Melanie Kesner has joined the Thornburg Foundation as Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer, bringing more than a decade of experience in legislative advocacy, coalition building, and strategic communications.
SANTA FE – The Thornburg Foundation announced that Melanie Kesner joined the Foundation as its Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer on October 28, 2026. An Albuquerque native, Kesner brings more than a decade of experience turning community priorities into policy through legislative advocacy, coalition building, and strategic communications.
Kesner will work across the Foundation’s initiatives to strengthen coordinated advocacy and communications, bringing a record of advancing bipartisan legislation and building coalitions that put people most affected by policy decisions at the center of developing solutions.
“Melanie brings the ability to connect community experience, policy expertise, and effective advocacy that addresses systemic issues,” said Allan Oliver, President of the Thornburg Foundation. “She knows how to build strong coalitions, navigate complex policy challenges, and communicate a compelling case for change. That combination will be an asset to our partners across New Mexico.”
Most recently, Kesner served as Senior Colorado State Director at Young Invincibles, leading policy, organizing, communications, and regional operations for a national young adult advocacy organization. During Colorado’s 2026 legislative session, she led advocacy that helped secure the passage of more than 20 organization-supported bills and mobilized 21 young adults to testify. She also founded Colorado’s only student-led higher education policy coalition, creating a platform for students to shape the policies affecting their education and economic futures.
As Public Policy Director at the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, Kesner brought together directly impacted leaders, businesses, faith communities, and policy organizations, building decision-making structures that embedded lived experience in policy development and campaign strategy. Her advocacy advanced automated record sealing, passed renters’ rights and affordable housing policies, repealed Colorado’s death penalty, and passed criminal justice reforms.
“Returning home to New Mexico is an opportunity to bring what I’ve learned back to the community that raised me,” said Kesner. “I’m excited to work alongside the Foundation’s team and partners to help turn strong ideas and community priorities into lasting change.”
Kesner holds bachelor's degrees in international studies and religious studies from the University of Denver and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver.
Founded in 1999, Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation based in Santa Fe that seeks to advance systems change that serves the public good. The Foundation uses an evidence-based strategic approach to make grants to nonprofits focused on K-12 Education, Water, Land and Agriculture, Pursuing Public Funds, Housing, and Homelessness. For more information, visit thornburgfoundation.org.