About Heritage Auctions - Nature & Science

Nature & Science

Craig Kissick
Vice President, Nature and Science
CraigK@HA.com
(214) 409-1995
Specialties: Nature & Science
Request Free Appraisal

Craig C. Kissick began his lifelong love affair with Natural History when he was given a Fluorite specimen, and book about minerals, at the age of nine. After studying business at The University of Texas at Austin, working in the financial industry, then obtaining his graduate degree from SMU, he went to work for The Discovery Store, where his passion for the geological sciences was ignited. He later operated his own company specializing in marketing decorative mineral and fossil specimens to architectural firms as well as interior designers and individual collectors. Kissick was a member of the Retail Advisory Board for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas and is a long-time active member of the Dallas Paleontological Society. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and recently served as its President. Kissick joined Heritage over 10 years ago and currently serves as Vice President of Nature and Science for America’s Auction House, helping to lead and expand the category for the company. He has written numerous articles for various publications and often lectures to groups related to natural history, appraisals, and education. Kissick is often interviewed about the marketplace and was recently invited to join the Board of Directors of the Texas Through Time Fossil Museum in Hillsboro, Texas.

Jenny Milani
Associate Director, Nature & Science
JennyM@HA.com
(214) 409-1617
Specialties: Nature & Science
Request Free Appraisal

Jenny Milani joined Heritage Auctions in 2013. She is currently the Associate Director of Nature and Science, which is an all-encompassing role. She received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Arlington, then went on to receive a Master of Archaeology degree from Flinders University in South Australia. Both degrees aroused her love for science, and, in particular, geology. Her master’s thesis focused on Indigenous Rock Art and Geophysics. After attaining her master’s degree, she joined the United States Peace Corps and served two successful years as an environmental volunteer, working closely with the farmers in Jamaica. During her more than 7 years’ experience at Heritage, she has broadened a knowledge of what collectors covet in the fascinating field of Natural History. Jenny is a current member of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and will often work with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science on special projects. Additionally, she is pursuing her Graduate Colored Stones certification through the GIA. Jenny is dedicated to furthering the success of this unique category at Heritage Auctions and in helping it to reach new heights in growth and sales.

Nic Valenzuela
Director, Fine Minerals
NicV@HA.com
(214) 409-1206
Specialties: Minerals
Request Free Appraisal

Growing up in Colorado, Nic Valenzuela started his “rock” collection as a kid while gathering neat looking specimens in his driveway. Now a Consignment Director of Fine Minerals at Heritage, he has turned his interest into a career with more than 10 years in the fine mineral industry.

Valenzuela started attending events as a teen before developing his own business, Silvermoon Collectibles, selling mineral specimens to the general public online and at fine minerals shows. His favorite piece since joining Heritage is a significant piece of Amazonite and smoky quartz from a well-known find called the "icon pocket" mined from the Smoky Hawk claim in Colorado. A piece recognized by many in the industry, the find was discovered on the TV show " Prospectors" in 2013.

His personal collection of fine minerals has come from specific localities around the world, his favorite being elbaite from San Diego County in California. While his true passion remains the minerals that he documents, researches and admires in his free time, Valenzuela also enjoys collecting trading cards, retro videos games and other collectibles.