Meet Our Board of Directors

Elected 01/22/2026

Vickie Watts

President
​Executive Director

Vickie Watts is a 2003 graduate of Lubbock Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She brings more than 22 years of experience from a prominent communications company, where she serves as an Associate Director, combining strategic leadership with a strong commitment to people and community. 
An avid beekeeper for the past six years, Vickie is currently an Advanced-level participant in the Texas Master Beekeeper Program, actively working toward achieving Master Beekeeper certification. Deeply involved in the apiary community, she also serves as the Real Texas Honey Chairman. Vickie authored the Caprock Beekeepers Association (CBA) Certified Program and co-developed the CBA Beginner and Intermediate Beekeeping curriculum, helping educate and mentor beekeepers across all experience levels.
​Outside of her professional and beekeeping pursuits, Vickie enjoys motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, rearing chickens and quail, and baking. Her diverse interests reflect a deep appreciation for hands-on learning, self-sufficiency, and the outdoors.

Micheal Gilliland

Vice President
​Program and Training Director

Michael Gilliland brings a unique blend of scientific curiosity and creative precision to the hive. A dual-threat graduate of McMurry University (1997), he holds a B.A. in Oil Painting and a B.S. in Biology—a background that serves him well in understanding both the delicate anatomy of the honeybee and the natural beauty of the apiary.
By day, Michael is a seasoned leader in the creative industry, serving as the Graphic Arts Creative Supervisor at Game One, where he has spent the last 25 years honing his eye for detail and team management. Though he has been a beekeeper for two years, Michael is a dedicated student of the craft. He is currently working toward his Apprentice certification through the Texas Master Beekeeper Program (TMBP).
​When he isn't tending to his bees, you can find him leaning into his "maker" roots—whether he’s gardening, wood carving, or tying intricate flies for his next fly-fishing trip.

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Clint Conner

Publications Director

Clint Conner brings a unique blend of business acumen, clinical experience, and holistic wellness expertise to his work. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 1995 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2007, giving him the ability to bridge strategic planning, patient care, and long-term financial and lifestyle well-being. As a certified holistic health practitioner, clinical manager, and financial retirement specialist, Clint helps individuals and families build sustainable health and financial strategies through education, prevention, and practical solutions. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid beekeeper working toward his Texas Master Beekeeper Program (TMBP) Apprentice certification and enjoys herb gardening, officiating high school sports, and playing guitar.

Michael Lawson

Treasurer

Michael Lawson, retired from the Big Box retail world, is a beekeeper, fisherman, hunter, outdoorsman and conservation-minded educator born and raised on the South Plains of West Texas. A Native American steward of the land, he brings over 15 years of hands-on beekeeping experience rooted in sustainability, self-sufficiency, and respect for natural systems. Michael is currently working toward Texas Master Beekeeper (TMB) Apprentice certification and is deeply committed to pollinator conservation and community education.
His work blends traditional knowledge with practical innovation, focusing on resilient apiary practices that support healthy ecosystems and long-term environmental stewardship.

James Moorman

Secretary

Family-focused and passionate about nature conservation, James believes in saving our bees and loving the trees. He enjoys hobby farming, nature conservation, and of course, beekeeping. James has lived in Lynn County for 19 years and is a devoted father, husband and loves his furry baby dogs. He is also an old truck enthusiast.

Committee Leaders

The CBA Board of Directors will appoint a chairman to head specialized committees aimed at enhancing club organization.​

CBA Certified

Nathan Prueitt

​The CBA Certified* program ensures transparency, participation, and accountability through onsite inspections of apiaries in West Texas Caprock.

Developed in 2024, CBA Certified, aims to prevent mislabeling of honey sold as “West Texas Local” when sourced from far away.

CBA Board of Directors History

2025
President, Gary Watts
Vice President, Todd Cepica
Publications Director, Vickie Watts
Treasurer, Nancy Norton
Secretary, James Moorman

2024
President, Gary Watts
Vice President, Cory Mason
Publications Director, Vickie Watts
​Treasurer, R.C. Lewis
​Secretary, R.C. Lewis

2023
President, Thom Jackson
First Vice President, Gary Watts
Second Vice President, R.C. Lewis
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Vickie Watts

2022
President, Daniel Hernandez
First Vice President, Melody Harrington
Second Vice President, R.C. Lewis
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Heather Johnson

2021
President, Daniel Hernandez
First Vice President, Melody Harrington
Second Vice President
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary

2020
President, Thom Jackson
First Vice President, Melody Harrington
Second Vice President, David Naugher
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Vickie Watts

2019
President, Thom Jackson
First Vice President, Scott Stephenson
Second Vice President, David Naugher
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Patricia Bodine

2018
President, David Naugher
First Vice President, Scott Stephenson
Second Vice President, Don Taylor
​Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Patricka Bodine

​2017
President, David Naugher
First Vice President, Benton Kastman
Second Vice President, Don Taylor
Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Nick Smith

2016 - Founders
President, David Naugher
First Vice President, Benton Kastman
Second Vice President, Don Taylor
Treasurer, Wendell Tucker
Secretary, Nick Smith

David Naugher

President

2016-2018

Benton Kastman

1st Vice President

2016-2017

Don Taylor

2nd Vice President

2016-2018

Wendell Tucker

Treasurer

2016-2023

Nick Smith

Secretary

2016-2017