Donna M. Baker
President & CEO
Gemological Institute of America

Donna M. Baker, president and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (“GIA”), is only the fifth person to lead the Institute in its over 75-year history. She was appointed to the position in November, 2006.

Mrs. Baker has an impressive combination of work experience, education, a background of dedicated service, and a proven track record of exemplary leadership that will serve GIA and its constituents well as the Institute evolves in the coming years. She envisions a future in which GIA continues its strong commitment to the public and is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including GIA’s global expansion in the areas of research, education, and laboratory services.

Mrs. Baker began her career at GIA in 2001. She served as vice president, general counsel, and was responsible for the direct oversight of the Institute’s legal affairs and various other departments, including Human Resources, Operations, Real Estate Planning and Development, Information Technology, Community Development and the Museum and Library.

Mrs. Baker began her legal career as an associate at Morrison & Foerster, LLP, and later became a partner of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP. Mrs. Baker served as a member of the firm’s management and recruiting committees and as Chair of the Business and Real Estate Practice Group. Her specialty in business law, with an emphasis in transactions and employment, facilitated her development and growth of the business and employment practice at Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP - her last position prior to GIA.

An MBA and law school graduate of UCLA, Mrs. Baker was named to the University’s Law Review from 1986-1988, and was Chief Comment Editor from 1987-1988. She is a member of the American Corporate Counsel Association, the American Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, San Diego Bar Association and the North San Diego County Bar Association.

Mrs. Baker received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University, where she majored in sociology, psychology and theology and graduated magna cum laude. Mrs. Baker received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 2005, and the Certified Gemologist title from the American Gem Society in 2006.

Kathryn Kimmel
Vice President & CMO
Gemological Institute of America

A third generation member of the jewelry industry, Kathryn Kimmel has acquired a broad range of experience in many of its areas: in retail, as managing director of Anthony Geml Jewelers in Southern California; in manufacturing, as customer service manager and later vice president of marketing and sales for Nova Stylings, a design and manufacturing company. She currently serves as vice president and chief marketing officer for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) where she oversees all domestic and international marketing, public relations, communications and outreach efforts.

During her near-twenty year tenure at GIA, Ms. Kimmel has played a key role in shaping the Institute’s activities, philosophy and development, in addition to establishing its marketing policies and objectives. Among her many contributions to the Institute’s growth are: the introduction of the Internet as a marketing and communications tool; the creation and development of Career Fair as the industry’s preeminent annual recruitment event; the establishment of a centralized public relations department to streamline communications with the trade press, public media, as well as industry and community organizations; and the production and promotion of two GIA Gemological Symposia. Most recently, Ms. Kimmel has spearheaded the Institute’s first national public awareness campaign, and she continues to work tirelessly to build awareness and understanding of GIA’s mission to an ever larger international audience.

Ricardo Basta
Manufacturer, E. Eichberg, Inc.
Jewelry Designer, Ricardo Basta Fine Jewelry

Born in Argentina, jewelry designer Ricardo Basta was exposed to the beauty and artistry of jewelry at a young age.  A third generation jeweler, Mr. Basta’s passion for fine jewelry was ignited during his apprenticeship under masterfully trained European jewelers for the first 10 years of his 25-year career.  While honing his skills as a craftsman and learning both bench fabrication and casting techniques, he had the opportunity to work on restoring some of the most exquisite jewels in the world. 

Mr. Basta is recognized as one of the premiere platinum jewelry designers in the country.  He began researching and studying the properties of this precious metal in 1986 and is considered an expert in the field. Mr. Basta has written several articles and been quoted on designing in platinum.

Erica Courtney
President, Erica Courtney, Inc .

Erica Courtney’s passion for creating glamorous, one-of-a-kind pieces and extraordinary artistic talent has established her as one of today’s most original couture jewelry designers.  Her work with countless pavé diamonds, hand-picked gems and pearls, and exceptionally detailed custom settings has solidified her position as one of the most recognized and successful jewelry brands in the industry.  Ms. Courtney’s Drop Dead Gorgeous® collection has set the standard in the jewelry world for the past two decades.  Inspired by her son’s engagement, Ms. Courtney recently launched her Gorgeous & Engaged® bridal collection. The line consists of exquisite engagement rings and custom wedding bands in 18k gold and platinum, with many of the designs featuring the couple’s initials engraved or paved into the setting.

