The MABA Beekeeper of the Year is someone who has not only demonstrated and promoted good beekeeping, but who also has served the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association as an outstanding volunteer.
Any member is eligible except the club’s executive officers who evaluate the submissions.
Traditionally, past recipients are not awarded the honor a second time.
This year MABA congratulates Dave Marshall, who was honored as MABA’s 2024 Beekeeper of the Year during September’s annual Honey Show / Auction and Potluck Dinner. Dave (shown left, accepting his award from MABA President Peter Helfrich, right) is an exceptional beekeeper, mentor, and club swarm commander.
Dave provides direct care and maintenance for bee communities in three separate locations near East Atlanta. He volunteers for MABA as the swarm commander and dedicates many hours fielding phone calls and educating the metro Atlanta community about the preservation and safe removal of honeybees. Through this role, he’s strengthened relationships with professional bee removal companies and is continually trying to improve the experience for members of the community finding themselves with the unplanned expense of a removal. He is calm, patient, and kind when answering numerous questions.
Dave has educated himself on behaviors of other pests and pollinators as people often confuse other species for honeybees. He works expeditiously to identify beekeepers to re-home swarms and is very thoughtful when deciding which members to call for which swarms depending on location and difficulty. He communicates with residents and beekeepers throughout the removal process to ensure everyone is comfortable and to prioritize the wellbeing of the bees.
Dave also provides practical guidance to beekeepers on how to remove swarms. In addition to swarm commander, Dave also volunteers as host for one of MABA’s extractors. This role includes storing and maintaining equipment and providing in-person and remote tutorials to club members. Dave often cleans the supplies and equipment once returned to ensure the next member has a pleasant rental experience.
He’s learned so much from MABA and is always willing to share that knowledge by providing mentorship to others including beekeepers and those considering beekeeping. Dave is an excellent representative of the MABA community.
Congratulations, Dave!
MABA Executive Officers / Selection Committee:
• President — Peter Helfrich
• Vice President — Ed Morgan
• Treasurer — Claressa Lucas
• Secretary — Linda Tillman
• Web Administrator — Shelli Godfrey
Past recipients:
• Gina Gallucci — 2018
• Ed Hoehn — 2019
• Jimmy Gatt — 2020
• Julia Mahood —2021
• Ed Morgan — 2022
• Ray Jones — 2023