The American Gem Society (AGS) says that Katherine Bodoh will be the new CEO, taking over on March 1 from current CEO, Ruth Batson, who is retiring.
Bodoh is the Deputy Executive Director of the American Gem Society and was previously at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company (JM), serving as its Director of Commercial Lines Marketing and Industry Relations. At JM, she began working in a strategic partnership role with the American Gem Society as a liaison between the AGS Guilds and JM which she continued after she joined the AGS, the organization said in a statement.
“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,” said Bodoh. “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.”
Scott Berg, CG, President of the AGS Board of Directors, commented, “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.”
Louis Smith, CG, former President of the AGS Board of Directors, headed the CEO Search Committee. “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.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Board’s choice for the next era of leadership at the American Gem Society,” said Batson, who will stay on with the AGS through the end of May, and will work side-by-side with Bodoh to assist in the transition. “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.”
Bodoh began her career in the industry working at the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) in Providence, RI. She has served on the Women’s Jewelry Association Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Jewelers Association, the JFC Fundraising Committee, and the Event Committee. She is currently involved in the Jewelers Leadership Forum and the US Jewelry Council, and she’s an active member of ASAE (American Society of Association Executives).