Leadership Changes: Growing Together, Leading in New Roles
Beginning October 1, 2026, DRIVE Electric Arizona (DEAZ) and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association (VOTSEVA) will take the next step in the evolution of two organizations.
John Martinson and Peter Culin co-founded both Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association (VOTSEVA) and DRIVE Electric Arizona (DEAZ) and have worked side by side to build a statewide network of EV owners, volunteers, community leaders and partners. As the organizations have matured, the two are taking on more clearly defined executive responsibilities while continuing to work closely together.
Peter Culin will take over as President and thus chapter leader of VOTSEVA, leading its growing Phoenix-area community of EV owners and volunteers. Peter will also help DEAZ's new Chapter Leaders to recruit and develop volunteers and plan and produce successful local events. He will serve as VOTSEVA's primary liaison with the national Electric Vehicle Association.
John Martinson will remain President of DRIVE Electric Arizona and take on the role of Chair of its Board of Directors. John will focus on strengthening DEAZ's governance, holding more regular Board meetings, developing grant and major funding opportunities, and working with statewide stakeholders, chapters and partners. He will continue as the primary liaison with DRIVE Electric USA and Clean Cities and Communities.
The new roles reflect how the organizations have grown: Peter will concentrate more on people, volunteers, chapters and events, while John will concentrate more on governance, funding, partnerships and statewide strategy. Both will continue working together across the two organizations.