NPHA Board of Directors
Dr. Jonathan Mawdsley
Mark Wimer
Melanie Steinkamp
Board Chair
Dr. Jonathan Mawdsley is a Harvard- and Cornell-trained entomologist with more than 30 years studying biodiversity across five continents. A Research Associate at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and former Chief of the USGS Cooperative Research Units Program, he has shaped conservation science across government, philanthropy, and publishing. Ask him about bees and he'll probably pull out a specimen. At the National Pollinator Health Alliance, he brings that depth to the urgent work of connecting pollinator health to human health and food access.
Vice Chair
Mark followed his passion for studying birds throughout his career in non-profit and government roles. As a biologist at the US Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland, Mark developed data management and mapping tools with state and federal partners. He shifted to a broader science management role as Deputy Director of the Center, leading IT, budget and communication goals for science operations. In 2025, he retired from his role as National Wildlife Program Manager with the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, where he managed funding and coordination of a portfolio ranging from bison to bumble bees to bears. Now, he is most likely outdoors following winged fauna around with binoculars or a camera.
Secretary
Melanie is a wildlife ecologist with 30+ years experience advancing science to inform natural resource management across federal and state agencies. She currently serves at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, where she leads national efforts at the intersection of energy development, wildlife conservation, and invasive species management, working closely with government, industry, and NGOs to inform on-the-ground decision-making. Melanie holds a Master of Public Health from Imperial College London with a focus on the connections between ecosystem health and human well-being, emphasizing how environmental change, biodiversity, and species management influence community resilience and health outcomes.
NPHA Affiliates
Mary Pfaffko
Trish Roberts
Government Relations Director
Mary is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with 20 years of experience in wildlife biology, conservation, and policy. She has worked for state fish and wildlife agencies and NGOs where she partnered with Congress, federal agencies, and organizations in support of nongame wildlife. She is an expert in State Wildlife Action Plans, and most recently served as a lobbyist who worked with Congress to introduce and support wildlife conservation laws. It’s no surprise that her hobbies include watching birds, reptiles, amphibians, and of course, pollinators.
operations manager
With 15+ years of experience working with small businesses, Trish’s background spans event planning, startup operations at an early-stage app company, and ongoing work with small business owners through her company, Bear Virtual LLC. She also co-founded Rt. 1 Mutual Aid, whose weekly food drive feeds 200+ Prince George's County residents through donations, partnerships, and volunteers. Trish’s love of science fuels her commitment to pollinators and the equitable food access that depends on them, for generations to come.