The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced two new members for its board of governors.
Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, and Dr Wendy Bohrson, professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines have both joined the board.
Bridge is the fifth generation of her family to lead Ben Bridge Jeweler, and is an honours graduate from Washington University in St. Louis in the US.
She holds a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma as well as a Certified Gemologist title from AGS.
In 2024, Ben Bridge Jeweler received the 2024 GEM Award for Retail Excellence.
Aside from her work at the Colorado School of Mines, Bohrson holds a Ph.D in geology from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in geology and biology from Stanford University.
Of Bridge and Bohrson’s appointment to the GIA board of governors, Lisa Locklear, board chair, said: “Lisa’s business acumen, leadership of an iconic American jewellery retailer and deep connection to the jewellery industry, along with Wendy’s scientific and academic expertise and innovative research in geology, bring important perspectives to our board.”
Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO, added: “These two outstanding professionals and accomplished leaders join the other prominent members of the GIA board in their vital role of strategically guiding the Institute in fulfilling our important consumer protection mission.”
The GIA’s global research team convened shortly before the board of governors meeting for their annual review of recent scientific discoveries in gemmology, instrumentation, and other related areas.
During the three-day conference, GIA researchers’ scientific presentations included advances in diamond, colored stone and pearl identification and testing, as well as the use of AI and machine learning.
The findings of this research will be discussed on 7 to 10 September, 2025, at Converge, the gem and jewellery conference organised the GIA Symposium and the American Gem Society (AGS).
