Meet Your Candidates for the EVA Board of Directors
Ten candidates will be on the ballot for election to the national Electric Vehicle Association Board of Directors.
EVA members will choose from among the candidates to represent you on the national board, which sets our nonprofit organization’s direction and priorities.
You can learn more about them at a Meet the Candidates forum from 4 to 6 pm PT (7 to 9 pm ET) on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
There will be seven candidates elected as the board voted to expand from 9 to 11 members. Online voting begins immediately after the Meet the Candidates forum. EVA members will be emailed a ballot.
A three-member Nominating Committee (two current board members and one former board member) interviewed nominees and forwarded the names of the following people to appear on the ballot:
Jeffrey Almoney
State College, PA
Retired General Motors information technology executive
Electrification integration expertise
Digital systems deployment
“I am seeking a seat on the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) Board of Directors because I believe my background in large-scale technological transformation and strategic growth in the automotive industry aligns perfectly with the EVA’s mission at this critical juncture for electrification.
The transition to mass-market electric mobility requires more than just innovative vehicles; it demands robust infrastructure, clear policy, and a unified strategy to manage complex system integration. My professional experience has focused on leading efforts to address these exact challenges.
As the former Global Director of IT Architecture at General Motors, I was responsible for the strategic vision and deployment of extensive, integrated digital systems. This work is directly relevant to the core challenges facing EV adoption:
My expertise in large-scale systems architecture and data flows provides a technical understanding of the complexities involved in rapidly building and managing an innovative, accessible charging network.
I have a proven track record of integrating new technologies to expand capabilities and drive organizational growth, which is essential for scaling the EVA’s influence and impact across the nation.
I am eager to contribute my expertise to the EVA Board to help:
Advocate for intelligent infrastructure that utilizes technology to support scalable, reliable, and user-friendly charging solutions.
Assist the board and membership in navigating the technical and regulatory landscape of electrification.
The future of transportation is electric, and I am ready to bring my strategic and technological experience to the EVA Board to ensure we accelerate this progress together. I respectfully ask for your support.”
Patrick Anderson
Oceanside, CA
Mustang Mach-E Club of America and Ford EV Clubs cofounder
Digital content creator
Information technology expertise
“As an EV content creator, I have gained a lot of knowledge about the entire EV industry. By interviewing and meeting with EV and charging equipment engineers, cofounders, and others in the industry, I have a lot of insight into the current and future EV landscape.
In building the YouTube channel into a media entity with over 4.4 million lifetime views, I have learned how to message about the value and benefits that EVs offer to everyone.
The transition to electric mobility is a critical step toward a sustainable future, and I bring a unique combination of grassroots advocacy and governmental experience.
As the co-founder of the Mustang Mach-E Club of America and Ford EV Clubs, I have directly built and supported EV communities, giving me a deep understanding of the owner journey and industry needs.
Crucially, my prior service as a former member of the Centennial (Colorado) City Council demonstrates proven familiarity with governance and policy. I have also immersed myself in the EV sector by attending trade shows and interviewing industry leaders. In my career, I have been an IT professional for 30 years who has always been focused on what's next in technology.
As a board member, I will be a dynamic, digital-first voice focused on expanding the EVA’s relevance. I am ready to translate my grassroots passion into strategic, impactful governance.”
Naja Hayward-Dobson
Savannah, GA
Marketer
Publisher
Entrepreneur
“As an entrepreneur, creative strategist, and community builder, I’m passionate about driving innovation that connects people, business, and sustainability in meaningful ways. My work across multiple ventures, from publishing to local market development, has centered around building ecosystems that educate, empower, and inspire community participation.
I believe the transition to electric mobility is not just a technological shift, but a cultural one and a chance to rethink how we move, live, and sustain our communities. As a Tesla owner and advocate for clean, conscious living, I’ve seen firsthand how curiosity and access shape adoption.
My goal as a board member would be to help amplify outreach, build partnerships that increase visibility for EV initiatives, and create engaging, story-driven campaigns that make electric vehicles approachable and aspirational for everyday drivers.
