Get in touch with the Copper Mark team
STAFF
Michèle Brülhart – Executive Director
With over 10 years of experience working on the design, implementation and independent assessment of sustainability standards, Michèle has evaluated and assisted companies at every level of the supply chain—from raw material to end product—and across multiple materials. She was previously the Director of Innovations at the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and served as the Head of Auditing at RCS Global for several years. Prior to her work at RCS Global, she held roles focused on responsible sourcing at Underwriters Laboratories, the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and STR Responsible Sourcing.
Michèle is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Email: michele.brulhart@coppermark.org
Hillary Amster – Director of Assurance and Impact
Hillary has both strategic and operational experience in the field of corporate social responsibility throughout supply chains and across industries. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Audit Operations at the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), where she oversaw the operational and quality management of RBA’s social and supply chain audit programs, including the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process. Previously, she consulted Fortune 500 companies, advising them on the development and implementation of corporate social responsibility strategies. Hillary formerly worked at a number of international human rights organizations across the globe. She holds a law degree with a certificate in international human rights from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Italian Studies from Tufts University.
Hillary is based in Stamford, CT, USA.
Email: hillary.amster@coppermark.org
Luke Balleny - Director of Standards and Partnerships
Luke has many years of experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders to assist responsible mining and metals companies in their efforts to contribute effectively to sustainable development. He was previously a Manager at the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) where he led their tax, transparency and governance work, helped to develop ICMM’s Mining Principles and managed ICMM’s commodity and national/regional association members. Prior to joining ICMM, Luke worked as a journalist at the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters and before that as a corporate compliance officer focusing on anti-bribery, corruption and ethics. Luke has a BA from Brown University in International Relations and a MA from The School of Oriental and African Studies in International Studies and Diplomacy.
Luke is based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Email: luke.balleny@coppermark.org
Alicia Polo y La Borda - Director of Outreach
Immersed in the mining industry for twenty years with positions including mineral economics and market analysis, business strategy and development, mining policy and project management. Professional experience in Peru, Chile, the UK and the US includes positions at APOYO Consultoría, Peru Ministry of Energy and Mines, CRU, Anglo American and the Colorado School of Mines. Alicia has a Bachelor of Economics from Universidad del Pacífico (Lima, Peru), Master of Laws (LLM) in Mining Law and Policy (Dundee, Scotland) and Technical knowledge acquired through work experience.
Alicia is based in Denver, Colorado, US.
Margarita Estrada - Operations Manager
Margarita Estrada has a decade of experience in social compliance audits, auditor training and supply chain compliance monitoring. She began her career as a social compliance auditor and later focused on auditor training and performance. Before joining the Copper Mark, Margarita worked implementing the sustainability program at Fanatics Apparel. Margarita holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla and a Diploma in Social Impact Assessment and Consultation from the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales.
Margarita is based in Mexico City, Mexico.