Meet the Leadership

John S Martinson

John co-founded China Mist Tea Company in his garage in 1982 and helped nurture it into a national and international food-service iced tea business before selling the company in the fall of 2016. Earlier that year, he earned an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability.

John became passionate about electric vehicles in 2000 as one of approximately 700 GM EV1 drivers. He drove the vehicle for three years before it was reclaimed. Ten years later, he purchased a Tesla Model S and has not owned an internal-combustion vehicle since.

On Earth Day 2022, John and Peter Culin co-founded the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association. In January 2024, they co-founded DRIVE Electric Arizona.

John is also the founder and administrator of the EV Road Trippers Facebook group, a community of more than 9,000 electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts.

John and his wife, Suzanne, live in Scottsdale’s Desert Foothills area. Their home includes rooftop solar, two Tesla Powerwall backup batteries, and two wall-mounted Level 2 chargers. John drives a Rivian R1T Quad Motor and a Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Peter Culin

Peter has built a successful career in logistics, including launching his own agency location in 2010 and helping businesses navigate complex transportation and supply-chain challenges.

His passion for sustainability began in 2015 when his family purchased a used Nissan LEAF. That first electric vehicle sparked a lasting commitment to electric mobility and clean energy. Since then, the family has expanded its electric fleet and installed solar panels, battery backup, and a rainwater-retention system.

Peter studied chemistry at the University of Connecticut before transitioning to business finance at Central Connecticut State University. He relocated to Arizona in 2006, where he has continued pursuing his interests in innovation, sustainability, and community service.

Today, his household’s electric garage includes a Rivian R1S, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, and the family’s original Nissan LEAF, which is still going strong.

As Vice President and Co-Founder of DRIVE Electric Arizona, Peter is proud to advocate for electric vehicles and help people throughout Arizona experience the practical, financial, and environmental benefits of driving electric.

Don Covert

Don is the Executive Director of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit organization designated by the U.S. Department of Energy to advocate for clean domestic transportation fuels.

The coalition works to improve regional air quality by advancing alternative fuels and clean transportation technologies.

Don has 30 years of experience as an energy engineer with Southwest Gas Corporation. During his career, he also served as a board member of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. After retiring from Southwest Gas in 2020, he became the coalition’s director.

Don is passionate about educating communities and promoting clean transportation technologies. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Arizona on his dirt bike and spending time with his family and five grandchildren.

Rachel Culin

Rachel began her electric vehicle journey in 2015 with a used 2012 Nissan LEAF and now drives a Chevrolet Bolt EUV. She and her family prioritize sustainable living through rooftop solar, battery backup, rainwater retention, and electric transportation.

Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University in 2006 and has extensive experience in accounting, bookkeeping, and business administration.

She also plays an important administrative and human resources role in the freight business she operates with her husband, Peter.

As Treasurer of DRIVE Electric Arizona, Rachel is passionate about building a more equitable and sustainable future. She believes electric vehicles can play a pivotal role in that transition and is committed to advocating for accessible clean transportation solutions.

Shaun Barnette

Shaun lives in Goodyear and has worked as a school bus driver for six years. Before beginning his career in student transportation, he retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office after 25 years of service.

His personal philosophy is simple: be an asset to your community. Shaun uses his experience and training to transport students safely to educational opportunities. He sees fleet electrification as the next step in improving student transportation safety by reducing exposure to harmful exhaust emissions.

An active member of the Electric Vehicle Association, Shaun enjoys taking road trips in his EV and participating in car shows, educational showcases, and Ride & Drive events.

Bill Brandt

Bill is an experienced university and global energy executive whose professional background includes governance, organizational delegation, mergers and acquisitions, renewable energy, and business development.

His specialties include innovation, strategic thinking, bringing technology to market, cross-cultural negotiation, customer value propositions, executive communication, and professional mentoring.

Bill brings an open, conscientious, and strategic approach to leadership, with a strong focus on achievement and collaborative problem-solving.

John Deming

John grew up in a small Northeastern town and learned early in life the importance of using education and experience to serve others. He studied hospitality management and marketing at Florida State University before building a 40-year sales career serving the restaurant, newspaper, and energy-conservation industries.

In 2023, John became his dealership’s EV Champion. His role includes training sales teams to properly present Ford electric vehicles, serving as an ambassador to local chambers of commerce, and helping customers feel confident and supported as they decide whether an EV is right for them.

John drives a Rapid Red Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. He is honored to serve alongside DRIVE Electric Arizona’s volunteer leaders and help the public better understand electric vehicles and the broader EV ecosystem.

Paul Hirt

Paul is an Emeritus Professor of History and Sustainability at Arizona State University. His research and teaching have focused on water, energy, and natural resources.

After retiring in 2020, Paul and his wife moved to the remote Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. They purchased their first Tesla Model 3 in 2017 and have owned only electric vehicles since 2020. They are also enthusiastic e-bike riders.

Paul served as an elected member of the Salt River Project Board of Directors from 2016 through 2020, where he advocated for a transition to clean energy and more sustainable water use.

