Longtime AGTA Director of Security Skip Woodward Named Recipient of the Leon Ritzler Award

The award honors major contributions to the colored gemstone and pearl community and is named for AGTA's first president, Leon Ritzler.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has awarded the prestigious Leon Ritzler Award to its longtime Director of Security, Skip Woodward. Woodward has worked security for all AGTA GemFairs and AGTA Spectrum Awards for the past 43 years, and the award is given to individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the colored gemstone and natural and cultured Pearl community.

Why it matters

The Leon Ritzler Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the gemstone and pearl industry. Woodward's long tenure and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of AGTA events have allowed the organization and its members to conduct business with peace of mind, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

The details

Skip Woodward has worked security for all AGTA GemFairs and AGTA Spectrum Awards for the past 43 years, about 240 days total. He has been with AGTA since the very beginning, starting in 1982 at the first Tucson show, and has never missed a day. Woodward is retiring after his many years of service, and the award is a recognition of his contributions and the relationships he has built with local police and AGTA exhibitors and team members.

  • Woodward has worked security for all AGTA GemFairs and AGTA Spectrum Awards for the past 43 years, about 240 days total.
  • Woodward started in 1982 at the first Tucson show and has never missed a day.
  • Woodward is retiring after his many years of service.

The players

Skip Woodward

Longtime Director of Security for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

John W. Ford Sr.

CEO of AGTA.

Bruce Bridges

AGTA Board President.

Leon Ritzler

AGTA's first president, for whom the Leon Ritzler Award is named.

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What they’re saying

“AGTA is proud to bestow this honor on our longtime advocate and friend—who has been with AGTA literally since the very beginning!”

— John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA (instoremag.com)

“It's been a great ride—a wonderful 43 years. Since the first Tucson show in 1982, I've never missed a day!”

— Skip Woodward (instoremag.com)

“The Award is a memory of all the people that I've worked with throughout the years, Good memories!”

— Skip Woodward (instoremag.com)

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Skip Woodward. While not everyone may know his name, everyone has benefited from his presence. Since 1982, Skip has quietly watched over us, keeping us safe and secure for decades. As the head of our security, he consistently ensured that everything was in place and that the Tucson Police Department was fully prepared to look after us. His dedication and vigilance have allowed us to conduct our business with true peace of mind, knowing that safety was never something we had to worry about. His impact will be felt long after his retirement, and we are deeply grateful for the responsibility he carried on our behalf.”

— Bruce Bridges, AGTA Board President (instoremag.com)

The takeaway

Skip Woodward's dedication and service to the AGTA over the past 43 years, ensuring the safety and security of its events, has been invaluable to the organization and its members. His recognition with the prestigious Leon Ritzler Award is a well-deserved honor that highlights the important role he has played in supporting the colored gemstone and pearl community.