans. The new Board members will be introduced at the AGTA Membership Meeting, which is open to all and will be held during AGTA GemFair Tucson, Feb. 3–9, 2025.
