Updated 12/2/2025
The Apiary Inspectors of America has established several standing and special committees with the goal of protecting honey bee health through the enhancement of communication and collaboration across sectors of the apiary industry. Below is a list of the current committees and their members.
Auditing Committee Joan Mahoney* Jared Spokowsky Hannah Blackburn Paula Wolf The purpose of this committee is to review the financial records and receipts maintained by the AIA Treasurer prior to the annual meeting.
Resolutions Committee Jennifer Lund** Hannah Blackburn Brooke Nikkila-Sommerfeldt The purpose of this committee is to gather Resolutions throughout the year and submit all standing and proposed Resolutions to the AIA members prior to and during the annual meeting. Awards Committee Mike Studer* Keith Tignor Don Hopkins Kim Skyrm The purpose of this committee is to request, review, procure and award nominations for the Researcher of the Year Award, determine and award membership service awards, retirement awards, Inspector of the Year Award, and student travel scholarships. Communications/IT Committee Samantha Brunner* Amanda Skidmore* Kim Skyrm Barbara Bloetscher Shelli Quattlebaum Paula Wolf Chris Rosario Meghan McConnell Jenna Crowder Natasha Garcia-Andersen Hannah Blackburn Brad Cavin Abrielle Tembreull Alexandra Panasiuk The purpose of this committee is to provide technical support to AIA, as well as coordinate social media outreach for the association, and maintain and manage the AIA and the honeybeepests.org website. They would coordinate internal AIA communication, update and generate content for all other industry publications (i.e., ABF News- letter, Bee Culture, etc.). Historical Records and Proceedings Committee Don Hopkins, Historian* Keith Tignor Bill Baxter Barbara Bloetscher Mike Studer Karen Roccasecca
The purpose of this committee is to gather and maintain historical AIA records and publish a report of set meetings and conferences. | Nominating Committee Karen Roccasecca* Barbara Bloetscher Don Hopkins Shanda King Hannah Blackburn Meghan McConnell The purpose of this committee is to nominate AIA members for the officer positions. Elections are made at the annual meeting. Standard Operating Procedures Committee Alexandra Panasiuk* Mike Studer Barbara Bloetscher Annie Mills Hannah Blackburn The purpose of this committee is to gather SOPs from states and provinces to then develop a document containing guidance, advice, and examples for inspection programs that either don’t have an SOP developed or need to update one. Survey/Annual Health Data Committee Jennifer Lund* Kim Skyrm** Samantha Brunner Amanda Skidmore Tyler Hertzwig Natasha Garcia-Andersen The purpose of this committee is to collect data from states, territories and provinces about the status of the apiary industry in these individual regions and generate reports for the USDA and other industry stakeholders. Assist with national honey bee surveys by providing feedback and guidance. Grants Committee Samantha Brunner* James Fulton Amanda Skidmore Joan Mahoney Chris Rosario Mike Studer The purpose of this committee is to apply for and manage grants for AIA. Research and Diagnostics Lab Committee Jenna Crowder* Kim Skyrm** Karen Roccasecca Don Hopkins James Fulton Angela Steinhauer The purpose of this committee is to gather information on research and diagnostic labs that provide services for apiary inspection services and beekeepers. Additionally this committee will facilitate communication and collaboration between the AIA and these labs. |