Ophelia Cowell directs the Program Delivery and Innovation, Strategy and Performance Division at Investment NSW. Prior to this role, Cowell directs the Economic Analysis and Evaluation Branch (EAEB) at NSW Treasury which specialises in putting evidence-based policy into practice. By working with agencies to improve the evidence base EAEB helps inform Government decisions so that public funds go to the actions and social policies that deliver the greatest public value.

Before joining the public sector, Cowell worked in Europe, Asia and Latin America leading an international program of academic research and evidence-based energy policy development in 12 developing countries.

Ophelia has been giving two to three guest lectures for Delivering Public Value subject at various participant universities like UNSW and Melbourne University for ANZSOG.

Cowell holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science and an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) through the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).

Ophelia is a 2023-2024 Alumni Ambassador. To find out more about the Alumni Ambassador program, click here.