She will help identify and prepare her successor.
Ruth Batson will retire as the CEO of the American Gem Society (AGS) and AGS Laboratories in the summer of 2017, according to a press release from the organizations.
The AGS Board of Directors is forming a committee to hire a new chief executive, and Batson will participate in the search and transition process of her successor.
“I have been a part of AGS for 23 years, which has been my entire career in the jewelry industry,” Batson 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.” She plans to split her retirement between a ranch in Montana and her home in Las Vegas.
AGS President Louis Smith stated: “Ruth has dedicated herself to ensuring the mission of AGS is fulfilled. She has built a strong team and made a lasting impact on the history of AGS. We are forever grateful for her service and contribution to the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. She will always be part of the AGS family.”
Scott Berg, president-elect of the AGS Board of Directors, stated: “Ruth will be greatly missed. She has protected the Society’s many assets and ensured its long-term sustainability during her tenure. The Society is on a strong financial footing, which is directly related to her outstanding management.”
Batson also serves 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 in 2014, Ruth won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association. For the last four years, since 2012, JCK magazine has included Batson in the “JCK Power List: Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.”