The Gorgeous & Engaged® collection also includes hand-crafted sterling flatware, intricately embellished with 18k gold and diamond charms and initials.  Reflecting Ms. Courtney’s signature style, the flatware is custom-made to her clients’ specifications and is a unique and stylish wedding or anniversary gift.

Kara Erickson, G.G., G.J.
Sales Manager, Tiffany & Co.

Kara Erickson came to GIA in 2003 with a full-paid scholarship for the Graduate Gemologist program. There, she accelerated her jewelry career by completing both her G.G. and G.J. credentials.

Since her entry into the jewelry industry as a sales professional, Ms. Erickson’s proven sales ability and client development skills and leadership qualities have earned her numerous promotions and a very lucrative management position for one of the world’s largest jewelers – Tiffany & Co.

Vatché Fronjian
President, The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California

Vatché Fronjian is president and owner of My Way Jewelry Co., Inc., a jewelry manufacturing company located in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Fronjian moved to America in 1976 with his family as a refugee of war. His interest in art and sketching provided him a great opportunity to pursue his passion to design, create, and make jewelry.  He utilized his talent by working as a jewelry designer for a West Los Angeles retailer while learning the skills of the trade here and abroad.

In 1979 he launched his company; however it was in 2001 that Mr. Fronjian’s design vision came to life with the launch of True Knots, a nationally represented bridal jewelry line. His most recent venture is the launch of The Vachi Collection, a sterling silver jewelry line with genuine gemstones.

Douglas K. Hucker, CGA
CEO, American Gem Trade Association

Douglas K. Hucker combines dynamic public speaking ability developed through many years of addressing jewelers conventions, seminars, and training sessions with an in-depth knowledge of estate and antique jewelry, colored gemstones and diamonds. He provides new strategies to help jewelry professionals expand their business through comprehensive training, establishing efficient in-house training methods, and by improving promotional and marketing techniques.

In 1976, Mr. Hucker joined the Gemological Institute of America, where he received his Graduate Gemologist Diploma. He was invited to join the teaching staff and Mr. Hucker spent eight years at GIA, first as an instructor of Diamond Grading and Gemstone Identification classes, and then as Manager of the Institute's Extension Division, where he was responsible for gemology classes taught to jewelers in major cities throughout the United States, Europe and the Orient.

Mr. Hucker has specialized in importing fine gemstones into the United States; was Director of Marketing for Krementz Gemstones, and was President and partner of The Registry Ltd., a firm specializing in antique and estate jewelry.

As CEO of the American Gem Trade Association, Mr. Hucker represents the premier organization of North American gemstone professionals.  The AGTA, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is primarily responsible for the promotion of natural gemstones in the United States and Canada.  As The Authority in Color™ the AGTA is the industry leader in efforts to promote ethical and professional sales of natural colored gemstones. 

In addition, AGTA annually produces the GemFair™ Tucson, the jewelry industry’s most important gemstone and cultured pearl marketplace, and the AGTA GemFair™ Cultured Pearl and Jewelry Pavilion at the JCK Las Vegas Show

Au-Co Mai
President/CEO, emitations.com

Since 1999, emitations.com has become the online source among New York fashion editors as the place to shop for the latest jewelry trends at affordable prices.  The popular jewelry line garners the regular attention of TV shows such as ABC’s “The View” and editorial fashion magazines such as InStyle, Glamour, People Style Watch, and Lucky.  In 2006 Internet Retailer magazine named emitations among the Top 500 fastest growing e-commerce companies in America and 14th in the jewelry category. 

Au-Co Mai launched emitations.com with a vision to create a branded jewelry line that leveraged affordable fashion accessories and pop culture media.  As the business grows, Ms. Mai continues her direct involvement in marketing and operations.   She has been a guest speaker for the Gemological Institute of America, fashion events, universities, and most recently presented at the Internet Retailer in Boston, the largest e-commerce conference in the U.S.