After moving to rural Cochise County, Paul co-founded the Chiricahua Land Conservancy and currently serves as its president.

Ellen Kennedy

Ellen is a principal on RMI’s Carbon-Free Transportation team and manages its Clean, Equitable, Efficient Transportation initiative.

She leads an interdisciplinary team focused on equitable charging for multifamily communities, transitions to electric light-duty and shared-mobility options, and decarbonization strategies connecting transportation, housing, and land use.

Before joining RMI, Ellen served as the City of San Diego’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Program Manager and worked on residential charging programs for PG&E’s Regulatory and Compliance team.

She holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Minnesota, along with professional certificates in corporate sustainability, innovation, clean-energy financing, and sustainable infrastructure.

Carl Knapp

Carl is a retired electrical power generation application engineer and business development manager whose career included more than 14 years with Cummins.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Technological University, Carl began his career with the utility Indiana Michigan Power. He later held engineering, executive sales, and management roles with Square D, Schneider Electric, Thomas & Betts, ABB, and other technology-focused organizations.

At Cummins, Carl provided electrical engineering support for prime and emergency power systems while educating consulting firms, government entities, utilities, and major commercial users about power generation and emissions.

Carl’s lifelong experience with dyslexia inspired a passion for self-directed learning and emerging technologies. His interests include electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, electrical systems, and home-automation programming.

Bob Levitan

Bob was co-owner and Director of Operations for a five-store chain of independently owned paint and decorating stores in metropolitan Boston for 26 years. Before that, he spent 15 years in the retail and wholesale building-materials industry.

Today, Bob provides consulting services to independent paint and decorating retailers, assisting them with business matters ranging from startup through ownership transition and exit.

Bob began driving electric in 2019 with an Audi e-tron. Today, his household is fully electric and includes a Lucid Air GT and a Genesis Electrified G80. His Arizona home also features rooftop solar and battery storage.

Bob enjoys educating people about EV ownership, addressing common misconceptions, and helping protect the environment. He and his wife have owned a home in Scottsdale since 2008 and became full-time Arizona residents in 2018.

Suzanne Martinson, Ph.D.

Electric vehicles first entered Suzanne’s life in 2000 when her husband, John, leased a GM EV1. Its efficiency, unique design, and exhilarating acceleration offered an early look at the future of transportation.

Today, Suzanne drives a Tesla Model X that serves as a daily driver, family road-trip vehicle, and capable hauler. With wall-mounted EV chargers, Tesla Powerwall batteries, and rooftop solar, her appreciation for electric living continues to grow.

Suzanne’s work as an educator includes high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, with a focus on psychology, communication, and online learning.

As a communications professional, she works with nonprofit organizations and businesses to help them connect more effectively with their audiences and clients. Suzanne is proud to support DRIVE Electric Arizona’s statewide mission of EV awareness and education.

John Morrill

John’s first electrified vehicle was a Fisker Karma purchased in 2015. The vehicle used an electric drivetrain with approximately 50 miles of battery range and a small gasoline engine that operated only as a generator.

John quickly became captivated by the smooth, responsive driving experience and environmental advantages of electric transportation. He began bringing the Fisker to car shows and electric vehicle events, where he discovered a passion for engaging with the public.

Since then, John’s EV experience has included a Jaguar I-Pace, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia EV6, and Cadillac Lyriq. He has completed several long-distance trips in electric vehicles and regularly participates in DRIVE Electric Arizona showcases, rallies, and Ride & Drive events.

John draws upon personal experience and extensive research to help people better understand electric vehicles and make informed transportation decisions.

Nicolas “Nick” Quinones

Nick is an Electric Vehicle Strategy Program Manager at Salt River Project, one of the nation’s largest public power utilities. He has worked for SRP for more than 13 years.

Nick engages with internal and external stakeholders to support SRP’s long-term sustainability goals, including electric vehicle adoption, managed charging, grid reliability, and an improved customer experience.

Before beginning his current role, Nick worked to maintain SRP’s generation fleet and advocated on behalf of the utility on a variety of federal issues.

Nick purchased his first EV, a Cadillac Lyriq, in 2023. He is enthusiastic about the growing diversity of electric vehicles and the future potential of technologies such as solid-state batteries.

Marc Wenning

Marc has worked in information technology for more than 20 years. Much of his career has focused on SharePoint and Microsoft 365, with more recent work helping companies improve process documentation, process automation, robotic-process automation, and electronic signatures.

Marc installed solar panels on his home in 2009 and purchased his first electric vehicle, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, in 2018. He now drives a Tesla Model Y Performance.

Hans Klose

Hans is the founder and owner of Sovereign Sustainable Initiatives LLC, based on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The organization develops sustainable energy systems in Native American communities throughout the southwestern United States.

Hans serves on the Board of Directors of Plug In America and leads DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Native Nations work. He is also involved in chapter development, statewide advisory efforts, and the organization’s Native Communities Working Group.

Hans is an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. His father was a German immigrant, and his mother was a full-blooded Pima, or Akimel O’odham, woman.

He grew up on the Salt River, Gila River, and Tohono O’odham reservations before attending Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in religion.