Helaina is a senior leader with a proven track record of finding solutions for today’s most difficult challenges. She has a vast global network and extensive experience as a foreign policy strategist, negotiator, advisor, diplomat, and change agent on international economic and climate policy issues.
Over the past 14 years, she has developed and launched several high-priority U.S. government initiatives from the White House and State Department across several Republican and Democratic administrations. These efforts have culminated in billions of dollars of public and private investments that further U.S. national security interests related to critical mineral supply chains, energy security, AI deployment and infrastructure.
Helaina currently serves as the Chief Strategic Development Officer at TechMet Ltd. where she leads strategic partnership and business development.
Most recently she served as the U.S. government’s global infrastructure and investment envoy focused on securing western supply chains, U.S. market access and economic development opportunities in emerging markets. In that role, Helaina served as a key critical mineral and supply chain expert, representing USG priorities globally – including serving as the lead architect for the Lobito Corridor – the flagship G7 economic corridor connecting the west to the copper/cobalt belt.
Prior to government service she spent several years in the private sector managing board relations, institutional fundraising, and program development for various trade associations and NGOs.
Helaina holds a B.A. in International Affairs and an M.A. in Public Administration and Energy Management from George Washington University.
In addition to The Commodities Club, Helaina is affiliated to the boards of Energy Source Minerals, Xerion Metals, and Techmet SCM.