Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
Katherine Bodoh Named CEO of AGS, AGS Labs
She’s the second woman to lead the organization, following in the footsteps of her friend and mentor Ruth Batson.
Las Vegas--The American Gem Society announced Thursday that Katherine Bodoh, its current deputy executive director, will take over as CEO next year when longtime leader Ruth Batson retires.
She succeeds a woman whom she considers to be both a friend and mentor, and is only the second woman named CEO in AGS’s 82-year history.
Bodoh officially will take over March 1, with Batson staying on until the end of May--a period that will include the biggest AGS event of the year, Conclave--to assist in the transition.
A native of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Bodoh joined AGS as the deputy executive director in April 2015 from Neenah, Wisconsin-based Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.
There, as the company’s director of commercial lines marketing and industry relations, she began working in a strategic partnership role with AGS. She also was very active as a liaison between the AGS Guilds and Jewelers Mutual.
Prior to that, Bodoh was special events manager at MJSA.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University in New Orleans and is an AGS Registered Jeweler (RJ).
Commenting on the appointment to National Jeweler on Thursday, Batson said she and Bodoh share “a very deep respect for the AGS’s mission and the commitment to consumer protection,” but added that Bodoh brings her own skill set and vision for AGS and AGS Laboratories to the table as well.
When asked about that vision, Bodoh said she wants to continue to improve the technology used to communicate messages and provide services, as well as to provide an excellent experience to customers of AGS Labs.
She said she also wants to expand the AGS’s efforts in the area of consumer awareness, something the organization really emphasized this year with the launch of its consumer ad campaign.
Bodoh said among the biggest challenges currently facing AGS members are finding a way to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and delivering the excellent experience needed to compete with other luxury goods.
Batson, who announced her intention to retire at the beginning of the year, started working at AGS in 1993 and was appointed CEO in 2002. (The title of CEO of AGS Labs was added in 2012.)
She said Thursday that she was exactly the same age as Bodoh is now when she took the helm at AGS--38.
The search for her replacement officially began in August, with an internal committee made up of AGS members, led by jeweler and former AGS
Batson said there were a total of 55 applicants to start. The field eventually was narrowed down to five candidates and then reduced again before they selected Bodoh.
After retirement, Batson will split her time between her home in Las Vegas, where AGS is headquartered, and her family’s ranch in Montana.
“She’s been a mentor to me, and she will always be a mentor, a close friend and professional advisor for the rest of my life,” Bodoh said of Batson.
“And I am honored to do that,” Batson replied.
Bodoh also credited the AGS staff for aiding in the organization’s success.
“I am honored to be the next leader but ... we are surrounded by wonderful people and that’s why we are able to do what we do here, (that) and our partnership with our board of directors.”
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.