Diamond Council of America (DCA), the nonprofit group that provides distance education in diamonds, gems, and fine jewelry, has appointed Iowa jeweler Chuck Kuba (pictured) as its chairman.

He will serve in the role for two years.

David Bonaparte, CEO of Jewelers of America, was elected vice chairman, along with Signet executive vice president of store operations Bill Luth. Dan Casanova, vice president of Riddle’s Jewelry, will serve as secretary and treasurer.

Kuba is the president and owner of Iowa Diamond in Des Moines, which he runs with his daughters and granddaughters. A third-generation jeweler, he serves on the board of directors of Jewelers of America and is a past president of the Iowa Jewelers Association. He holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, and a B.A. in performing arts management from the University of Nebraska.

He has also attained the status of accredited senior gemologist from the Accredited Gemologists Association; been certified as a diamontologist by DCA; and been certified as a senior management professional by Jewelers of America.

The group also elected Jennifer Hammond, divisional vice president of Signet Jewelers, to its board for a one-year term.

“We have been fortunate over the years to have talented and engaged board members and this year is no exception,” said Terry Chandler, DCA’s president and CEO since 2001, in a statement. “I am confident that—with Chuck at the helm—[our board] will lead us well in 2021 and position DCA for future growth.”

DCA has been affiliated with Jewelers of America since 2017.

(Photo courtesy of Jewelers of America)