GIA Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

GIA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and people.

Dedicated to advancing gemological knowledge, GIA drives innovation in research and education, shaping the future of the jewelry arts industry through rigorous standards and global outreach.

Leadership Roles at GIA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Suhong Na
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Cheryl Sepienza
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Loana Nuñez
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Quyên Em
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Tapajyoti Das
  • Chief Financial Officer - Samir Shah
  • Chief Financial Officer & Board Chair Finance Executive - Courtney Bethany
  • President - Donna Baker
  • President - Tamana Khan
  • Chief People Officer - Sara Kruse
  • Suhong Na - Chief Executive Officer

    Suhong Na, the Chief Executive Officer at GIA, directs the institute's strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the organization, Suhong Na ensures alignment with GIA's core mission of research and education in gemology and the jewelry arts. This leadership involves driving innovation in educational programs and research initiatives, maintaining the institute's global standing. By fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and academic excellence, Suhong Na guides GIA's response to evolving industry demands and market dynamics. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to stakeholder engagement, ensuring robust relationships with industry partners and academic institutions worldwide. Ultimately, Suhong Na's leadership solidifies GIA's commitment to integrity and knowledge dissemination across the global gemological community.

    Cheryl Sepienza - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Cheryl Sepienza, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, spearheads the institute's overarching strategy and daily operations. This dual role encompasses driving GIA's mission forward, focusing on advancements in gemological research and educational offerings. Cheryl Sepienza oversees the integration of scientific discovery with practical application in the jewelry arts, ensuring GIA remains at the forefront of the industry. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating strategic partnerships and expanding GIA's global reach. By championing rigorous standards and ethical practices, Sepienza ensures the integrity of GIA's services and educational credentials. This leadership position demands a comprehensive understanding of market trends and scientific developments, guiding the institute's long-term growth and impact.

    Loana Nuñez - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Loana Nuñez, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, established the institute with a vision for advancing gemological science and education. Loana Nuñez directs the foundational principles and strategic direction that guide GIA's operations and research endeavors. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's role involves nurturing the institute's commitment to integrity, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the jewelry arts community. This leadership ensures that GIA's educational programs and research outputs consistently meet the highest standards of excellence. By championing the institute's founding mission, Nuñez oversees its continued evolution and impact on the global gemological landscape. The strategic oversight provided by Loana Nuñez reinforces GIA's position as a leading authority in the field.

    Quyên Em - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Quyên Em, the Group Chief Executive Officer at GIA, directs the strategic imperatives and operational frameworks across the institute's global entities. Quyên Em's leadership focuses on enhancing GIA's research capabilities and expanding its educational footprint in gemology and the jewelry arts. This executive role involves orchestrating cross-functional initiatives to drive innovation and maintain GIA's status as a premier institution. The Group Chief Executive Officer ensures cohesive strategy implementation, fostering collaboration among diverse teams to achieve institutional goals. By overseeing resource allocation and strategic planning, Em guides GIA's sustained growth and influence. Quyên Em's tenure emphasizes a commitment to scientific rigor and educational advancement, solidifying GIA's impact worldwide.

    Tapajyoti Das - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Tapajyoti Das, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at GIA, drives the institute's strategic direction and operational excellence. Tapajyoti Das co-founded GIA with a commitment to advancing gemological research and education, overseeing initiatives that uphold these core values. The Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder's responsibilities include fostering innovation in scientific discovery and educational methodologies within the jewelry arts. This leadership role ensures GIA's global impact through rigorous standards and comprehensive knowledge dissemination. By guiding strategic partnerships and operational efficiency, Das strengthens GIA's position as an industry authority. Tapajyoti Das's vision propels the institute's mission forward, ensuring continued leadership in gemology.

    Samir Shah - Chief Financial Officer

    Samir Shah, the Chief Financial Officer at GIA, directs the institute's financial strategy and fiscal management. Overseeing all financial operations, Samir Shah ensures robust economic health and sustainable growth for GIA's research and educational endeavors. This critical role involves managing budgets, financial planning, and investment strategies to support the institute's mission in gemology and the jewelry arts. The Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to financial reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with all fiscal regulations. By optimizing financial resources, Shah enables GIA to expand its global reach and enhance its academic and research programs. Samir Shah's expertise underpins GIA's operational stability and its capacity for future innovation.

    Courtney Bethany - Chief Financial Officer & Board Chair Finance Executive

    Courtney Bethany, the Chief Financial Officer & Board Chair Finance Executive at GIA, leads the institute's financial stewardship and governance. Courtney Bethany directs comprehensive financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal integrity across all GIA operations. This dual role involves overseeing the financial health of the organization while also guiding the board's finance committee. The Chief Financial Officer & Board Chair Finance Executive's responsibilities include managing investments, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability for GIA's research and educational initiatives. By providing strategic financial oversight, Bethany supports GIA's mission in gemology and the jewelry arts. Courtney Bethany's leadership ensures robust financial controls and strategic fiscal direction.

    Donna Baker - President

    Donna Baker, the President at GIA, drives the institute's strategic initiatives and operational oversight. Donna Baker's leadership focuses on advancing GIA's global presence and impact in gemology and the jewelry arts through innovative research and educational programs. This executive role involves ensuring seamless execution of institutional goals and fostering collaborative environments across departments. The President's responsibilities include overseeing key operational functions and championing GIA's commitment to scientific integrity and knowledge dissemination. By guiding strategic planning and operational efficiency, Baker supports GIA's mission to serve the global gemological community. Donna Baker's tenure emphasizes a dedication to excellence and continuous improvement in all facets of GIA's work.

    Tamana Khan - President

    Tamana Khan, the President at GIA, directs the institute's strategic vision and operational execution across its global network. Tamana Khan's leadership prioritizes the advancement of gemological research and the enhancement of educational offerings, ensuring GIA remains a leader in the field. This executive role involves overseeing critical operational functions and driving initiatives that support the institute's mission in the jewelry arts. The President's responsibilities include fostering innovation, ensuring adherence to rigorous scientific standards, and expanding GIA's reach. By championing strategic partnerships and operational excellence, Khan strengthens GIA's commitment to knowledge dissemination. Tamana Khan's focus is on sustained growth and impact within the international gemological community.

    Sara Kruse - Chief People Officer

    Sara Kruse, the Chief People Officer at GIA, directs the institute's human capital strategy and organizational development. Overseeing all aspects of employee relations, talent acquisition, and professional development, Sara Kruse cultivates a high-performing culture aligned with GIA's mission. This leadership role focuses on attracting, retaining, and nurturing talent essential for advancing gemological research and education. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include implementing HR policies, fostering employee engagement, and ensuring a supportive work environment across GIA's global operations. By championing people-centric initiatives, Kruse enhances the institute's capacity to innovate and excel in the jewelry arts field. Sara Kruse's strategic approach to human resources strengthens GIA's foundation for continued success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GIA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GIA?
    GIA is led by Suhong Na (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cheryl Sepienza (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Loana Nuñez (Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of GIA’s executive team?
    The executive team of GIA includes leaders such as Suhong Na (Chief Executive Officer), Cheryl Sepienza (President & Chief Executive Officer), Loana Nuñez (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GIA have?
    GIA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GIA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GIA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder.