Gail Brett Levine as been named as NAJA’s new executive director. She becomes the first woman to head the organization. She replaces James V. Jolliff who served in the same position for the past 12 years.

After years as invited guest speaker to NAJA conferences, Levine said she joined NAJA in 2002 because she was attracted to an appraisal organization whose only discipline is the gem and jewelry specialty.

Levine brings 23 years of appraisal experience and leadership roles in several appraisal organizations to her new position, including the International Society of Appraisers and the American Society of Jewelry Historians.

Her most notable contribution to the profession and to appraisers is the Auction Market Resource for Gems and Jewelry, a book published twice a year as well as a Web site under the same name. The “Lamp of Knowledge” award winning publication and Web site offers appraisers a valuable source for fair market values of gems and jewelry.

She is a 1980 GIA graduate and an active member of the GIA Alumni Association, currently holding the title of vice chair. Her first job after receiving her G.G. was with H. Stern Jewelers on Fifth Avenue.

During Jolliff’s tenure as executive director, he brought the organization to the status of the largest appraisal group in the United States dedicated only to gems and jewelry appraising. The “Home Study” course and the quarterly Newsletter, written by Jolliff, are just two of the more important benefits that the membership enjoys.

Along with his partner, Ardythe Jolliff and two associate directors, David Atlas and Joseph Tenhagen, he offered a twice a year conference focusing on appraisal theory and product knowledge.

During his twenty-two years of membership, Jolliff answered his own phone, referred appraisal requests, mentored the novice appraiser, counseled the veteran appraiser and provided deeply discounted professional tools and books to the members. He will continue in his appraisal practice and remain an active certified senior member of the association.

JCK