Happy New Year! I’m jumping for joy that I will begin 2020 as Executive Director of the Bee Informed Partnership. A couple of weeks in December alongside BIP’s former beloved ED, Karen Rennich, introduced me to the incredible behind-the-scenes work to which BIP’s staff members dedicate themselves to keep BIP’s services accessible and meaningful for beekeepers. I look forward to working with our current collaborators and to bridging new partnerships as we explore more ways to use beekeeping data to improve honey bee health.
I’m thrilled to be joining BIP in this role. For many years I spent time working for non-profit organizations and the public sector on sustainability projects ranging from agricultural preservation to conservation to energy efficiency. This past year I began a job search and was so fortunate to find a position that brought me back to the subject of my graduate work, that of pollinators on farms.
I cannot say enough about the wonderful team here at BIP, both the staff and board members, who have made this transition easier by sharing their knowledge and insights with me as I get started. Their “whatever I can do” attitude is one of BIP’s best attributes and I feel so lucky to have linked up with such an incredible group.
In 2020, BIP will undergo a strategic planning process to evaluate its current and future plans and directions. We’ll be looking for feedback from our stakeholders so I’m excited to hear from you as we travel down this road. Look out for opportunities over the next several months to let us know your thoughts.
I hope to meet some of you in the New Year. If you are attending the American Beekeeping Federation conference this January, please say hello. Never hesitate to contact me if you have questions about the Bee Informed Partnership.
Best wishes for 2020!
Net Meredith
