The American Gem Society (AGS) today announced the promotion of Ms. Ruth Batson to the position of executive director and CEO. Ms. Batson previously held the position of controller and chief financial officer. In her new position, Batson will be responsible for managing the Society’s daily operations to meet strategic goals and initiatives. She becomes the first woman to head AGS since the organization was founded in 1934.

Batson has been an integral force in the AGS’ growth and development for nearly a decade, after joining the organization in 1993, AGS said in a statement. During this time, she has been responsible for the financing and design and building management of the Society’s $4 million Robert M. Shipley complex. In addition, she has acted as a key participant in the development, startup, and management of the AGS Gemological Laboratories. Before coming to the AGS, she served as the chief financial officer for Space Extensions, a company specializing in custom storage systems.

“After conducting a thorough and arduous search to find the right match for our organization, the board has unanimously agreed on the promotion of Ruth to executive director and chief executive officer,” said Bill Farmer, Jr. AGS president, in a statement. “Throughout her tenure with the AGS, she has brought intelligence, compassion, energy, and credibility in everything that she does. Expanding her leadership role in our organization was warranted and needed to meet our aggressive growth and operational goals.”

“This is a great opportunity for the AGS and me personally,” Batson said. “I will apply my knowledge and experience to my leadership role and assist the Society in meeting its long term goals. I have confidence in our team that we will establish ourselves as the best organization representing the best businesses in the industry.”

The American Gem Society is a trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. All members are held to the highest ethical standards in the industry and are re-certified annually to maintain their AGS titles.

JCK