GIA Executive and Leadership Team

Deborah Banes, the Chief Executive Officer at GIA, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nonprofit institute. Banes oversees the integration of gemological research with educational outreach to maintain global standards in the jewelry arts. By aligning internal resources with the mission of consumer protection, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that scientific advancements reach international markets effectively. Banes manages high-level relationships with industry stakeholders to foster transparency and trust within the gem trade. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while driving innovation in grading technology. Through the implementation of sustainable operational frameworks, Deborah Banes secures the long-term viability of the institute. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the expansion of educational programs across diverse regions, ensuring that gemological expertise remains accessible to professionals globally. Ultimately, Banes upholds the reputation of the institute as the premier authority in gemology.

Loana Nuñez, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, architects the foundational principles that guide the institute's research initiatives. Nuñez drives the development of new methodologies for identifying synthetic and treated gemstones, ensuring that the jewelry industry remains informed and secure. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Nuñez oversees the alignment of historical expertise with modern technological advancements in gemological analysis. This role involves collaborating with the board to define long-term growth strategies that support the nonprofit mission. By fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, Loana Nuñez ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of gemological discovery. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer manages the deployment of advanced laboratory equipment to enhance grading precision. Through strategic oversight of global research projects, Nuñez strengthens the institute's influence in international markets, providing essential data to jewelers and consumers alike.

Cheryl Sepienza, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GIA, executes the daily operational strategy for the organization. Sepienza oversees the delivery of educational curricula and the management of laboratory services that define the industry standard for gem grading. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Sepienza coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure that research findings translate into practical tools for the jewelry trade. This leadership position involves optimizing internal processes to increase efficiency across all global facilities. Cheryl Sepienza drives the expansion of digital learning platforms, allowing students worldwide to access high-quality gemological training. By maintaining rigorous quality control standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer protects the integrity of the institute's reports. Sepienza manages the allocation of resources to support ongoing research into gemstone origins and characteristics. Through these efforts, the President & Chief Executive Officer sustains the institute's commitment to excellence and consumer confidence.

Mahd Sharaf, the Chief Executive Officer Operating at GIA, directs the logistical and technical infrastructure required to support global gemological operations. Sharaf oversees the maintenance of laboratory equipment and the implementation of standardized grading protocols across all international locations. As the Chief Executive Officer Operating, Sharaf ensures that the supply chain for research materials remains robust and compliant with ethical standards. This role involves managing the technical staff responsible for the precise analysis of gemstones. By streamlining operational workflows, Mahd Sharaf increases the throughput of grading services without compromising accuracy. The Chief Executive Officer Operating collaborates with regional directors to adapt operational strategies to local market needs. Through the integration of automated systems, Sharaf enhances the speed and reliability of laboratory reporting. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer Operating provides the essential support structure that allows the institute to fulfill its mission of education and research.

Quyên Em, the Group Chief Executive Officer at GIA, manages the collective performance of the institute's diverse business units. Em oversees the strategic alignment of research, education, and laboratory services to ensure a unified approach to gemological excellence. As the Group Chief Executive Officer, Em drives the expansion of the institute's footprint in emerging markets, focusing on increasing awareness of standardized grading. This role involves coordinating with executive leadership to allocate capital toward high-impact research projects. Quyên Em monitors the financial health of the organization, ensuring that resources support the nonprofit mission effectively. By fostering partnerships with international jewelry associations, the Group Chief Executive Officer strengthens the institute's global influence. Em leads initiatives to modernize the educational experience, incorporating new technologies into the curriculum. Through these strategic efforts, the Group Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institute remains the definitive authority in the field of gemology.

Andrea Pane, the Chief Financial Officer at GIA, directs the financial planning and fiscal health of the organization. Pane oversees the budgeting process for research departments and educational programs, ensuring that capital is deployed to maximize the impact of the nonprofit mission. As the Chief Financial Officer, Pane manages the financial reporting and compliance requirements necessary for international operations. This role involves analyzing market trends to forecast revenue from laboratory services and educational tuition. By implementing robust financial controls, Andrea Pane ensures the long-term sustainability of the institute's activities. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executives to evaluate the feasibility of new research initiatives and infrastructure investments. Pane manages the treasury functions and oversees the audit processes to maintain transparency. Through diligent financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability required for the institute to continue its vital work in gemological education and research.

Merle Koblenz, the President Since 2001 at GIA, directs the long-term preservation of the institute's historical standards and research legacy. Koblenz oversees the archival and documentation processes that maintain the integrity of gemological data collected over decades. As the President Since 2001, Koblenz ensures that current research projects remain consistent with the foundational principles established by the institute. This role involves advising the board on the historical context of industry challenges and opportunities. By maintaining deep institutional knowledge, Merle Koblenz provides continuity in leadership and strategic direction. The President Since 2001 manages relationships with long-standing industry partners to ensure the continued relevance of the institute's grading reports. Koblenz oversees the development of legacy educational materials that serve as the benchmark for gemology students. Through this focus on historical excellence, the President Since 2001 sustains the institute's reputation as the primary source of truth in the jewelry arts.

Tamana Khan, the President at GIA, directs the strategic outreach and public relations efforts for the institute. Khan oversees the communication of research findings to the broader jewelry industry and the general public, ensuring that consumers understand the value of standardized gem grading. As the President, Khan manages the institute's presence at major international trade shows and educational conferences. This role involves building coalitions with retailers and manufacturers to promote ethical sourcing and transparency. By crafting the public narrative of the institute, Tamana Khan strengthens the brand's authority in the global market. The President collaborates with the research team to translate complex scientific data into accessible information for the trade. Khan manages the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the importance of gemological education. Through these strategic initiatives, the President ensures that the institute's mission of consumer protection remains at the forefront of industry discourse.

Donna Baker, the President at GIA, directs the expansion of educational partnerships and academic programs. Baker oversees the development of new curricula that address emerging trends in the jewelry arts, such as lab-grown diamond identification and sustainable mining practices. As the President, Baker manages the accreditation processes for the institute's global campuses, ensuring that all students receive a consistent and high-quality education. This role involves collaborating with universities and vocational schools to integrate gemology into broader design and business programs. By fostering academic excellence, Donna Baker prepares the next generation of gemologists to uphold the institute's standards. The President monitors the effectiveness of educational delivery methods, including the transition to hybrid and online learning models. Baker manages the scholarship programs that provide access to gemological training for students from diverse backgrounds. Through these efforts, the President secures the future of the profession and the institute's educational impact.

Sara Kruse, the Chief People Officer at GIA, architects the human capital strategy for the institute. Kruse oversees talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture to ensure that the workforce possesses the specialized gemological expertise required for high-level research and education. As the Chief People Officer, Kruse manages the implementation of training programs that keep staff updated on the latest advancements in gemstone analysis. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that attracts top talent from the global jewelry industry. By aligning human resources policies with the nonprofit mission, Sara Kruse supports the retention of key researchers and educators. The Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to design performance management systems that reward excellence and innovation. Kruse manages the internal communications strategy to ensure that all employees remain connected to the institute's core values. Through these efforts, the Chief People Officer builds a resilient and highly skilled team.