PRESS RELEASE

GIA Appoints Stephen B. Morisseau as Public Relations Director

Stephen Morisseau
Stephen B. Morisseau, GIA public relations director.

Department expansion reinforces Institute’s mission

CARLSBAD, Calif. – March 16, 2012 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has appointed Stephen B. Morisseau as the Institute’s public relations director, effective immediately. The role expands the communications team, reinforcing GIA’s mission to protect the public trust in gem and jewelry purchases. Morisseau will be responsible for implementing and driving communication strategies that further GIA objectives.
 
Morisseau has more than 25 years of experience in communications, public relations and government affairs in the public and private sectors. Following a 15-year career as a U.S. diplomat in Europe and Latin America, he spent 10 years in the international and domestic energy industry in Houston, Texas, including more than two years leading public relations for one of the largest competitive electricity retailers in the state.
 
“Effective public relations are vital to meeting our commitment to help consumers learn about and understand diamond, gemstone and pearl quality,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice president and chief marketing officer. “Stephen joins an exceptional team with Amanda Luke, senior communications manager; Kristin Mahan, public relations coordinator; Jessica Sachariason, public relations manager; and Russell Shor, senior industry analyst.”
 
This is part of a continued effort to provide the public, media and industry members with timely and useful information about GIA’s education programs, laboratory services and research developments, Kimmel added. GIA’s public relations department serves as a liaison between these important constituents.
 
“It is an honor to join such a well-respected organization, particularly at a time when GIA is expanding, bringing its expertise to constituents and consumers around the world,” Morisseau said. “GIA wants to help make sure that the gems and jewelry used to celebrate special occasions in people’s lives are as beloved as the memories they commemorate.”

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.