MEET OUR TEAM

STAFF + BOARD

Our Team and Directors bring a wealth of experiences and expertise to DDG and is united by their passion for our mission. It’s our pleasure to introduce them to you.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander

Chief Operating Officer, Jewelers Mutual Group

Read More

Mike Alexander started with Jewelers Mutual in 2015, overseeing commercial lines operations, sales and underwriting. Over the next several years his role grew, adding personal lines, research and development, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation. In 2019, Alexander was named Executive Vice President, overseeing the personal group and industry innovation. Most recently, in June of 2022, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer with his leadership expanding across all commercial and personal groups.   

 
Prior to joining Jewelers Mutual, Alexander was Senior Vice President of national sales and strategy at National General Insurance (formerly GMAC Insurance) in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He also held roles as Divisional Vice President of product management, General Manager of agency product and pricing and Senior Product Manager. 

Alexander is currently a member of the 24 Karat Club and formerly served on the board of directors for Jewelers of America. Locally, he serves as secretary on the board of directors for the YMCA of the Fox Cities. Alexander holds a Master of Arts Degree in Geography and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and History from the University of Delaware. He lives in Neenah, Wisconsin, home to Jewelers Mutual corporate headquarters, with his wife and children.

Sarin Bachmann

Sarin Bachmann

Group Vice President, RX Jewelry Portfolio

Read More

Sarin Block Bachmann, Group Vice President of RX, is a member of RX’s Senior Leadership Team and oversees RX’s jewelry portfolio including JCK, Luxury, and JIS events along with the digital and print elements of the JCK brand—JCKonline.com and JCK Magazine.

The jewelry industries most important event globally, JCK has thrived and won many industry awards including the Trade Show Executives Gold 100 “Greatest Trade Show 2022” under Bachmann’s leadership. Bachmann directly manages JCK while overseeing Event Leaders on both Luxury and JIS and has steered JCK to become an industry leading, award-winning event in the trade show industry, and the most important jewelry buying and educational event globally for the jewelry industry.

Bachmann currently serves on the executive boards of the American Gem Society, 24 Karat Club of New York, Jewelers’ Security Alliance and Women’s Jewelry Association, as well as on the GEM Awards committee and chair of the JCK Industry Fund committee.  Bachmann previously served on the Advisory Council for UFI Global Congress.

David Bonaparte

David Bonaparte

President & CEO of Jewelers of America

Read More

David J. Bonaparte is President & CEO of Jewelers of America, the leading national association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace in the U.S. Jewelers of America and its members maintain a deep commitment to high social, environmental and ethical practices.

Since his appointment to the role in 2013, he has been dedicated to the association’s mission of improving consumer confidence in the jewelry industry through his advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and through global initiatives.

Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Civil Rights Leader & Diamonds Do Good Co-Founder

Read More

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., co-founded the international non-profit organization Diamond Empowerment Fund, now known as Diamonds Do Good, in 2007 and remains a Board Member Emeritus. Dr. Chavis is also an author, international entrepreneur, chemist, United Church of Christ ordained minister, PBS TV Executive Producer of The Chavis Chronicles, and global podcast host is an African American Civil Rights Movement 63-year veteran leader and icon. He is currently President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). He also Chairs the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), We Are Digital and the Energy Action Alliance (EAA).  In 1982, he was the first person to coin the term “environmental racism” during civil rights protests of racial and environmental injustice in Warren County, North Carolina.  In 1993, Dr. Chavis was the youngest person at the age of 45 to be elected as Executive Director and CEO of the NAACP.  He worked side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as Youth Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  Dr. Chavis has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina, Duke University and Howard University.

Kathy Corey*

Kathy Corey*

President, Diamonds Do Good | Former Owner & Board Member, Day's Jewelers

Read More

Kathy Corey is a former owner and Board Member for Day’s Jewelers. Mrs. Corey earned her BS in Nursing from the University of Maine and worked in her profession for a few years, before she and her husband Jeff Corey, opened their first jewelry store in 1984 and then in 1988 they purchased the last remaining store from Day’s Jeweler’s, a company originally founded in 1914.  Today Day’s Jewelers operates 8 jewelry stores in Maine and New Hampshire.  In 2009, Kathy was named Retailer of the Year and in 2017 her business was named Business of the Year by Women’s Jewelry Association. In 2016 her business was also named Retailer of the Year by the Maine Retailer Association. Kathy has Chaired and served as Trustee of numerous local and statewide boards in her state.  In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys ocean sailing, gardening, traveling and spending time with her 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Nathalie Diamantis

Nathalie Diamantis

CEO and President, Pomellato Group Americas

Read More

Nathalie Diamantis joined the Kering Group in 2017 as CEO and President of the Americas for Pomellato Group- Pomellato and Dodo.