John Matty
Store Director, Roberto Coin Boutique
Managing Partner, Martin Katz Salon Rancho Santa Fe

John Matty has close to 30 years experience in the gem and jewelry industry. He has traveled the world with some of the most magnificent jewels for the most illustrious jewelers; he has thus become a noted expert in diamonds, as well as jewelry manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Mr. Matty began his career as a bench jeweler’s apprentice where he formed a specific thought: what ultimately matters are the details in each jewel and the love that each piece will receive.

Mr. Matty’s private jewelry business was founded early on in his gem career. He went on to complete the GIA Diamond Program via correspondence in 1984.

In 1999 Mr. Matty achieved the coveted job that he had for years longed for: a position in sales with the famed diamantaire, William Goldberg.  Mr. Matty was in fact, the first individual in sales for the firm that was not a part of the Goldberg family. He remained with the company even after the untimely passing of his beloved mentor in October 2003. 

In 2005, Roberto Coin recruited Mr. Matty for his unmatched experience and eye.  There, he acted as the Vice President of the CENTO department.  The Cento is the world’s first 100 Facet Diamond; it is still cut and sold today.

Dana Meyer-Maxwell
Partner, Mark Maxwell Designer/Goldsmith

With a degree in English and Journalism, Dana Meyer-Maxwell started her career in television on the small screen at WVIT, NBC’s affiliate station in West Hartford, Connecticut. Her next position brought her to San Diego, where she worked at The Townsend Agency, one of San Diego’s top integrated marketing firms. At that time, the agency focused on emerging high-tech markets and Ms. Meyer-Maxwell had the opportunity to work on projects for a wide-range of clients, including: SONY, Fujitsu, Activision, Irving Hughes, MIT Enterprise Forum, and more. Then, in 2001, she joined GIA and was responsible for developing and implementing campaign strategies to support the Institute’s key objectives.

In 2007, Ms. Meyer-Maxwell joined FLO TV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm. As the marketing manager at FLO TV, she works with the most recognized entertainment brands including Viacom NBC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, as well as, the nation’s two largest wireless carriers. In her current role, Ms. Meyer-Maxwell is integral in Qualcomm’s first consumer product launch, and is responsible for writing and developing the company’s brand, website, point-of-sale merchandising, collateral, and multiple consumer touch points. This past year, she and her husband launched their own jewelry design and manufacturing business, Mark Maxwell Designer/Goldsmith. She is also President-Elect of WJA’s San Diego Chapter.

Steve Mindel
Managing Partner
Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP

Mr. Mindel has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry.  He is the Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP, a Martindale Hubbell AV-rated firm.  He represents a broad base of clients involved in all areas of the jewelry industry, including retail, wholesale and manufacturing.  He has acted as the Vice President of Sales/General Counsel of Heinz Meyer, a leading European jewelry manufacturer, where he developed the operational program for the company, including the development of its marketing plan and the management of its United States sales organization.

Mr. Mindel has lectured to various groups in the jewelry industry.  Since 1995, he has spoken annually at the GIA Career Fair on topics relating to the fundamentals of owning your own business.  He has also lectured for the American Gem Society, the 24 Karat Club of Southern California and the Women's Jewelry Association. 

Dawn Moore
General Manager, Mikimoto Beverly Hills

Dawn Moore heads up Mikimoto Beverly Hills directing the retail growth and marketing outreach for the Los Angeles region.  Innovating the industry’s first “roving retail gallery,” negotiating product placement in TV and feature films, and producing Mikimoto’s first “Speaker Series,” she is known for her fresh and colorful perspective.

In her previous positions as Regional Sales Director with Chopard and Harry Winston, Ms. Moore maximized the relationship marketing strategy servicing both international and Hollywood royalty, in addition to securing red carpet exposure during the Oscars, Golden Globes and Cannes Film Festivals.

Ms. Moore began her career in the high-fashion arena as a buyer for Bullocks Wilshire and worked as a Market Analyst for Federated Department Stores.  As an expert in her field, she has appeared on many television programs and is often quoted in national, regional and trade publications. She has also written articles on interior design, lifestyle and jewelry trends for regional publications, and GIA online.

Ms. Moore’s education includes an A.J.P. from GIA.

Danusia Niklewicz, GG, FGA, ISA-CAPP, ASA
Senior Appraiser, Paradise Associates

Danusia Niklewicz - educator, appraiser, gemologist, goldsmith, jeweler. Ms. Niklewicz has been involved in the jewelry industry for 32 years. Beginning as bench jeweler, she graduated from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and became a part of the GIA global teaching staff during which continued her education to earn her FGA from the Gemological Association of Great Britain (GA). After GIA, she expanded into wholesaling, retailing, and designing of fine jewelry while studying with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and American Society of Appraisers (ASA) to become qualified in appraising gems and jewelry. Ms. Niklewicz has been an independent appraiser with Paradise Associates (LA) for over 20 years, appraising antique and high-end jewelry for Los Angeles' elite clientele.

As an appraiser, Ms. Niklewicz continued teaching and involving herself in appraisal course development for GIA, ISA and Insurance Education Association (IEA) as well as assisting appraisal industry leaders to write proposed legislation for appraisal standards, and was a founding member of the Gem & Mineral Council for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History where she continues as a member of the Board of Directors. Currently, she conducts an interactive lecture series on the hallmarking of precious metals to industry professionals and collectors across the USA.

Michael O'Connor
Jewelry and Style Expert/Television Commentator/Consultant to Platinum Guild International

Michael O’Connor is one of America’s leading voices on style, jewelry and accessories and has become the “go-to” resource for editors and producers seeking information on current trends and celebrity style.  Mr. O’Connor as been involved in the luxury, jewelry and fashion industries in a career that spans over 25 years.  Starting originally as a jewelry designer and forecasting upcoming trends, Mr. O’Connor has worked with some of the most recognized brands and helped develop some of the most followed trends in the world (such as the DeBeers 3-diamond “past, present, future” styling). 

As a style expert Mr. O’Connor regularly appears on a variety of live and taped television shows. He has done live coverage from the Academy Awards Red Carpet for “TV Guide TV”, filmed segments for MTV and E! on jewelry trends and conducted designer interviews on location at the JCK and Couture jewelry shows in Las Vegas.  Additionally, Mr. O’Connor is a regular on live national television as QVC’s jewelry and style expert.

Caroline Stanley
President/CEO, Red Jewel, Inc.
 
Caroline Stanley is a third-generation jeweler who developed her skills in her family’s retail jewelry store in Arkansas - Stanley Jewelers Gemologists - now celebrating their 70th anniversary. After a decade in retail sales and management, Ms. Stanley moved on to serve the industry in a variety of trade positions, focusing on marketing, communications and education, working with PGI, JA and the JVC. In 2002, Caroline opened her own firm, Red Jewel, Inc., providing industry-savvy marketing, communications and consulting to the jewelry industry.
 
With her varied background, Ms. Stanley knows the jewelry industry inside and out. She was the creative force behind JA’s Jewelry 101 and WJA’s “Women In The Know” event. Ms. Stanley is also the co-author of Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know.

Mary Todd-McGinnis is the Vice President of Sales and e-commerce at Ben Bridge Jeweler where she has proven to be an effective sales executive and trainer.  She shares her vision of exceptional customer service and imparts gemological knowledge and sales techniques in a creative manner with Ben Bridge associates.  Ben Bridge is proudly known as “your personal jeweler,” and she is helping the company find new ways to bring the in-store personal touch online.  Ms. Todd-McGinnis is involved in numerous community and industry organizations, and a popular speaker at industry events.  She has been recognized with the AGS Distinguished Service Award and the WJA Excellence in Retail Award. 

As a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, AGS, and Graduate Gemologist, GIA, Ms. Todd-McGinnis is a professional in the jewelry industry.  However, she treasures the moment when, on a personal level, a spark links an individual to a special piece of jewelry.