Advisory Board

Paul S. Harter is a native Arizonan who graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in business administration (1970) and law (1973). His legal career has revolved around civil litigation, government contracts and mining activities.  He continues to actively practice law in the Phoenix area. In 1992 he was elected to the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board where he served for twelve years, including nine years as its president.
 

A longtime Tucson real estate developer, Allan Norville provided the initial gift for the new museum to memorialize his wife, Alfie. She had played a key role in the mid-1990s in persuading the shows that bring tens of thousands of visitors to Tucson every January and February to remain in Tucson rather than relocate to Phoenix or Las Vegas. In 1993, to demonstrate their commitment, the Norvilles founded the Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX), one of the leading gem/jewelry venues that annually boost revenue for Tucson and the county.

As GIA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Duncan Pay oversees the Institute’s global education operations in gemology and jewelry design and manufacturing, including on-campus, distance education, the GemKids program for school children and the GIA Alumni Association. 
 

Nathan Reynolds is a Graduate Gemologist and Applied Jewelry Professional through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a focus in Entrepreneurship from Abilene Christian University (ACU). He currently serves as a Lead Gemology Expert at The RealReal, where he develops and delivers gemology training programs, oversees the authentication and valuation of fine jewelry, and provides expert guidance on market trends and industry best practices.

Joaquin received his B.S. (1977) in Geology and Chemistry from the University of Miami, M.S. (1980), and Ph.D. (1983) in Geology both from the University of Michigan. He was Assistant Professor at the University of Miami from 1982-1983. In 1983, he joined the University of Arizona Geosciences Department as Assistant Professor. Dr. Ruiz was promoted to Associate Professor in 1989 and Professor in 1993, serving as head of the Department of Geosciences from 1995 to 2000.

Wilkinson H. Wilkinson, a Phoenix resident, retired as Vice President Exploration, Africa, for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. in November 2015 after nearly 25 years. He was responsible for project direction, reconnaissance and acquisitions throughout the continent. He has over 40 years of experience in mineral exploration, has worked in base and precious metal exploration in 25 countries on five continents and has been involved in or directed major copper, gold and copper-cobalt discoveries that were put into production.