John Pollard

John Pollard is Senior Director of Education for IGI, overseeing and expanding the institute’s traditional educational offerings and diploma programs instructed at 14 schools of gemology around the world, along with customized courses, tutorials, and seminars for IGI clients across all sectors, including leading luxury brands. He is an Educational Advisor for PriceScope and has served as consultant for diamond producers, sellers and laboratories in North America, Europe, and Asia, presenting seminars for JCK Las Vegas, the American Gem Society Conclave, the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association, and various trade conferences in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Since 2005 he has held management roles with companies in both traditional and eCommerce channels, educating thousands of industry professionals and consumers alike. A former public-school educator in Texas, John holds degrees in education, gemology, and music. Twice honored with his district Education Foundation’s Award of Excellence, he remains active in youth education advocacy on a national level, holding a position on the Board of Directors of Music For All, America’s largest and most influential music education organization.