In Memory of Mr. AGS: a tribute to Al Woodill
The American Gem Society (AGS) community suffered a great loss with the passing of former Executive Director, Alfred L. Woodill. Mr. Woodill served as the AGS Executive Director from 1947–1987.
“We are all heartbroken at the loss of this great man, who was so instrumental in shaping the American Gem Society. Mr. Woodill was a direct link for many of us to Robert M. Shipley himself. But beyond that connection, the legacy he left on our association is immeasurable,” said Katherine Bodoh, RJ, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories.
Known to many of his friends—and he had many of them—as “Big Al” or “Mr. AGS,” Mr. Woodill was considered a man of great talent and had an un-abiding passion for the AGS. He’s credited with the transformation of the Society to the powerhouse of an association that it is today.
In 1947, Mr. Woodill took over as Robert M. Shipley’s successor. Woodill, a California native, and nephew of Mr. Shipley’s wife, Beatrice, worked for the Shipleys while in high school and later at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated with a B.S. in Business in 1946. While at UCLA, he took time off to serve as a bomber pilot in World War II, rising to the rank of captain in the Army Air Corps.
Early in his career, Mr. Woodill traveled with Mr. Shipley selling GIA courses, promoting the AGS and attending Conclaves. Since he knew shorthand, Mr. Woodill would write as Mr. Shipley dictated articles during their many long trips by car.
For 40 years, Mr. Woodill led AGS through its growth in Membership, the Guilds and Member Services, along with the changes in the AGS Diamond Grading Standards, Governance and Education requirements. His quiet but determined leadership guided the Society towards fulfillment of the Shipley dream. He was awarded Honorary Membership by the AGS Board of Directors based on his service to the Society and the jewelry industry.
In 1970, Mr. Woodill received the prestigious Robert M. Shipley Award, an annual recognition conferred upon a member of the AGS for outstanding service to the Society who exemplifies the high purposes, objectives and ideals of the Society. In 1987, Mr. Woodill retired, but the AGS wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and named him, “AGS Ambassador.” Even after his retirement, Mr. Woodill continued to offer his insight to AGS leadership. He made a point of calling each new president of the AGS Board of Directors, welcoming them to their role and lending his advice. Ruth Batson, who was the AGS CEO for 23 years, and later, Katherine Bodoh, also benefited from his wisdom and guidance.
In 2000, Mr. Woodill was honored with the AGS Circle of Distinction, Lifetime Achievement Award.
He last attended Conclave in 2017 in Hollywood, CA. He attended the Shipley luncheon and received a standing ovation from the multi-generational audience, all of whom either knew him, or had heard stories of this legendary AGS treasure.
AGS During the Woodill Years
1937
Conclave
“I wasn’t there, but I was probably sweeping the floors of the AGS offices”.
1947
1947
Woodill named Executive Director of AGS
“My first duty as ED at AGS Conclave was to have a metal box and sell lunch tickets”.
1948
1948
The first manual of the society was distributed to the membership and was “a complete exposition of its activities and standards”.
1950
1950
The “popular price” of an engagement ring was $167
1951
1951
AGS formed/certified the Accredited Gem Lab
Al’s idea to promote the CG title
1952/53
1952/53
Alexandrite and Zircon were added to the official AGS Birthstone list
1956
1956
Colorimeter at Conclave
1959
1959
RJ and CG logos are trademarked
1960
1960
Conclave registration was $25-$30
1961
1961
AGS “Cloud” introduced
1965
1965
AGS requires the members to have a Diamondscope
1968
1968
Membership approves the standard that each member have 3 Master Color Diamonds
1970
1970
Al Woodill wins the Shipley Award
1971
1971
Conclave in Montreal: first time out of US
1972
1972
25-year anniversary; President Bill Argo called Al “Mr. AGS”
1977
1977
Sally Morton becomes the first female AGS President
1983
1983
First CGA exam held in Colorado Springs
1985
1985
AGS Conclave is held in Phoenix for the first time. (3rd time; 2nd one in 1995)
1987
1987
Al retires as ED, but becomes our “AGS Ambassador”