John Martinson Elected to Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition Board
John Martinson, co-founder and president of the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition.
The Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition (VSCCC) is an Arizona-based nonprofit organization working to advance cleaner, more efficient transportation across central and northern Arizona. It is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s nationwide Clean Cities and Communities network, a partnership of more than 75 regional coalitions that help communities reduce petroleum use, improve air quality, strengthen energy security, and deploy alternative transportation technologies.
DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona’s statewide program under the U.S. Department of Energy’s DRIVE Electric USA initiative. It works with utilities, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, dealerships, community organizations, and volunteers to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through education, outreach, vehicle showcases, Ride & Drives, and community partnerships.
Martinson co-founded the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona with Peter Culin, who serves as vice president and board chair of both organizations. Together, Martinson and Culin have helped build a growing grassroots movement that brings EV education, community events, vehicle showcases, Ride & Drives, and partnership-building to communities throughout Arizona.
The appointment also builds on a strong relationship between DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. The two organizations have worked together since DRIVE Electric Arizona’s founding, and VSCCC Executive Director Don Covert serves as secretary of DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Executive Committee.
Martinson brings decades of business, nonprofit, community leadership, and sustainability experience to the coalition’s board. He earned an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability. His appointment will further strengthen the connection between Arizona’s grassroots electric vehicle community and the broader network of organizations working to advance cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient transportation.
Martinson will continue in his leadership roles with both DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association while taking on his new responsibilities with the VSCCC Board of Directors. He looks forward to supporting the coalition’s work, expanding regional partnerships, and helping Arizona communities and fleets navigate the transition to cleaner transportation technologies.
“This is an opportunity to bring more people and organizations to the table,” Martinson said. “Arizona’s transportation future will be shaped by collaboration, practical solutions, and a willingness to share knowledge and resources. I am honored to contribute to that work.”