Inside the Colorado Legislature: Pollinator Protection in the 2026 Session

Meet Our Presenters

Melissa Ordelheide joined Siegel Long Public Affairs (SLPA) in 2021, bringing with her a strong background in state government and a keen understanding of the legislative process, gained from her prior experience working at the Colorado State Legislature. Known for her organizational strength and clear, strategic thinking, Melissa excels at building lasting relationships with both policymakers and clients.

Since joining SLPA, Melissa has played a key role in advancing impactful legislation. Her work includes securing clean water protections for mobile home park residents, phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals, preserving Camp Hale, and championing students’ rights to wear cultural items at graduation. Each of these wins reflects her deep commitment to equity, environmental justice, and community empowerment.

Melissa holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Outside of her policy work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and four children, whether relaxing at home, heading to the mountains, or enjoying weekends at the lake.

Joyce Kennedy is the Executive Director of People and Pollinators Action Network (PPAN), and a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. In her multi-faceted role, Joyce directs organizational development and project implementation. She leads PPAN’s advocacy work, helps to build our grassroots constituency, and develops community outreach and municipally-based programs.

She has worked as an environmental professional for more than 20 years for consulting firms, nonprofits, and the National Park Service. Prior to her work as a pollinator advocate, Joyce’s environmental work focused on rivers in New England, where she was also involved in establishing Connecticut’s statewide ban on pesticides on K-8 school grounds.

Mark Surls is the Colorado State Coordinator at Project Coyote. In this role, he helps to expand the organization’s core programs and campaigns throughout Colorado.



Mark’s diverse career journey has taken him from trading stocks to living in a village in sub-Saharan Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer, to embracing the role of stay-at-home dad and championing wildlife advocacy. Throughout it all, he has followed his heart and passions, making decisions that reflect his deep commitment to making a positive impact. In the process, he has discovered that open, honest communication is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Mark also has passions for wildlife photography and wildlife advocacy. He focuses on combating some of the most pressing issues facing carnivores today, including the senseless killing of native carnivores through poison and unlimited hunting and trapping for fur, as well as promoting education on peaceful coexistence with these vital animals. He believes firmly in the power of people to create change and is dedicated to guiding those who want to stand up for wildlife and speak out for the protection of our wild spaces.

Lena Freij is an Attorney and Policy Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) where she works to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides that are harmful to human health and wildlife.

Prior to joining NRDC, Lena was the Honors Attorney Fellow at EPA Region 10, where she brought administrative enforcement actions against violators of air, waste, pesticide, and toxics statutes. Lena holds a bachelor's degree in environmental science and policy from California State University, Long Beach and earned her JD from UCLA Law School.

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