The American Gem Society (AGS) and AGS Laboratories have announced that Ruth Batson, CEO of both organizations, will retire in the summer of 2017. Moving forward, the AGS Board of Directors will be forming a committee to hire a new CEO.
Throughout her time in the industry, Batson has served on the boards of the Women’s Jewelry Association, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers for Children, U.S. Jewelry Council, JCK Show Advisory Board, and Chair of the Ethical Initiatives Committee for the Jewelers of America. Her recent achievements include the Excellence in Service Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association (2010), the Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope honoree (2012), the Doyenne of the Year Award (2013) from the Indian Diamond & Colored Stone Association, and the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association. For the last four years, JCK magazine has also included her in the “JCK Power List: Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.”
“I have been a part of AGS for 23 years, which has been my entire career in the jewellery industry,” she says. “I am deeply passionate about the mission of AGS and AGS Laboratories. It is a privilege and honor to serve the membership. I will forever feel connected to the wonderful AGS and AGS Laboratories staff, the members, and my jewelry industry friends. We have an excellent team, and I know the Society and Laboratory will be in good hands.”
Ms. Batson plans to split her retirement between a ranch in Montana and her home in Las Vegas. CJ