Diamantis held various senior-level positions at key luxury players in the industry over the past decade and a half. She has an accomplished track record of building and developing luxury jewelry & watch brands in the US and Latin America. Diamantis was the Senior Vice President of Retail, Wholesale and Travel Retail at Bulgari in North America. Prior to Bulgari, Diamantis led the wholesale channel and external boutique development at Van Cleef and Arpels. In 2017, she joined the Kering Group as President of the Americas for Kering luxury jewelry- Pomellato, Dodo and Boucheron.

Diamantis currently sits on the board of the JVC, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York. A San Francisco native, Nathalie Diamantis has lived in New York since 2005.

Peter Engel

Peter Engel

President-Elect, Diamonds Do Good | Industry Consultant

Read More

Mr. Peter Engel was at Fred Meyer Jewelers over three decades, the second-largest jewelry chain in the United States, with 166 stores, operating under the Fred Meyer and Littman nameplates. Since 1999, the jeweler has been a division of The Kroger Co. grocery chain. Engel started as a sales associate, eventually rising to president in 2005.

Rebecca Foerster

Rebecca Foerster

President, Hearts on Fire

Read More

Rebecca Foerster is the newly appointed President of Hearts on Fire North America.  She joined the company in May of 2022, after her three-year role as President of Alrosa North America ended with the closure of the US office that April. Hearts on Fire is one of the largest diamond jewelry brands, owned by Chow Tai Fook and is known as “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond.”

Rebecca is also the former Vice President of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Leo Schachter Diamonds, and before joining Leo Schachter in 2014, she oversaw Diamond Sales and Marketing and the sole Manager and Representative for the Rio Tinto US Office.

Rebecca also currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Jeweler’s Vigilance Committee.

Jack Gabriel

Jack Gabriel

Founder/CEO, Gabriel & Co.

Christina Gandia Gambale

Christina Gandia Gambale

CEO and Co-Owner, Greenwich St. Jewelers

Read More

Sisters Jennifer and Christina Gandia took over the family jewelry business more than a decade ago which was started by their parents, Carl and Milly Gandia, in 1976 on Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan.   Their dream of adding a broad range of services and a fashionable, curated selection of jewelry was visionary. Today, Greenwich St. Jewelers presents a carefully chosen assortment of styles from sought-after and emerging designers, exquisite custom design work, and an extensive selection of engagement and wedding rings. All of this, in a boutique setting in downtown Manhattan.

Stephanie Gottlieb

Stephanie Gottlieb

Designer & CEO, Stephanie Gottlieb LLC

Read More

Stephanie established her Fine Jewelry Collection and Bridal Concierge service in 2013 after having managed the finished jewelry collection for an esteemed wholesale diamond company in NYC and pursuing her Diamond Certification from the GIA. Her goal was to fill the void in the Bridal category, and to make the diamond education and purchasing process a more accessible and seamless experience. Since then, the business has grown into a digitally-minded company, offering a full range of accessories from entry price point fashion jewelry to bespoke bridal offerings.

Our mission is to inspire our customers to embrace their uniqueness, creativity and style through jewelry. We believe that jewelry is not something that is just worn based on where you are going, but rather how it makes you feel when you wear it. Each piece is intended to be delicate and sophisticated, with its own punch of personality. We are committed to partnering with the best design houses and brands in the world to provide our customers with a range of styles and price points to choose from.

Stephanie lives in New York City with her husband Brett, her son Jordan and her daughter Goldie, and three Havanese pups, Kiwi, Kobe, and Kani.

Bobbi Hansen

Bobbi Hansen

Director of Merchandising, Fred Meyer Jewelers

Read More

Bobbi Hansen is the Director of Merchandising for Fred Meyer Jewelers.  Bobbi earned her BSBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before moving to Carlsbad, CA to study at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) where she received both the Graduate Gemologist and Applied Jewelry Arts diploma’s.

 Before joining Fred Meyer Jewelers in 2016 as the loose diamond and diamond stud buyer, she worked for one of the largest independent jewelers where she held a variety of roles including sales associate, appraiser, and buyer. Bobbi’s career has always been on the retail side of the industry where she has been able to see and work with many sectors to understand the different aspects of the business. As a first generation jeweler she has a passion for this industry and strives to learn and share the knowledge she gains. In addition to Diamonds Do Good she also serves on the board of Jewelers for Children.

