Electric Vehicle Association Welcomes New Executive Director
The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA), North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles, has hired Chris Celek as its first executive director.
Celek will lead the EVA staff that provides communications, membership, fundraising, and program support to 100 chapters and thousands of members as they educate their communities about the benefits of driving electric cars and trucks.
“We are excited to add Chris Celek to our EVA team. He’s a versatile leader capable of steering the organization to continue to equip our volunteer members to encourage adoption of electric vehicles and expansion of public charging infrastructure,” said Elaine Borseth, President of the Electric Vehicle Association.
“EVA created an executive director position to add horsepower to our capabilities. Chris has been a leader of one of our most active chapters. We’re looking forward to how he will share that successful experience with volunteers across our association,” Borseth said.
Celek has been vice president of Drive Electric Dayton, recognized by EVA as its 2023 Chapter of the Year for its membership growth and busy schedule of community events. In 2022, EVA honored Celek as its EV Advocate of the Year after he spearheaded the launch of a partnership program for business sponsors and community groups, bundled membership in the Dayton chapter with membership in EVA, and expanded the chapter’s online communications and marketing.
“Our chapters are the heartbeat of the Electric Vehicle Association. They play a vital role in demonstrating that there is an electric vehicle for every lifestyle by hosting hundreds of grassroots educational events and test drives,” Celek said. “Surveys show that about half of consumers are interested in buying an electric car or truck. Our volunteers can help them discover how EVs are less expensive, more efficient, and simply the better choice compared to conventional gas and diesel vehicles.”
Celek’s professional experience includes roles at global business to business (B2B) marketing agencies in support of technology and manufacturing companies, including in the automotive and energy sectors. He previously worked as a journalist at media companies leading print and digital content teams.