The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has revealed the results of its annual Board of Directors election. Several new members have been elected, with others returning to serve additional terms. These newly elected members will officially begin their roles in February 2025.
Key Election Outcomes
Among those elected, Bruce Bridges of Bridges Tsavorite has been named as the incoming President of the AGTA Board of Directors. Bridges, who will serve a three-year term, will succeed current AGTA President Kimberly Collins of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems. Collins will remain in office until February 2025 and will then take on the role of Past President.
Other re-elected members include:
- Matt Hopkins, Hopkins Opal (three-year term)
- Eshvar Kotahwala, Vinod Kotahwala, Inc. (three-year term)
- Dudley Blauwet, Dudley Blauwet Gems (two-year term)
Additionally, Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corporation and Tracy Lindwall of Nomad’s Lapidary Co., Inc. will serve as newly elected Directors, each with three-year terms.
Continuing Board Members
Several individuals will continue serving on the AGTA Board of Directors, ensuring consistency and continuity. These include:
- Rohan Agrawal, Shanu G.
- Ann Barker, Barker & Company
- John Bradshaw, John J. Bradshaw
- Melinda Daniel, Tim Roark, Inc.
- Jonathan Gad, GAD Enterprises
- Ravi Jajoo, United Color Gems, Inc.
- Cynthia Renee, Cynthia Renee, Inc.
- Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem Corporation
- Jaimeen Shah, Prima Gems USA, LLC
Transition and Acknowledgments
Collins acknowledged the newly elected and re-elected members, stating: “Congratulations to our newly elected Board members! First, I would like to welcome incoming President Bruce Bridges of Bridges Tsavorite, whose passion for ethics in our industry is unsurpassed…I wish you all tremendous success in your roles!”
Collins will serve as President until the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson, after which she will transition to Past President. AGTA also recognized Eric Yen of Yen’s Jewelry & Accessories for his service on the Board, with his term concluding in February 2025.
Election Process and Future Outlook
The election process was overseen by a Nominating Committee led by Past President Ruben Bindra. Other committee members included John Bachman, Afshin Hackman, David Nassi, and Shekhar Shah. AGTA’s Board elections follow a rotating cycle to maintain leadership consistency and support long-term planning.
The new Board members will be formally introduced at the AGTA Membership Meeting during the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson, which takes place from February 3 to 9, 2025.
For further details, AGTA can be contacted via email at info@agta.org or by phone at 800-972-1162.