Abhay Javeri

Abhay Javeri

Founder , S.D.C. Designs

Read More

In 1997, Abhay Javeri founded S.D.C. Designs. As SDC’s CEO, Abhay’s vision and leadership saw thecompany successfully transition from a loose diamond business to a global diamond jewelry company. SDC is one of the larger suppliers of diamond jewelry to some of the largest jewelry retailers in the world.

In 2011, through S.D.C Design’s Branded Ventures, Abhay partnered with Vera Wang to create the Vera Wang LOVE jewelry brand. The Brand has rapidly grown into one of the leading mid-market jewelry collections in the world.

Ellen Junger

Ellen Junger

Chief Marketing Officer, Helzberg Diamonds

Read More

Ellen McKeever Junger is the SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at Helzberg Diamonds since January 2018.  Based in Kansas City, Helzberg Diamonds is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and has a nationwide omnichannel retail presence. Responsible for Helzberg’s overall marketing and customer experience, she leads the company’s focus on driving customer engagement through data-driven personalization, leadership in loyalty, accelerating customer traffic and building the Helzberg brand.

Ellen is passionate about building brands and in particular brands with a strong legacy of purpose and innovation. Before Helzberg Diamonds, Ellen was the Chief Marketing Officer at Hallmark Cards, another deeply purpose-driven brand.  At Hallmark, she was a Corporate Officer and had a succession of leadership roles at the company, including Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President of Consumer Solutions, and President of Hallmark Canada.  Additionally, she also served as Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Payless ShoeSource, and as an Independent Director at The Gorilla Glue Company.

Ellen serves on the board of Diamonds Do Good and is actively involved with Make-A-Wish and the American Heart Association. 

Ellen has an MBA in Marketing & Finance from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a degree in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University.   A passionate Kansas Chiefs fan who enjoys hiking, tennis, golf and recently pickleball, she lives in Mission Hills, KS with her husband, daughter and two doodles. 

Allison Katz

Allison Katz

President, Krupp Group PR

Read More

Allison “Ali” Katz serves as the President of Krupp Group, a leading fashion and lifestyle communications and marketing agency with offices in New York and LA. Ali’s strategic leadership has propelled Krupp Group to the forefront of the industry, representing renowned brands like FoundRae, John Hardy, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry, Wolford, and L’AGENCE. 

 

Based in New York City, Ali continues to shape the agency’s success, earning recognition for her thought leadership and business development within the fashion and lifestyle communication sector.

Mark Klein

Mark Klein

Director of Operations, Julius Klein Diamonds

Read More

Mark Klein is a 3rd generation Diamantaire, following in his families heritage who established Julius Klein Diamonds in 1948.

Mark has firsthand knowledge, experience, and expertise of the entire global diamond trade. From overseeing master diamond cutters and polishers in the company’s diamond cutting facilities, to working first hand with the jewelry manufacturing team, to the ultimate selling and distribution of the world’s finest diamonds, he oversees every “facet” of the business. 

Based out of the Julius Klein Diamonds headquarters in the epicenter of the diamond industry, New York City’s World Diamond Tower (“47th Street”), Mark acts as a mentor and guide to the next generation of aspiring Diamantiares.

Using his BA in marketing and advertising along with his extensive GIA education, he is making his own impact on an always evolving business and is looking forward to using his unique skill sets and point of view to guide the industry toward more customer centric and user friendly practices while honoring and maintaining the integrity of the generations before him. 

In addition to the Diamonds Do Good Board, Mark holds other industry positions with AGS Young Title Holders, NCDIA, and many other philanthropic institutions within his communities.

Nilesh Kothari

Nilesh Kothari

Managing Director, Jewelex

Eddie Le Vian

Eddie Le Vian

CEO, LeVian Corp.

Read More

Born to a family with a legendary history that goes back centuries, Eddie LeVian worked his way up the family business working as gem cutter, jewelry maker, salesperson, show person, jewelry designer, director and now as CEO of LeVian Corp.

His diverse education in business and his GIA studies built a base that combined with generations of expertise that were passed down in the family to build the business to the next level.
Le Vian’s mission today is to be the company that compels every household in America to own a Le Vian…the world’s most beautiful and desirable jewelry.

