With a background in school social work, Tricia applies her experience to the education of youth, clubs, and the public on the importance of bees to the ecosystem and ultimately the world’s food supply. She helps to inform people about the part they can play in preserving bees and other pollinators.
Randy is the Treasurer for the Center for Honeybee Research. He’s a beekeeper of several years and it was his love for the bees that enticed him to learn more about them and become involved
with the Center.
His professional life has been a combination of owning and managing a 240 site RV Camping
Resort in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State for more than 40 years and working as a
Certified Public Accountant for more than 35 years.
He has always been active in the community where he lives, both on a professional and a personal
level. In Bath, NY he served on many local tourism boards, a hospital board along with other not-for-profit organizations. In Asheville he has been active in the Rotary Club of Asheville Breakfast, serving as the Club President in 2019-2020. Currently he is the Treasurer for the Club, along with the Clubs’ Foundation.
When he’s not working, he enjoys running, biking, hiking, and traveling the world.
Dr Terri Lechner is an experienced beekeeper with over eight years of hands-on expertise, making her a valuable member of the Center for Honeybee Research Advisory Board. She previously served on BeeCityUSA Asheville’s Leadership Committee and is a co-chair helping to plan Asheville HoneyFest, reflecting her deep commitment to pollinator protection, education, and community engagement. In addition, Dr. Terri has played an active role in planning and supporting numerous events for Bears, Bees & Brews, further strengthening connections between local businesses, conservation, and community celebration.
Alongside her advocacy and beekeeping work, Dr. Terri is a dedicated gardener and has practiced chiropractic care in Asheville for over 20 years, after relocating from Wisconsin upon graduating from Palmer Chiropractic College. Outside of her professional life, she is a proud pet guardian to her dogs and cats, an enthusiastic “chicken momma,” and a passionate collector of antique and vintage treasures. Through her shop, Vintage Trove Shop, she curates and resells unique finds on Instagram. Her love for nature, community, and timeless objects continues to shape her meaningful contributions to both the pollinator community and the Asheville area.
To Contact Dr. Terri email her at terrilechner@gmail.com
Affectionately referred to as “Jaik of all trades,” his contributions to the Center and community are widely appreciated. A passionate cyclist and professional cyber security engineer, he finds balance between the digital and natural worlds. When he’s not safeguarding networks from cyber threats, you’ll likely find him pedaling through scenic routes or tending to his beloved honeybees. His commitment to community extends beyond his career, as he dedicates time to various volunteer initiatives. At the heart of it all is his family, who inspire and support him in all his endeavors, from the trails to the hive to the keyboard.
Noemi started as a volunteer at the Center for Honeybee Research in 2022 after moving to Asheville with the goal to start beekeeping. Under the tutelage of Carl and Terri, she gained the knowledge and confidence to keep her own hives. Her dedication to the Center’s regular inspections, community outreach initiatives, and the general growth of the organization led her to accept a position on the Board.
She is a first-generation American and college student with a degree in Writing and a background in tech. She has an affinity for all things natural and has always been passionate about building Community and giving back in Service as an instrumental member of multiple non-profits over the years. When not working or volunteering at the Center, she can be found at Keep Asheville Craftin’, a local craft circle she founded, rock climbing, paddling, or identifying bugs and plants.