I bring to the board a combination of creative vision, marketing expertise, and community experience, all grounded in a genuine commitment to sustainability and education. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate, contribute, and help further the mission of the Electric Vehicle Association.”
Kathryn Urquhart Dunican
Redondo Beach, CA
Fundraiser
EV advocate
Clean transportation leader
“I believe the EVA plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s transition to electric transportation - from amplifying the voices of local advocates to influencing national dialogue. That’s why I am committed to strengthening that impact through strategic leadership, fundraising, and collaboration across chapters and partners.
With nearly 20 years advancing clean transportation initiatives, I have led and advised programs that secured multi-year funding from automakers, utilities, government agencies and other stakeholders to expand EV education and adoption nationwide.
I bring policy and advocacy experience, as well as a data-informed, inclusive approach to decision-making, focused on aligning mission, resources, and measurable outcomes.
As a board member, I want to expand EVA’s reach, diversify funding opportunities for chapters, and ensure our collective voice continues to drive sustainable mobility across every community - keeping EVA’s chapters at the heart of making that vision real.
On a personal note, I enjoy EV road trips to the mountains with my husband and two dogs, which continually reminds me of why accelerating EV adoption matters.”
David Ewing
Brookhaven, GA
Transportation consultant
Electrical engineer
EV charging project leader
“After working as a transportation consultant in automated transport for over 15 years, I learned that the policy and public knowledge about technology are oftentimes more important than the technology itself.
As an electrical engineer from Georgia Tech, I learned that people tend to embrace the most clear solution and not necessarily the best solution. I would like to help and continue to shift the dynamic of public perception on EVs in Georgia from end users of EVs to municipalities providing infrastructure.
I’ve executed EV charging projects and I understand the planning, financing, sourcing, interconnection and installation parts of project execution. I also understand its interface with renewables like solar and storage which will continue to help EVs scale. This includes connecting with innovative organizations who are recycling and repurposing batteries.
I want to leverage my background in automated transportation and program execution to support the improved public perception of EV and charging infrastructure.
People are comfortable with what they understand and what they experience. I want to make sure the life-changing green transition to EVs is fully embraced in the United States.”
Kate Kruk
Duanesburg, NY
NY Capital District chapter president
Vice president, EVA national board
EV charging infrastructure expertise
“I am honored to seek re-election to the EVA Board. Over the past three years, I’ve been proud to contribute to meaningful progress in advancing EV adoption and strengthening our community—but my work is far from done. We are just getting started, and I am eager to continue driving momentum, building partnerships, and expanding opportunities within the EV ecosystem.
My career in EV charging infrastructure, along with my background in nonprofit fundraising and events, has given me the skills to bridge stakeholders, elevate awareness, and accelerate impact. I also bring relationships across multiple industries—from education and workforce training to energy and transportation—which help connect EVA’s mission to broader audiences.
As a woman in my early 40s, I also recognize the importance of representation in the EV, transportation, and automotive industries—spaces where women remain underrepresented. By continuing my role on the EVA Board, I am committed to ensuring our industry reflects the communities we serve while advancing the transition to clean, accessible, and equitable transportation.”
Terri Kirsch
La Jolla, CA
President, national EVA board
Entrepreneur
EV education expertise
“As your current President of the Electric Vehicle Association’s National Board, I bring the leadership, stability, and vision EVA needs to keep growing and thriving during a crucial moment for EV adoption.
Over my previous terms — serving as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary — I’ve delivered real results: strengthening EVA’s credibility, increasing national visibility, rebuilding partnerships, and improving the support structure for our chapters.
I’m not just an EV advocate — I live this every day. I’ve owned seven electric vehicles, worked in the EV industry for years, and traveled nationwide to support chapter events and utility collaborations. I understand what our members, volunteers, and leaders need to succeed.