Avi Levy

Avi Levy

President, IGI

Read More

With 30 years of fine jewelry-related expertise, Levy brings valuable experience to the Institute including diamond sourcing, manufacturing, product development, brand partnerships and wholesale trade to major jewelry retailers. Skilled in building relationships and trust within all areas of the supply chain, his leadership skills and expertise gained from various roles have yielded advantageous results and strengthened key partnerships.

Anna Martin

Anna Martin

Immediate Past-President, Diamonds Do Good; Senior Industry Consultant

Read More

Anna Marting was senior vice president at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ’s institute, industry relations,  Anna helped secure the institutes future and ensures success of their consumer protection mission. Anna was previously head of Global Development and Benefaction responsible for broadening and deepening GIA’s relationships with clients and stakeholders and overseeing the Institute’s global beneficiation efforts.

Formerly the managing director at the Standard Chartered Bank responsible for client coverage and marketing to the global diamonds and jewelry industry, she is one of the most well-known and recognized figures in the gem and jewelry industry.

Ms. Martin has received many awards throughout her career for her community and industry work including the Award for Excellence in Special Services for WJA, the Premier Patron Award, the Guiding Light Award, and the Doyenne of the Year Award from the Indian Colored Stone Association.

Ms. Martin has been a dedicated member of the jewelry community for many years. She is on the Governing Board of Diamonds Do Good and is an active member of the Women’s Jewelry Association Board, a League of Honor Sovereign of the GIA, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Jewelers Board of Trade, JCK, and Jewelers for Children.

Kristie Nicolosi

Kristie Nicolosi

CEO, Kingswood Company

Read More

Kristie Nicolosi is President & CEO of The Kingswood Company, the industry’s leading manufacturer of high-quality jewelry care products. Since acquiring the business in 2005, Nicolosi has focused the company on sustained, profitable growth, with almost tenfold growth under her leadership. She has reenergized the company’s product lines and expanded design capabilities, offering an array of products that can be tailored to a customer’s brand, improving both sell-through and brand recognition.

Nicolosi has also expanded the company’s distribution channels from almost exclusively US domestic retail jewelers to manufacturers and brands, e-commerce channels, direct sales companies, pawn stores, big-box retailers, and international retailers and distributers. Kingswood products are now distributed on six continents and to over 12,000 doors worldwide.

In 2020, the company earned recognition on the Inc. 5000, Inc. Magazine’s prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Nicolosi was recognized as one of Columbus Business First’s Forty Under 40® honorees, and was also named a 2020 Entrepreneur Of The Year® East Central Award finalist, the most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. Sought for her expertise in jewelry care and as a female-owned business-owner, Nicolosi is a regular contributor to publications such as InStore, National Jeweler, Martha Stewart Weddings, the American Gem Society’s Spectra, American Gem Trade Association’s Prism and more. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nicolosi appeared in several videos and webinars educating retailers and jewelers globally on the importance of cleaning jewelry as part of overall hygiene.

Dedicated to the empowerment of women, Nicolosi has long been active in organizations focused on that goal, including the International Board of Directors of the Women’s Jewelry Association, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, and the Women President’s Organization.

Prior to acquiring The Kingswood Company, Nicolosi had a successful career in professional services as an executive with both Ernst & Young and Fifth Third Bank. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she splits her time between her home in the historic German Village area of Columbus, Ohio with her daughter, Eva, and also her home in Manhattan with her fiancé, Steven.

Lola Oladunjoye

Lola Oladunjoye

Designer, Lola Fenhirst

Read More

Lola Oladunjoye is the creative force behind Lola Fenhirst, an independent, small-batch fine jewellery company which she founded in 2015Lola brings a deep intellectual curiosity and multi-disciplinary approach to her work, coming to jewellery design as a second career having spent 18 years practicing high technology law in California’s Silicon Valley. 

In addition to designing fine jewellery, Lola is also a writer whose articles exploring complex issues such as identity and family heritage have been featured in British Vogue.  Instantly recognizable for its striking architectural and afro-modernist aesthetic, Lola’s work draws on her Anglo-Nigerian background and Yoruba heritage to create wearable art that blends traditional Africanadornment motifs with the best in South Asian and European jewellery-making technique.  

Piyush Patel

Piyush Patel

Partner, Dharmanandan Diamonds

Pritesh Patel

Pritesh Patel

Senior VP & COO, GIA

Read More

Pritesh Patel is an accomplished executive leader with over two decades of experience in business strategy, operations, transformation, and technology across diverse industries. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at GIA (Gemological Institute of America), he is the driving force behind the organization’s growth and success.

