Beadie Chester Senior Philanthropy Officer
- Staff
Before joining the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, Beadie Chester accrued more than twenty years of experience in marketing, product development, manufacturing and supply chain management. She then transitioned to the real estate industry, where she spent 7 years. Her real passion has been philanthropy, and she has sat on the boards of five non-profits over the last twenty years.
Chester has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to more than a dozen charitable organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Rockwall County Helping Hands, Pantry/Thrift Shop, Patriot Paws and the American Heart Association.
Beadie is married to Jim Chester and has four children. She currently lives in Heath, Texas.
A Conversation with Beadie Chester
What would you tell a student who is considering joining the Lyon Center research team?
Do it!! Dr. Reyna has developed an immersive, hands-on program. While there is essential classroom study, students also have the opportunity to conduct research directly with the birds, both in the lab and at our numerous research field stations. Currently, a state-of-the-art 30-acre facility is under construction, which will significantly enhance our research opportunities.
What aspects of the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research and its work inspired you to focus your career there?
Every true Texan has a passion for Texas land and wildlife. This state is blessed with the most eclectic topography and a series of unique ecosystems. Our responsibility is to preserve as much of this natural beauty as possible. Though I do not have a scientific background, I can help by raising funds to support research that aids the declining gamebird population.
Under the leadership of renowned quail biologist Dr. Kelly Reyna, the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research is leading a national effort to replenish gamebird populations, starting right here in Texas. This program is the perfect intersection of research, education and conservation to discover cutting-edge information that will transform the future of gamebirds and gamebird specialists.
Educational Background
- MBA, Logistics and Supply Chain Engineering, University of Dallas
- BBA, Southern Methodist University
Organizations
- Rockwall Women's League
- Founders Garden Club of Dalla
- Young Men's Service League
- Texas Daffodil Society
- Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church