A statement from AGTA released Wednesday evening did not give a reason for the departure, noting only it was effective immediately.

The organization said the board of directors will start the process of selecting a new CEO soon.

Kimberly Collins, who was recently elected AGTA board president, will serve as interim CEO. The organization said all inquiries, questions, or pending business matters should be directed to her.

Hucker headed AGTA for the past 24 years. 

Prior to that, he served as president and partner of The Registry Ltd., a company that specialized in antique and estate jewelry.

He grew AGTA into a leader in colored gemstone sales and education and developed GemFair Tucson into one of the most important annual gem trade shows in the world, the organization said in the release announcing the news.

Hucker was responsible for adding Las Vegas GemFair to the organization’s show lineup, and last year AGTA joined the inaugural HardRock Summit under his leadership. 

He also made AGTA a part of important global education and business practice conversations, AGTA said, like gemstone treatment disclosure the importance of origin, and established affiliations with groups like CIBJO, the Women’s Jewelry Association, the Gemological Institute of America, and more. 

“As more than two decades of service ends with Doug’s departure, we know there will be stories recollected for years to come of his involvement in the colored gemstone industry and all who have encountered him on personal and professional matters,” Collins said. 

“He is a respected friend to many, and his leadership will be remembered as AGTA moves into the next phase of growth and development. The AGTA board of directors wishes Doug and his family good health, prosperity, and the best for their future endeavors.”