Plug In America |

Our Team

Richard Kelly - President
Richard Kelly is a Programmer/Analyst for the University of California who is passionate about solar power and energy efficiency. He has driven conversion and factory highway-speed electric vehicles since 2003.
Chad Schwitters - Vice President
Chad is a retired mobile software executive and technology evangelist. He spent 20 years using various forms of alternative transportation, but never has been so happy as with the wind and solar powered plug-in electric vehicles that he and his wife have been driving since 2008. He lives in Redmond, Washington where he works with the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association to educate the public about the personal and societal benefits of driving electric.
Mike Kane - Treasurer
Mike spent over 20 years as a marketing and business development professional in the high-tech industry, including stints at Emulex, the semiconductor division of Rockwell International and Motorola.
Jennifer Krill - Secretary
Jennifer Krill is the Executive Director of Earthworks, working to reduce the destructive impacts of mineral and energy extraction. Before joining Earthworks, Jennifer worked at Rainforest Action Network campaigning to protect forests, convince Ford Motor Company to build more fuel-efficient cars and pressure banks to halt financing climate change-causing industries. Jennifer received bachelor's degrees in Landscape Architecture and in History from Ball State University in 1995.
Dan Davids - Board Chair
Dan David's career spans oceanography, aviation, and software design. He is an active environmentalist promoting electric vehicles, solar power, sustainable building, and animal rights. He devotes much of his time to philanthropic and educational work in support of these causes.
Zan Dubin-Scott - Communications Director
Zan is president of ZDS Communications, a media/public relations/marketing agency specializing in energy and the environment and the arts. She founded the company after a decade as a staff writer-reporter with The Los Angeles Times. She drives on sunshine, thanks to a plug-in vehicle and the solar panels on her home that charge it with clean, renewable electricity.
Jay Friedland - Legislative Director
Jay is managing partner of Cinemagic Partners Ltd, a consulting firm developing high technology ventures. A self-described serial entrepreneur, he has built successful companies as well as developing key industry alliances between companies both large and small.
Tom Saxton - Chief Science Officer
Tom is a computer programmer when he's not busy promoting electric vehicles. Cathy, his wife, first decided she wanted an electric vehicle in the late 1990s. Nearly ten years later, they bought their first in July of 2008, a 2002 Toyota RAV4-EV. In June of 2009, the Tesla Roadster they ordered in 2006 was finally delivered. Their garage is now totally electric, including the latest addition: a 2011 Nissan LEAF. Tom has served as Vice President of the Board.
Colby Trudeau - IT Director
Colby Trudeau has been a volunteer on Plug In America’s IT committee since 2008. As Director of IT, Colby oversees Plug In America's online presence, including developing the Plug In America website, monitoring online coverage of battery electric vehicles, and managing social media outlets. He is an electrical engineer working for Qualcomm Technologies, Inc in San Diego, CA. Colby recently took delivery of his first plug-in vehicle, a Honda Fit EV.
Gene Banman - Director
Gene brings 30 years of Silicon Valley business and executive experience to his work with electric vehicles. He retired from Zero Motorcycles in March of 2011 and remains on the Board of Directors.