Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesEvents & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor
GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Seen here are a few of the recipients of the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, including, from left to right, GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula; GIA’s first chief marketing officer Kathryn Kimmel (retired); Susan Jacques; GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses; Alice Keller, longtime editor of Gems & Gemology (retired); and GIA Distinguished Research Fellow Dr. James E. Shigley.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America bestowed a special honor upon its former president and CEO Susan Jacques at its board of governors meeting earlier this month.
Jacques was awarded GIA’s highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
She stepped down from her role as GIA’s sixth president and CEO in August and will retire at the end of the year.
The award was presented to her at the lab’s Carlsbad headquarters by Chair of GIA Board of Governors Lisa Locklear and GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel.
“A leader throughout her remarkable career, Susan has been the heart and soul of GIA,” said Lockler.
Patel added, “Susan’s vision, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication influenced GIA, the gem and jewelry industry, and everyone she has shared her time with. That positivity will resonate for years to come.”
Related stories will be right here …
Jacques was awarded GIA’s highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
She stepped down from her role as GIA’s sixth president and CEO in August and will retire at the end of the year.
The award was presented to her at the lab’s Carlsbad headquarters by Chair of GIA Board of Governors Lisa Locklear and GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel.
“A leader throughout her remarkable career, Susan has been the heart and soul of GIA,” said Lockler.
Patel added, “Susan’s vision, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication influenced GIA, the gem and jewelry industry, and everyone she has shared her time with. That positivity will resonate for years to come.”
The Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement was established in 1994 and has been awarded to only 14 individuals.
Three of those winners still contribute to GIA, including John Koivula, an analytical microscopist; Tom Moses, the executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer; and Dr. James E. Shigley, GIA’s sole distinguished research fellow.
GIA’s board also recognized the service of Governor Barbara L. Dutrow, Ph.D., the Williams Alumni Distinguished Professor of Geology at Louisiana State University.
She joined GIA’s board in 2016 and is also retiring.
“Dr. Dutrow’s deep scientific expertise has been invaluable as GIA and the Board navigated the challenges and opportunities of the past decade. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for GIA’s mission will be missed,” said Locklear.
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