(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Diamonds Do Good (DDG) board unanimously approved 10 new members to join its board of directors with veteran executive committee member Rebecca Foerster taking on the role of president. Anna Martin, senior vice president, global development and beneficiation at GIA, remains on the executive committee as immediate past president with Kathy Corey, co-owner of Days Jewelers, serving as vice-president and Yancy Weinrich, chief growth officer at Reed Exhibitions, remaining treasurer.
Foerster has served on the Diamonds Do Good board for 10 years and the executive committee for four years. During her tenure she has chaired the marketing, fundraising and nominating committees. Prior to becoming President of ALROSA Forester worked at Leo Schachter Diamonds as vice president for strategic planning and marketing and was in charge of diamond sales and marketing for Rio Tinto Diamonds.
In addition to the leadership changes, 10 new board members who span the industry and include next generation jewelers were inducted onto the board and include:
- Kim Crawford, VP divisional manager: Jewelry & Watches, Macy’s
- Nathalie Diamantis, CEO and president Pomellato Group Amaricas
- Christina Gambale, co-owner Greenwich St. Jewelers
- Mark Klein, director of operations, Julius Klein Group
- Avi Levy, president IGI
- Kristie Nicolosi, president and CEO, Kingswood Co.
- Kealeboga Pule, founder MD Nungu Diamonds, South Africa
- Catherine Sarr, designer Almasika
- Andrew Siegel, COO Hamilton Jewelers
- Iris Van der Veken, executive director Responsible Jewelry Council
Incoming President Rebecca Foerster said: “We are thrilled to welcome these incredible new board members many of whom represent the next generation in our industry and all of whom have expressed their passion for the mission of Diamonds Do Good”.
Immediate past President Anna Martin stated: “It has been a privilege to serve as President for the past 4 years for an organization that shares my values. I am very confident Rebecca will continue the positive impact Diamonds Do Good has made for so many communities and I look forward to working with her to encourage the industry to share these stories with their customers as it is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry”.
Diamonds Do Good was inspired in 2006 by Nelson Mandela to tell the world about the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa. Its focus today is to create meaningful change in diamond communities across the world and to tell these meaningful stories.