Lisa Locklear joins GIA Board of Governors

The Board of Governors of GIA (Gemological Institute of America), underwent changes in its member list, which were noted at the Institute’s November board meeting in Carlsbad with the welcome of Lisa Locklear as a new member and a farewell to retiring governors Fred Levinger, Roland Naftule and Steve Relyea.

“We are fortunate to have Lisa join the GIA Board of Governors,” said Susan Jacques, GIA board chairperson and president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts. “She is a wonderful addition to our diverse board of global leaders and her expertise in finance is a perfect fit as GIA builds for a global future on the firm foundation of its 81-year history. We look forward to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry around the world.”

Locklear is senior vice president and chief financial officer of Ingram Micro, Americas. She holds over 28 years of work in the finance field across organizations including Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in Orange County, CA, The Walt Disney Company. An active participant in Finance Executives International, the Dean’s Leadership Circle at the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and other local organizations, she has been honoured as one of five recipients of the Orange County Business Journal Women in Business award in 2010 and was awarded the University of California at Irvine’s Distinguished Alumna Award in May 2009.

Outgoing board members Levinger, Naftule and Relyea retired having served for a combined 20 years. Veterans of the gem and jewelry business, Levinger and Naftule provided expertise in finance, the wholesale trade, and colored gemstones while Relyea brought a wealth of experience in education to the board. “The contribution of these three governors is beyond measure,” Jacques said. “We are so grateful for their support for GIA’s mission and valuable contributions to the growth and global expansion of the Institute.”