Differing Views Spur Donna Baker's Resignation as Pres/CEO at GIA

Donna Baker Resigns as President and CEO of GIA

Board Chair Susan M. Jacques Interim President and CEO

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Board of Governors announced today that due to differing views on the direction of GIA, Donna M. Baker has resigned as President and CEO of the Institute. At the request of the Board of Governors, board chair Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, will be interim President and CEO while the board conducts a search for a new executive.

Tom Moses, Senior Vice President of Laboratory and Research will continue overseeing all of GIA’s global laboratory operations. Bev Hori, Vice President of Education and Chief Learning Officer, will continue to lead GIA’s gemological and industry education efforts. No other changes in management are anticipated.

Professional Jeweler added, "Earlier this year the GIA relaunched its website with revisions to its global-standard gem grading and identification reports.  

Donna Baker said at the time: "These advances are the next steps in our continuous effort to serve the global public by bringing the fascinating world of gems, gemmology and jewellery to people all around the world and helping to ensure their trust in gems and jewellery."

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.  

GIA's Donna Baker Awarded “Excellence in Service Award”

Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California Celebrates the 

68th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala at the Montage Resort in Beverly Hills

The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California celebrated the Club’s 68th annual dinner dance and gala at the extravagant Montage Resort in Beverly Hills on Saturday, October 6, 2012. The annual dinner dance honored president and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Donna Baker, with the prestigious “Excellence in Service Award.”

Frank Proctor, President of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and Principal and CEO of Luxury Brand Group, welcomed many jewelry industry leaders at the black tie dinner, co-sponsored by Stuller and the GIA. The evening included an alluring cocktail reception with many familiar faces who chatted and enjoyed the fabulous Saturday evening in Southern California. Proctor also had the honor to introduce and award 2012’s recipient of the esteemed “Excellence in Service Award”.

“This year’s recipient exemplifies the finest qualities of integrity, leadership and excellence, and serves as a role model for not only our entire industry, but other communities as well, locally and abroad”, says Frank Proctor. “We are proud and honored to add Donna to our distinguished list of recipients. Her touching acceptance speech was an inspiration to all of us in the jewelry industry.”

The 24 Karat Club of Southern California was formed in 1944 with the main goal of promoting ethical practices and furthering the honor and traditions of the jewelry industry. In 1998, the club created its Excellence in Service Award in commemoration of the club and its code of ethics.

Many prominent figures in the jewelry industry attended this lavish event – including Drop Dead Gorgeous jewelry designer, Erica Courtney, as well as Jewelers of America President and CEO Matt Runci, Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, GIA’s jet setting director of global business development, Craig Danforth, Peggy Jo Donahue, director of public affairs for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, and American Gem Trade Association CEO Doug Hucker.

About Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club was founded in 1944 to promote ethical practices and to further the honor and tradition of the jewelry industry. The club offers a variety of membership meetings, presentations and special events to its members throughout the year. For further information, please visit  http://www.jewelers24karatclub.com/