About Us
The Napa County Beekeepers’ Association was founded in ____ under the leadership of Rob Keller.
Many individuals have contributed to the growth of NCBA over the years. Current leadership includes Rob, with the addition of Martin Podell and Christine Waskowiak in 2023. As the club grows, we anticipate expanding the leadership and/or committees in order to best respond to ever-changing needs in the beekeeping world.
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Rob Keller
Rob came to the bee game while receiving his MFA from UC Davis in 1999, where he became interested in incorporating bees into his art practice. Now as the owner of a small bee business, The Napa Valley Bee Company, his goals are to build a community of beekeepers in the area that practice responsible, regenerative hive management with the bees’ best interest in mind. These days the bees are working less for Rob's art, and he's working more for the bees - becoming one of the leading bee-centric beekeepers in the area. He is a passionate advocate for regenerative beekeeping and values the species for what they bring to the agricultural landscape. Keller and his team manage roughly 100 bee colonies across the Napa Valley, including hives at several leading wineries and restaurants. To grow new stewards of the profession, ​
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Rob teaches beekeeping to adolescents at St. Helena Montessori. He encourages the kids and other beekeepers across the Valley to think and work like a cooperative. “Each colony of bees is not ‘mine’
or ‘yours’ - they’re ‘ours’ and part of a bigger Valley-wide colony.” Coming full circle, Rob eventually found himself back at UCD in their Master Beekeeping Program. He is considered NCBA’s master beekeeper and has become an inspirational leader and educator of regenerative beekeeping throughout Northern California.
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​Martin Podell
Originally from Colorado, a baker, miller, beekeeper, ordained minister and Birkenstock enthusiast, Martin keeps himself busy. He is committed to promoting local plants, pollinators, food and community throughout the Napa Valley.
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​Christine Waskowiak
A resident of Napa Valley for over 30 years, Christine is an educator, avid native plant advocate, outdoorsperson, and beekeeper. She is very happy to support new beekeepers, and equally enjoys helping both all bee and pollinator enthusiasts plan gardens and landscapes that are bountiful sources of pollen, nectar and habitat.
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