Jewelers of America has named David N. Lafleur as its new vice president, effective Monday. Lafleur succeeds David L. Rocha, who resigned his position at JA in October to become Executive Director of Jewelers For Children.

“Dave Lafleur has diverse experience and a proven track record in senior-level non-profit association management,” said JA President and CEO Matthew A. Runci. “His strong leadership will surely be an advantage as JA continues its work in assisting its 10,000 retail members and the jewelry industry. We gladly welcome David to JA.”

Lafleur will run the association’s day-to-day operations. He will also manage the continued development and implementation of JA’s educational projects, certification programs, marketing initiatives, and money-saving member benefits.

“I am eager to begin working with the JA staff, the JA Board of Directors, and JA’s 40 state and regional affiliates to continue raising the level of professionalism and integrity in the jewelry industry and enhancing the value of membership in JA,” Lafleur says.

Most recently, Lafleur served as CFO and director of finance and administration for the College Art Association (CAA), the preeminent non-profit association for art historians and visual arts professionals, with a membership of over 14,000 individuals and 2,000 institutions. There, he was responsible for the development and supervision of budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, cash management, member services, information technology, insurance, employee benefits, and contracts.

Lafleur has substantial experience in the jewelry industry, having worked for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) from 1987 to 1996. He began at MJSA as director of finance and administration, moved on to become director of operations, and later served as MJSA vice president. In the latter position, Lafleur worked with the Board of Directors and MJSA staff to plan and implement strategic initiatives, operated as Publishing Director of AJM magazine, and was involved in MJSA’s local and national government relations activities.

Prior to his tenure at CAA, Lafleur has worked for a number of non-profit organizations in New York City, including four years as Director of Finance and Administration at International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., a worldwide non-profit trade association in the financial industry.

JCK