top of page
ABOUT JCBA
We are a group of beekeepers in Jefferson County, Colorado that have formed a club for both new and experienced beekeepers who wish to connect with other area beekeepers. You can continue your beekeeping education by meeting with other knowledgeable people in the beekeeping community. We will discuss relevant topics, share successes and failures, share resources, learn a variety of management techniques, find a mentor/mentee, and have lively discussions in a fun, social setting.
HISTORY
Jefferson County Beekeeper Association was established in 1998 by a group of backyard beekeepers. Meetings with outside speakers were held several times a year combined with social events. The club went dormant in 2007 as membership waned but was never officially abolished. In 2019 with a surge of interest in beekeeping and new ordinances allowing backyard beehives, local beekeepers saw the need to revitalize the club. We hope to connect with new and experienced beekeepers in and around Jefferson County and are looking forward to many years of successful beekeeping!
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Jefferson County Beekeeper Association is led by a Volunteer Board of Directors made up of dedicated local beekeepers who are passsionate about education, community, and responsible beekeeping practices. Our Board members bring a wide range of experience and work collaboratively to guide the mission of the association, support our members, and ensure the long term success of the club.
Kip Davis - President
I currently serve as President of the Jefferson County Beekeeper Association and have been involved with the club since its reformation. Prior to the current Association, I served as Treasurer for the former Jefferson County beekeeping club. When that organization disbanded, it became clear that while the structure was gone, the need for a local beekeeping community in Jefferson County remained. Along with Doug Rush and April Johnson, I helped establish the Jefferson County Beekeeper Association in 2019. At the club’s founding, Doug Rush served as President, April Johnson as Secretary, and I served as Treasurer, helping provide financial stability and continuity as the Association found its footing. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person meetings, we adapted by meeting outdoors. Despite the challenges, the club maintained momentum and continued to grow. As President, I remain focused on education, responsible beekeeping, and supporting the long-term success of the Association and its members.
Pat Donahue - Treasurer
I began beekeeping in 2018, inspired by my brother, who is also a beekeeper. I jumped right in, setting up four colonies, and what started as curiosity quickly grew into a passion rooted in the science and biology of honey bees.I find beekeeping both tranquil and deeply rewarding, offering a strong sense of accomplishment through caring for healthy, thriving colonies. I especially enjoy making splits, swarm catching, and rearing queens.The bees have taught me so much, and I value the ongoing education they provide through observation, patience, and experience.
Doug Rush - Founder, Former President & Advisor
​
Doug Rush is a founder and former President of the Jefferson County Beekeeper Association and the catalyst behind the creation of the club.
In 2019, recognizing the need for a local beekeeping community in Jefferson County, Doug took the initiative to bring area beekeepers together. He posted an invitation on Nextdoor seeking others interested in beekeeping, and the response was immediate and impressive—clearly demonstrating the demand for a local association. Through Doug’s vision, perseverance, and commitment, the Jefferson County Beekeeper Association was formed, with Doug serving as one of its founding members. In the club’s early years, his leadership was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation built on education, responsible beekeeping, and community connection. During his tenure as President, Doug guided the Association through its formative stages, helping to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for beekeepers of all experience levels. Since its founding, the club has grown exponentially in both membership and impact. In 2026, Doug continues to support the Association by serving in an advisory role, offering historical perspective and guidance as the club moves forward. The Jefferson County Beekeeper Association is deeply grateful for Doug’s leadership, dedication, and belief in the power of community. His efforts laid the groundwork for the thriving organization the Association is today.
April Johnson - Advisor​
​
I began my beekeeping journey in 2008 knowing nothing about honeybees. Over the years, through hands-on experience working inside the hives—and making more than a few mistakes—the bees have taught me problem solving, patience, humility, and respect. I continue to learn every season. For me, beekeeping is not about having all the answers. It is about observation, curiosity, adaptability, and responsibility to the bees and the environment. As a retired visual art teacher, I believe there is an art to beekeeping as well as a science. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the beekeeping community, and I believe it is now my responsibility to give back by supporting and mentoring new beekeepers, answering questions, and encouraging others to care for pollinators.
Christine Malara - Secretary
​I began keeping bees in April 2024 when a beekeeper on our farm in Arvada was looking for a “bee buddy.” What started as a chance to learn quickly turned into a true passion. Shortly after joining the Jefferson County Beekeeper Association, I stepped into the role of Co-Secretary, and that’s when my learning curve really took off. Being surrounded by such an extraordinary group of beekeepers has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. Their generosity, knowledge, and willingness to mentor have made this experience incredibly meaningful. I still have so much to learn, but I’m grateful every day to be part of a group that truly lives its values—supporting one another and working together to educate our community about the importance of beekeeping and pollinators. Being part of this board has reinforced my belief that when knowledge is shared and passion is genuine, both bees and communities thrive.
Kathy Gil - Advisor
This will be my 10th year of beekeeping. I am a past president of the Colorado State Beekeeping Association and have been on the JCBA board for several years. For the last 4 years, I have taught Beginner Beekeeping Classes and developed the program, in accordance with the criteria of the Master Beekeeping Program Director, as an entry class to the Apprentice Level. I have presented beekeeping topics to the community in several areas of the state.
I have served as a honey judge and superintendent at two local fairs for the past 3 years. I enjoy making mead and am currently working toward a mead judging certification. My special interest is drones. My goal is to identify drone congregation areas around my apiary. I have made every beekeeping mistake in the book and some that aren’t in the books, but I continue to be challenged by this awesome hobby of mine.
CM
bottom of page