Barbara Lawrence has been named president of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), taking over for Rick Krementz, who tendered his resignation during a board of directors' conference call.

Lawrence, president of Boston Gems and Findings and formerly first vice chairman of the AGTA board, will hold the post through the remainder of Krementz's term, which ends February 2009. Krementz, of Richard Krementz Gemstones in Newark, N.J., will remain on the AGTA board as past president.

"AGTA appreciates all the contributions that Rick has made and the knowledge he has shared with the board throughout his presidency," Lawrence said in a statement issued on Friday. "AGTA will continue to listen to our members, create an environment where we serve the best interest of our membership as a whole and remain an advocate for those matters that protect our industry and promote commerce in the gemstone marketplace."

The industry has challenges ahead, but Lawrence says the AGTA is eager to meet those challenges.