(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS — The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has awarded the prestigious Leon Ritzler Award to its longtime Director of Security, Skip Woodward. The award is given to individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the colored gemstone and natural and cultured Pearl community and is named in honor of AGTA’s inaugural board president, Leon Ritzler.
Skip and Cindi Woodward
“AGTA is proud to bestow this honor on our longtime advocate and friend—who has been with AGTA literally since the very beginning!” says John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA. “Skip has known all of us since the inception of AGTA GemFair Tucson and with his local police partners, has kept AGTA members safe and protected so that we can conduct our business with complete peace of mind.”
Woodward has worked security for all AGTA GemFairs and AGTA Spectrum Awards for the past 43 years—about 240 days total.
“It’s been a great ride—a wonderful 43 years,” says Woodward, who is retiring. “Since the first Tucson show in 1982, I’ve never missed a day!”
His favorite takeaway from all the years of work? The relationships established with local police and AGTA exhibitors and team members.
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“The Award is a memory of all the people that I’ve worked with throughout the years, he adds. “Good memories!”
AGTA Board President Bruce Bridges announced Woodward’s Award at the annual member meeting in Tucson during the 2026 GemFair.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Skip Woodward. While not everyone may know his name, everyone has benefited from his presence. Since 1982, Skip has quietly watched over us, keeping us safe and secure for decades. As the head of our security, he consistently ensured that everything was in place and that the Tucson Police Department was fully prepared to look after us. His dedication and vigilance have allowed us to conduct our business with true peace of mind, knowing that safety was never something we had to worry about. His impact will be felt long after his retirement, and we are deeply grateful for the responsibility he carried on our behalf.”
To learn more about Woodward, click here.
For more information, email [email protected].