 

Pritesh’s exceptional expertise in business growth, strategic development, and innovation is central to his role at GIA. He excels in delivering tangible results, having consistently driven revenue growth, reduced operational costs, and enhanced overall efficiency.

 

In his capacity at GIA, Pritesh oversees global laboratories, brand and marketing, strategic initiatives, business development, product management, and information technology and security groups. His leadership is pivotal in fostering innovation, ensuring that day-to-day operations align with the institute’s mission and consistently deliver value to stakeholders.

 

Pritesh Patel’s journey at GIA began in March 2015 when he assumed the role of Chief Information Officer. Under his strategic guidance, he cultivated an environment of innovation and continuous improvement, laying the foundation for the institute’s future vision and strengthening its core by harnessing the potential of both its people and cutting-edge technology.

 

Prior to GIA, Pritesh served as the Vice President of Information Technology at Circor International Inc., a global manufacturer specializing in highly engineered products for the energy, aerospace, industrial, defense, and power generation sectors. In this role, he led a comprehensive global IT organization, overseeing business solutions, global applications, infrastructure, and compliance.

 

Pritesh’s extensive experience in diverse industry sectors, including his roles as Director of IT at OK International, Inc. (a subsidiary of Dover Corporation), and Manager of Management Information Systems (MIS) at the Timken Company, equips him to tackle multifaceted challenges and drive organizational success.

 

Beyond his professional pursuits, Pritesh Patel is deeply committed to education and the development of the next generation of business professionals. His voluntary role as a judge at the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition is a testament to his dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

 

Pritesh is a graduate of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA). His academic achievements, combined with his extensive professional experience, have established him as a respected leader in the realms of executive leadership, boards, and diverse industries.

Constance Polamalu

Constance Polamalu

COO, Zachary's Jewelers | Founder, Birthright Foundry

Read More

Constance Polamalu is an American Samoan first-generation jeweler who serves as Chief Operating Officer at award-winning, multi-brand independent retailer Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland. With almost 15 years of experience in fine jewelry through retail sales, mass-market product development, leadership roles, and as a designer, Constance has gained invaluable experience and knowledge of the jewelry industry as a whole. She frequently participates in panels sharing her expertise on topics ranging from marketing, client segmenting, jewelry trends, DEI, and hiring in the post-covid landscape.

In addition to her role at Zachary’s Jewelers, Constance embarked on her own jewelry design venture, Birthright Foundry, in 2021. Her outstanding work as a designer led to her selection as one of six Emerging Designers by Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz.  Birthright Foundry has garnered recognition as an award-winning fine jewelry brand earning features in prestigious publications such as Esquire, Cosmopolitan, and InStore Magazine.

Constance was named in the Jewelers of America inaugural group of 20 Under 40 Retailer in the United States in 2022 and previously served on the Forevermark Leadership Council. Earlier in 2023, Constance joined the Board of Directors for Jewelers of America. Her service on the Jewelers of America Ethical Initiative Committee highlights her commitment to and interest in building a more ethical business environment. Constance is grateful and excited to join the Diamonds Do Good Board and support the good diamonds do worldwide.

David Prager

David Prager

Executive Vice-President & Chief Brand Officer, De Beers

Read More

David is Executive-Vice President and Chief Brand Officer for De Beers. He has overall accountability for the marketing of De Beers and its brands and leading the Group’s commitment to create a positive impact in the lives of people and the health of the planet through its Building Forever sustainability framework. He leads strong teams across Brand and Global Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Impact. David was previously Executive Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for De Beers Group and began his career with the company in 2006 as Director of Communications. He has extensive experience in brand and reputation strategy, building trusted relationships with stakeholders and the power of social purpose to propel communities and companies forward.

Kealeboga Pule

Kealeboga Pule

Founder & Managing Director, Nungu Diamonds

Read More

Nungu Diamonds was founded by Mr. Kealeboga (Lebo) Pule in 2013. Kealeboga holds an LLB Degree from the University of North West. In 2013, prior to incorporating Nungu Diamonds Kealeboga was trained in rough diamond polishing, valuation and pricing by South African Diamond Corporation (SAFDICO) a De Beers Sightholder. 

Kealeboga has served in the executive committee of the South African Diamond Manufacturers Association and co-founded the South African Young Diamond Beneficiators Guild; he currently serves as its Vice President.

He has also served in other capacities in the industry including in the steering committee of the South African Diamond Indaba and as a founding member of the International Young Diamantaires.

