Mara Elana Burstein has over 15 years of experience working on climate change, energy and air quality issues. She is the founder and CEO of Natural Resource Strategies (NRS), an environmental consulting firm providing clients with strategy, management, policy and communications. NRS supports the Luskin Center for Innovation by helping finalize reports, strategically sharing research results and anything else needed.

Previously, Mara was the deputy director of the environmental health department for the City of Albuquerque. She was responsible for managing and meeting clean air standards in the City and Bernalillo County. Mara has also served as an environmental policy advisor for the Southern California Gas Company and a program manager for Environment Now, a private family foundation.

Mara has a master of public administration in environmental science & policy from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs. She received her undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Willamette University.

Mara is also a working artist based in New Mexico.