Liana Downey
CEO
Liana Downey is a recognised thought-leader in the areas of the energy transition, education and evidence-based policy-development. Downey’s experience includes commercial advisory roles in renewables and agri-tech, interim CEO at Blueprint, and Deputy Secretary for NSW Department of Education. She co-led the sustainability and public sector practices at McKinsey & Company, led a national policy climate research project (Common Ground on Climate), developed Australia’s first Greenhouse Gas Abatement Cost Curve and led a boutique government strategic advisory firm with offices in Sydney and New York.
Downey, GAICD, holds an MBA from Stanford University (Arjay Miller Scholar). Downey is the author of a numerous articles and papers and a book Publisher’s Weekly called a “must-read”, Mission Control: How Nonprofits and Governments can Focus, Achieve More and Change the World, was a former special advisor to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, taught public policy at New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Policy and is an experienced Board Director.
Mark Ouliaris
Senior Researcher
Mark is an accomplished economist and thought leader with a decade of experience working in research institutes, think tanks, and the private sector. His published research has centred on a spatial analysis of Canada’s renewable energy endowment and a pathway towards decarbonisation. His commentary has featured in major masthead newspapers around Australia. Prior to joining Blueprint Institute, his passion for pragmatic and evidence-based policy reform led to stints at the Institute of Health and Social Policy at McGill University—a multidisciplinary institute for research in support of effective social policy—and Reset Australia—an initiative working to counter digital threats to democracy across the world. Mark holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science (First Class Honours) from McGill University.
Contact: [email protected]
Jessica Coburn
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Jessica has over 10 years of experience working as a high-level Executive Assistant and Office Manager. Her previous employers have included the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and University of East Anglia. She previously resided in the UK and has a myriad of experience with different organisations (including a major book distributor and the Premier League). Her interests include adding to her extensive cookbook collection, restoring vintage furniture and gardening. Jessica recently completed Mental Health First Aid training.
Contact: [email protected]
Claire Poulton
Researcher
Claire holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Sydney with a specialisation in social research. Her thesis examined evolving conceptions of sovereignty and the nature of global environmental agreements. She has also completed a Bachelor of Communication and Media studies. Prior to joining Blueprint she worked in several digital marketing agencies, crafting strategic communication campaigns for clients in the non for profit, financial services and business space.
Contact: [email protected]
Jae Lubberink
Researcher
Jae holds a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) from the University of Queensland and plans for further postgraduate study abroad. He completed a major of Economics with a focus on behavioural economics, complementing a research background in applied philosophy, geopolitics and public policy. His Honours thesis modelled the behavioural drivers of speculative asset markets, examining the implications for public policy design in the Australian housing market. He is also an impact investing and climate tech enthusiast, and is an inaugural Climate Fellow at Startmate.
Contact: [email protected]
Sophie Black
Researcher
Sophie holds a MA (Hons.) in International Relations from the University of St Andrews and a Graduate Diploma of Law from the University of Law in London. Her research focuses on marginalised groups in society and she has previously written papers exploring how feminist approaches can inform policies related to human trafficking and the reintegration of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs). Sophie has experience in international development ranging from domestic non-profit organisations to volunteer projects abroad.
Contact: [email protected]