If re-elected, my priorities are clear and actionable:
Expand tools, training, and resources for chapters so they can grow membership and host more impactful events
Secure national partnerships and funding to support chapter operations and EV education initiatives
Increase member engagement through better communication, visibility, and volunteer pathways
Unify EVA’s voice so we remain the most trusted, grassroots authority on EV adoption in North America
EVA is strongest when our leadership is experienced, steady, and focused — not learning on the job. I bring a proven track record of managing complexity, navigating change, and keeping EVA moving forward with transparency, accountability, and measurable results.
I’m proud of what we’ve built together. With your vote, I’ll continue driving EVA forward with momentum, stability, and the vision needed to meet this moment.”
Phil Leppla
Dayton, Ohio
Statewide energy agency leader
Attorney
Solar co-op organizer
“I’m passionate about tackling the climate crisis. It is why I took the role at Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council as General Counsel. I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old, so I want to spend my time fighting for their future. I look at everything I do through a sustainability lens.
We have owned EVs for over eight years and installed solar nearly eight years ago as well when I helped organize the Dayton Area Solar Co-op with Solar United Neighbors. I often joke I’m an EV and renewable energy evangelist, constantly explaining the benefits to my family, friends, and people I meet. I even convinced my wife to go to the Everything Electric show in Vancouver during our 10-year anniversary trip!
I also bring many years of experience on multiple boards and have practiced law for 13 years, with that time spent in a small general private practice law firm (with a focus on civil litigation) and now as in-house counsel for a regional council of governments.
The combination of my experience and passion will serve the organization well during this moment in time in the transition to electric vehicles.”
Ashley Lynn Qua
Manville, NJ
New Jersey EVA board member
Nonprofit leader
State utility incentives expertise
“I believe that the transition to clean transportation is not just a technological shift, but a profound opportunity to create a more sustainable, equitable future.
My passion for this work is rooted in a lifelong dedication to sustainability, reinforced by a bachelor’s and master’s in Sustainability Studies from Montclair State University. I have also come to believe deeply in the power of communication: you may be the smartest person in the room, but if you cannot be understood, your impact is lost. Making the complex simple, and ensuring that the right message resonates with the right audience, is the foundation of how I approach leadership and change.
My career reflects this intersection of sustainability and communication. I began with ChargEVC, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, from 2017 to 2019, where I learned the importance of stakeholder engagement and outreach. I then led state-level policy and program development at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, focusing on incentives, regulatory frameworks, and program design.
Today, I serve as policy lead of the New Jersey EVA and as part of the Smart Electric Power Alliance, where I oversee nationwide research, track incentives and regulatory developments, and produce white papers and best practices that inform the EV ecosystem. This blend of state-level implementation experience, national policy awareness, and nonprofit engagement equips me with a broad and practical perspective on how adoption happens in real communities.
As an EVA Board member, I will leverage this expertise to strengthen EVA’s role as a trusted resource for education and support. My focus will be on connecting chapters with the resources they need, empowering them to reach their goals, expand meaningful outreach, and accelerate adoption nationwide.
By bringing together technical expertise, policy knowledge, and clear communication, I will help EVA grow its impact and ensure that electrification is understood, accessible, and beneficial to all.”
Amy Rogghe
Grand Rapids, MI
Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance founder
Healthcare professional
EV education expertise
“As the founder of the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance (MEVA), I am truly passionate about ensuring a swift and equitable transition to all electric transportation.
MEVA was born through the merger of my personal and professional history. I’m from Detroit, the Motor City, and the majority of my family works for the auto industry. I’ve grown up entrenched in this culture, everything from muscle cars and the Woodward Dream Cruise to going to the GM factory with my grandpa when I was little.
I’ve been in healthcare for over 25 years, much of this in the emergency room. I’ve seen firsthand how climate change affects public health.
I love speaking on the vast health benefits of increased EV utilization. I’ve been working in Michigan for several years now to push EV adoption forward and I would love to help this transition along on the national level.
I’m a good mix of a collaborative and pragmatic leader. I prioritize learning about my volunteers, including their interests and strengths, to incorporate each person in ways that will ensure the organization is successful and the volunteers are happy.”