Craig Rottenberg

Craig Rottenberg

President, Long's Jewelers

Andrew Siegel

Andrew Siegel

COO, Hamilton Jewelers

Read More

Andrew is Hamilton’s Chief Operating Officer, and represents the fourth generation of Siegel family ownership at Hamilton Jewelers. He is responsible for identifying and executing on growth opportunities across all areas of Hamilton’s organization, and for assisting in achievement of company-wide business objectives.

Andrew’s main focus is contributing to his customers, teams, community, and to Hamilton. A firm believer in the adage that “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,” he leans on the expertise of the remarkable team around him to help him reach those goals.

Prior to joining Hamilton, Andrew graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science, and was a manager at the global sales effectiveness and strategy consulting firm Alexander Group.

A lover of Atlanta Braves baseball, New Jersey Devils hockey, and getting lost in a good music album, Andrew lives in Princeton, NJ with his wife Betsey, and enjoys traveling to Hamilton’s Palm Beach locations often to see clients, team members, and perhaps a much-needed golf instructor.

Dov Tannenbaum

Dov Tannenbaum

Principal, Leo Schachter Diamonds

Marcus ter Haar

Marcus ter Haar

Not-For-Profit Advisor

Read More

Mr. Marcus P. K. ter Haar is a Corporate and Not-For-Profit Advisor.

Prior to this position,  he was the Managing Director of Okavango Diamond Company and Head of Sales and Marketing for DTC Botswana. He has served as Group Manager Business Development for Debswana and finance executive for De Beers. He has been Independent Non-Executive Director of Wilderness Holdings Limited since 2010 and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Lady Khama Charitable Trust.

Marcus received a BA (Hons) in Economic Development from the University of East Anglia in the UK, and a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Reading, UK.

Iris Van Der Veken

Iris Van Der Veken

Executive Director, Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030

Read More

Iris is a coalition-builder with over 20 years global experience of working in technology, diamonds and jewelry, fashion and government.

She was actively involved in the development of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Code of Practices. She managed the first global RJC pilot audit in partnership with SGS. She established and chaired the Network of the United Nations Global Compact Belgium in partnership with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

She also chaired the consultative and advisory body to the Office of the Children’s Rights Commissioner in Flanders.

Iris was honored by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs of Belgium for initiating the Global Compact and for her work on promoting corporate social responsibility with a focus on human rights including children’s rights and the role of business. She has been a Special Olympics volunteer since 1992. In 2015 she ran the NY Marathon for Unicef.

STAFF

Nancy Orem Lyman

Nancy Orem Lyman

Executive Director and Vice President

Nancy Orem Lyman is the Executive Director and Vice President of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. She has over 20 years of experience in both for-profit and non-for-profit organizations.

Prior to joining the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2010, Ms. Orem Lyman’s experience included working as a strategy consultant developing communications and engagement approaches that connect businesses with relevant social issues and cause organizations. She was instrumental in working with organizations to drive progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals while being a driving force around the issues of environmental justice, climate change, and women’s empowerment.

Ms. Orem Lyman has had prior experience in the diamond industry as Education Outreach Director for the World Diamond Council and Director of Consumer Confidence for De Beers Group Marketing while working at JWT Advertising. During this time she developed her strong interest and commitment to sustainability and sustainable development. Travel for her position included the developing countries of Sierra Leone, South Africa and Botswana where first hand observations were made on the positive impact responsible business practices could mean for communities. She started her career working at global advertising agencies including Leo Burnett, Y&R and JWT. 

Her work at the Diamond Empowerment Fund has taken her throughout Africa visiting the organization’s beneficiaries including the diamond rich areas of Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to India where 14 out of 15 rough diamonds are polished. 

Madison Harvey

Madison Harvey

Associate Programs Director

Madison Harvey is a creator and storyteller with a passion for natural diamonds.  With a background in Journalism from Auburn University, Madison loves to share the positive impact that natural diamonds have all over the world.  Since joining the Diamonds Do Good team in 2020, Madison has shared stories of miners, manufacturers, and retailers who are making a positive impact on the industry.

Madison is recently engaged and understands the marketing and advertising campaigns that appeal to both Millennials and Gen-Z through social media, video content, and yes—even Tik Tok.  Madison uses her personal social media platforms to educate her peers on buying natural diamond engagement rings, introduce them to new brands and designers making a difference, and further share the stories of Diamonds Do Good.

Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and residing in Brooklyn for the last few years, Madison resides in Minot, North Dakota, while her husband serves in the United States Air Force.