Meet the Leadership
John S Martinson - Co-Founder & President
John S. Martinson is an entrepreneur, sustainability leader, and clean transportation advocate working to accelerate Arizona's transition to electric mobility.
As Co-Founder and President of DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, John leads statewide efforts to expand EV adoption through education, Ride & Drives, dealership engagement, strategic partnerships, and outreach to urban, rural, Native, and underserved communities. His work brings together utilities, local governments, tribal nations, dealerships, fleets, nonprofits, and educational institutions to make electric transportation more practical, affordable, and accessible.
John brings more than four decades of Arizona business, nonprofit, and civic leadership experience. He co-founded China Mist Tea Company in 1982 and helped build it into a national specialty beverage brand before its sale in 2016. He previously served as Board President of Valley Leadership and has been active in numerous civic, sustainability, arts, and community organizations across Arizona, including his recent election to the Board of Directors of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition.
A longtime EV driver, John leased one of the original GM EV1s and has owned or leased 10 electric vehicles since. He holds an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University's School of Sustainability and focuses on practical, benefits-driven solutions that strengthen communities, reduce transportation costs, improve air quality, and support Arizona's clean energy future.
Peter Culin - Co-Founder, Board Chair & Vice President
Peter is a career logistics professional who launched his own business in 2010, establishing an agency location for Scan Global Logistics.
His family’s journey toward sustainability began in 2015 with the purchase of a gently used Nissan LEAF. In 2018, they added a second EV, followed by rooftop solar panels, a home battery backup system, and most recently, a rainwater retention system. Each step reflects Peter’s commitment to living — and leading — a more sustainable lifestyle to create a better future for both the planet and the next generation.
Originally from Westchester County, New York, Peter is married to Rachel Culin. The couple are the proud parents of two. Peter currently drives a 2023 Rivian R1S.
Marc Wenning - IT & Web Design
Marc brings over 20 years of experience in the IT field, with deep expertise in SharePoint, O365, and more recently in process documentation, process automation, RPA, and e-signature solutions.
A committed clean energy adopter, Marc installed solar panels on his home in 2009. He purchased his first EV — a Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD — in 2018 and today drives a 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance.
Bob Levitan – Secretary
Bob spent over 26 years as co-owner and Director of Operations for a five-store chain of award-winning, independently owned paint and decorating stores in the metro Boston area. He and his business partner sold the company in 2016. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years in the retail and wholesale building materials industry. Today, Bob provides consulting services to independent paint and decorating retailers, advising on all aspects of business — from start-up to exit strategy.
Bob has a long record of community involvement, serving over a decade as a board member for a nonprofit house of worship and contributing his expertise to its new building design and construction committee.
His EV journey began in 2019 with an Audi e-tron SUV. Today, his household drives two Lucid Airs GTs (2022 GT and 2024 T) and powers them with rooftop solar panels and home battery storage. A strong advocate for clean transportation, Bob is passionate about educating the public on the benefits of EV ownership, dispelling myths, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Bob and his wife have owned a home in Scottsdale since 2008 and became full-time Arizona residents in 2018.
Rachel Culin – Treasurer
Rachel began her electric vehicle journey in 2015 with a used 2012 Nissan LEAF and now drives a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, appreciating the freedom from range anxiety. She and her family prioritize living a sustainable lifestyle, incorporating solar panels, a Powerwall backup system, and rainwater retention to reduce their environmental impact.
Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University (2006) and has a strong background in Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Business Administration. She plays a critical administrative and Human Resources role in the small freight business she and her husband own.
Currently serving as the Treasurer of DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun EVA, Rachel is passionate about creating a more equitable and sustainable future. She believes that electric vehicles play a pivotal role in achieving this goal and is committed to advocating for clean transportation solutions. Rachel and her husband, Peter, are raising their two children with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
