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 – Chief Operating Officer
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 and Research
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.
Email: alicia.poloylaborda@coppermark.org
Emöke Muzs – Operations Manager
Emöke Muzs brings a distinguished record of accomplishments in sustainability and supply chain management, with a proven history of implementing impactful CSR strategies and fostering sustainable practices, to her role as Operations Manager at The Copper Mark. In her most recent role at Intertek Holding Deutschland GmbH, Emöke implemented global CSR initiatives for a German industrial engineering and steel production multinational conglomerate and was responsible for the EDGE certification scheme management. Emöke’s prior experience as a Key Account Manager at Arche Advisors Inc. and Underwriter Laboratories Inc. further underscores her adeptness in navigating complex organizational terrains and delivering tangible outcomes. Her proficiency in managing cross-functional teams and overseeing sustainability projects on a global scale aligns seamlessly with The Copper Mark’s objectives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business Management from Reading University.
Emöke is based in Leipzig, Germany
Email: emoeke.muzs@coppermark.org