Andrea Blair
INTERNATIONAL GEOTHERMAL ASSOCIATION / WOMEN IN GEOTHERMAL (WING) / UPFLOW
President / Global Board / Founder
Andy is the President of the International Geothermal Association and co-founder (2017) of Upflow, a geothermal science, research and innovation company that builds expert teams to provide intelligent solutions to global industry.
The nexus between science, business and community is where her expertise sits. She has a deep understanding of the drivers relating to the business of science, and a proven ability to turn scientific ideas into economic gains.
In her previous role as Business Development Manager at GNS Science (NZ) Andy was responsible for leading and coordinating sub-surface geothermal geoscience contracts worldwide for over 10 years.
Awarded the role of Geothermal Business Development Lead for New Zealand (2017-2020), Andy was tasked with driving commercial investment in geothermal industrial direct use projects. The desired outcome was the development of large projects with significant positive impacts on local economies, communities, and the environment.
Andy has experience in leading strategic planning and tactical thinking across several industries including governance roles that required strategic investment decision making. This includes chairing the commercial arm of a Māori organisation with a significant geothermal asset base (~$500m).
Co-founder (2013), previous Global Chair (2013-2020) and current Global Board member for of Women in Geothermal (WING). Andy led the team that grew the organisation from 83 members to over 1800 members in 48 countries worldwide, making it the single largest geothermal association in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, WING has grown into a global movement of people, both men and woman, supporting the empowerment and advancement of women within the industry.
“‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini taku hoa’ – My strength is not mine alone, rather my strength comes from many.