The Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce the formation of its new Industry Advisory Board, formally launched in the fourth quarter of 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the Institute’s evolution as a premier global hub for research and policy engagement at the intersection of energy, natural resources, environment, and security.
The Industry Advisory Board will serve as a strategic partner to the Payne Institute leadership team, providing expert guidance to enhance external engagement and solidify the Institute’s position as a world leader in evidence-based policy analysis.
The board comprises a diverse cohort of ten global leaders from the public and private sectors, representing deep expertise in finance, technology, mining, and governance. The inaugural members include:
- Dominic Perrottet – Vice President International Affairs and US, BHP
- Allyson Anderson Book – Chief Sustainability Officer, Baker Hughes
- Govind Friedland – Director, Ivanhoe Capital Corporation and LifeZone Metals
- John Lynch – Infrastructure Investments Group, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
- Emily Olson – Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Vale
- Shane Seibel – Executive Director, Southern Ute Growth Fund
- Joe Sopcisak – Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight
- Andrea Vaccari – Vice President, Responsible Production Frameworks & Sustainability, Freeport-McMoRan
- Vicky Peacey - President and General Manager, Resolution Copper
Strategic Mission and Vision
The Industry Advisory Board will provide a structured forum to share perspectives on the rapidly shifting global resource landscape. Its primary objectives include:
- Strategic Advice: Guiding research directions and policy engagement to ensure Payne continues to provide high-value, actionable insights.
- Networking & Visibility: Strengthening ties between Mines faculty and leading global organizations while amplifying the Institute's work within the private sector.
- Resilience & Growth: Identifying innovative funding and philanthropic opportunities to sustain and expand the Institute’s mission.
"The establishing of this board strengthens our ties with industry leaders while reinforcing our core commitment to impartial, high-quality technical rigor," said Morgan Bazilian.
The Board began its work in Q4 2025 and will convene virtually on a quarterly basis. This structure is designed to allow for high-level thought partnership and networking support without the fiduciary responsibilities of a formal governing board, ensuring members can focus on strategic impact.
About the Payne Institute for Public Policy
Located at the Colorado School of Mines, the Payne Institute is dedicated to advancing informed dialogue on energy, natural resources, and environmental policy. By leveraging a unique position at the nexus of technology and governance, the Institute provides data-driven insights for governments, industry, and civil society worldwide.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
