CALIF. JEWELERS APPOINT OFFICIAL
Noel Cheney-Wolfensberger has been appointed executive director of the 1,100-member California Jewelers Association.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Switzerland, Cheney-Wolfensberger apprenticed with a jeweler and lapidary cutter in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. In 1994 she returned to the United States to study at the Gemological Institute of America. After graduation, she worked at GIA as an assistant to the general manager of education and the board chairman. She has also been an assistant jewelry designer at a major retail store and gallery in Pasadena, Calif. In 1997 she joined the staff of Jewelers of America, where she was manager of certification and education and managed JA’s Bench Jeweler Certification Program.
MJSA NAMES NEW STAFFER
Thomas J. Rossi has been named director of government affairs and export assistance for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America. He served on the Rhode Island General Assembly from 1984 to 1992; most recently, he managed the World Trade Center of Rhode Island. Currently, he is an assistant professor in the graduate school at Johnson and Wales University, Providence, R.I.
In his new position, he will develop relationships with legislators and government agencies and will provide export assistance to MJSA members. He will also manage special programs in human resource management and other areas.
INVESTMENT OFFICIAL TAKES HELM AT PGI
Kimberly Day has been appointed executive director of the Platinum Guild International Investment Division, New York. She succeeds Jacques Luben, who left to pursue other interests.
Day, previously director of marketing, joined PGI-New York in 1994. Her background in marketing and advertising includes six years in account management at the N.W. Ayer advertising agency.
The Diamond, Jewelry, & Watch (DJW) Division of UJA-Federation of New York raised more than $600,000 for UJA-Federation’s Year 2000 campaign at a recent kick-off reception for major contributors. Enjoying the reception at Harry Winston (from left) are DJW division chairman Marvin Markman of Suberi Brothers, Beryl Raff of Zale Corp., and DJW vice chairman Victor Weinman of Original Designs. The division’s Millennium Dinner, to be held April 5 at the Plaza Hotel, will honor 16 jewelry industry leaders. For information, contact Roni Krinsky at (212) 836-1471.