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Omaha, NE—Susan Jacques, president and CEO of Borsheims, was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Jacques was one of five inductees honored at a gala sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Calling Jacques a "jewelry industry gem," the chamber cited her contributions to the Omaha business community and leadership of Borsheims as reasons for the honor.

Jacques began her career at Borsheims as an appraiser and sales associate in 1982, after finishing her graduate gemologist studies at GIA. At an industry event years ago, Jacques related the story about how her friend and GIA classmate, Alan Friedman—son of the former owners of Borsheims—suggested she come work in his family’s store for a bit after graduation. So Jacques, a native of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) who had never seen snow before, had her first encounter with it in a blinding blizzard driving from Los Angeles to Omaha to begin her new job.

Jacques next was promoted to jewelry merchandise manager and buyer, then served as senior vice president from 1991, until Warren Buffett appointed her as president and CEO in 1994.

Since then, Jacques has guided Borsheims to substantial growth and increased worldwide prominence, and has an outstanding reputation within the jewelry industry. She was one of the first women inducted into the National Jeweler’s Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association. In addition to her GG, she is a Fellow in the Gemological Association of Great Britain. She is the current chair of the nonprofit GIA board of governors and has served on the board since 1996. She also serves on the board of Jewelers for America Ethical Initiatives Committee, the executive committee and board of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and the fundraising committee of Jewelers for Children.

Her leadership extends beyond the jewelry industry and into the Omaha community. She serves on the board of directors of Creighton University and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, and has held leadership positions in many local community groups, including the Business Ethics Alliance. She understands the importance of giving back to the community and leads Borsheims’ efforts in philanthropy across Omaha and around the world.

Jacques is one of the youngest inductees ever named to the Hall of Fame. She joins excellent company, including Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett, one of the first inductees into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. Longtime Borsheims’ leader Ike Friedman was also named to the Hall of Fame posthumously.