The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the addition of two new members – Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweller and Dr. Wendy Bohrson, professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines at its recent meeting.
As president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweller, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, Bridge is the fifth generation of the Bridge family to lead the company.
She graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis; she holds her GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma and a Certified Gemologist title from AGS.
Bridge is the immediate past president of the board of AGS; she serves on the board of Jewellers for Children and is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Black in Jewellery Coalition.
Her leadership was recently recognised with the NextGen Award from Diamonds Do Good, and Ben Bridge Jeweller received the 2024 GEM Award for Retail Excellence.
Meanwhile, Bohrson is a geology and geological engineering professor at the Colorado School of Mines.
With a distinguished career in research and education, she has made substantial contributions to geoscience over her 35-year academic career.
Bohrson also holds a Ph.D. in geology from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in geology and biology from Stanford University.
She has worked extensively on magma systems and contributed to major research collaborations on volcanic processes.
Additionally, Bohrson received numerous accolades from her peers and students, and she mentors many graduate and undergraduate students in geosciences.
Lisa Locklear, chair of the GIA board of governors, said: “Lisa’s business acumen, leadership of an iconic American jewelry retailer and deep connection to the jewelry 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.”
