Mara Elana Burstein has nearly 20 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 support. NRS assists 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 – responsible for meeting federal clean air standards locally. Mara has also served as an environmental policy advisor for the Southern California Gas Company and as 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.