American Gem Society, an organization dedicated to consumer protection, ethical business practices, and development and maintenance of superior gemological skills and knowledge, founded in 1934, has announced the appointment of their new CEO, Katherine Bodoh, who will succeed the current CEO, Ruth Batson who is retiring. Ms. Katherine Bodoh will assume duties on March 1, 2017. However, Ms. Ruth Batson will stay on with the AGS through the end of May 2017, and will work side-by-side with Ms. Bodoh to ensure a smooth transition.
Ms. Bodoh is presently the Deputy Executive Director of the American Gem Society, and before joining AGS she served as the Director of Commercial Lines Marketing and Industry Relations at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company (JM). While serving at JM, she began working with the AGS in a strategic partnership role, being active as a liaison between the AGS Guilds and JM, a role that she continued to play even after joining AGS.
Commenting on her appointment as CEO, Ms. Katherine Bodoh, said, “It is an honor to serve the membership of the American Gem Society. I will resolutely uphold our esteemed legacy and seek new ways to bring value to our membership and laboratory clients.I joined AGS because of its mission and its extraordinary members. I had the opportunity to learn from the incomparable Ruth Batson. I look forward to partnering with the Board of Directors and the wonderful team at AGS and AGS Laboratories. Together we will serve the next generation of industry professionals and keep AGS vibrant, relevant and indispensable.”
President of the AGS Board of Directors, Scott Berg, CG said, “Katherine is our ideal candidate. She has many of the qualities that have made Ruth a great CEO: they share a dedication and passion for the AGS mission of consumer protection, business ethics and ongoing education.”
Former President of the AGS Board of Directors and head of the CEO Search Committee, Louis Smith, CG, said, “A lot of talented professionals applied for this position. In the end, it was clear that with Katherine’s experience in the industry, and, particularly, at AGS, makes her the perfect choice to carry on Ruth’s legacy of excellence.”
Outgoing CEO Ms. Ruth Batson, commenting on the appointment of the new CEO, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of the Board’s choice for the next era of leadership at the American Gem Society. Having worked closely already with Katherine, I know that she is member-focused with a deep commitment to our mission of consumer protection. I look forward to watching the Society reach new heights with Katherine and the rest of our amazing team at AGS and AGS Laboratories.”
Ms. Katherine Bodoh earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University New Orleans and first gained experience in association management, when she began her career in the industry working at the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) in Providence, Rhode Island. Among the other Jewelry Associations she has served are the Women’s Jewelry Association Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Jewelers Association and the JFC Fundraising Committee, and the Event Committee. Presently Ms. Bodoh is involved in the Jewelers Leadership Forum and the US Jewelry Council and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives.
