The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced the promotion of Ruth Batson to the position of executive director and CEO. Batson previously held the position of controller and chief financial officer. Batson will manage 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 joined AGS in 1993 and 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. Prior to joining AGS, she served as the chief financial officer for Space Extensions, a company specializing in custom storage systems.