Board Members
Board Officers
R. Michael Lewis, Chairman
Mike Lewis has a broad background in various aspects of real estate development, automotive management operations, and product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Mike is the developer and owners representative for the Regional Transportation Center, the nation’s first alternative fuel vehicle center. He is also the General Manager of Pearson Ford Fuels and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Python Products, LLC.
David M. Smith, Treasurer
David Smith is a practicing Certified Public Accountant with over thirty years experience in both private industry and public accounting. During his tenure in private industry, Mr. Smith has held the positions of Auditor, Controller, Chief Financial Officer and President of various SEC reporting companies.
Directors
Tom Campbell, Director
Tom Campbell has gained an international reputation for his expertise in communications and marketing. He has provided advice and counsel in many different countries including England, where he was a speaker and became an alumnus of Ditchly Foundation at Oxford University. Mr. Campbell was recognized on the floor of the United States Senate for his leadership and on going efforts to benefit the American consumer. He was appointed again in 2004 to the congressional Advisory Board on Technology. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Ken Cranes Home entertainment, the Advisory Boards of Icon Solutions, a Washington based think tank and global facilitator, and KFX Energy.
Beryl S. Stajich, Director
Beryl Stajich has more than 35 years experience in business development and marketing with Ford Motor Company, including implementation of Ford’s dedicated alternative fuel vehicle activities. Mr. Stajich has coordinated the launch of six major car and truck products, including the Ford Explorer in 1990, and helped design and fund the SDEF-related, AFV-focused Regional Transportation Center.
Jonathan S. Fish, Director
Mr. Fish’s educational accomplishments include an MBA from Harvard Business School. Prior to joining SDEF Mr. Fish was the Executive Vice President and CFO for Advanced Marketing Services, Inc., a $400 million NASDAQ company.
James F. Thomas, Jr.
James F. “Buddy” Thomas, Jr. is recognized internationally as a contributor to the development of the financial planning process for family wealth continuity. Through his work as a Senior Adviser, he personally guides family leaders as they plan for and transition through major financial life events.
Kirk D. Hanson
Kirk was born in Glendale, California and was raised in Los Angeles. He has lived in San Diego since 1983. After graduating from UCSD, Kirk and his brother hiked the entire length of the 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Kirk graduated from USD School of Law in 1993. He was admitted to the State Bars of both California and Arizona. Kirk is a partner in the law firm of Grace Hollis Lowe Hanson & Schaeffer LLP, which has its principal office in San Diego. He concentrates his practice on employment law, including wage/hour claims and the defense and prosecution of discrimination claims under state and federal law; he also assists employers in maintaining compliance with labor laws. Kirk is an active speaker. He lectures frequently to various human resource groups, accounting associations, and employers regarding current employment law issues. He also provides sexual harassment training to employers.
Gregory M. Newhouse
Mr. Newhouse is presently an Associate Dean in the School of Technical Careers and Workforce Initiatives and is responsible for directing the Advanced Transportation Technology Center at San Diego Miramar College. His work focuses on coordinating activities with faculty and administration on issues pertaining to automotive, diesel, and aviation school programs, partnership development, curriculum development, and program planning. As Director of one of ten California Community College Advanced Transportation Technology Centers, Mr. Newhouse works directly with transportation, government, and educational institutions to foster the use of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Prior to working at Miramar College, Mr. Newhouse directed the Environmental Protection Office, Energy Facilities Siting Division of the California Energy Commission. He led a varied staff of over 30 environmental scientists, engineers, and economists who assessed the environmental implications of energy projects and policies.
Advisory Board
- Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator, California
- Susan Davis, United States Congresswoman, 53rd District
- Dede Alpert, California State Senator, 39th District
- Christine Kehoe, California State Assemblyperson, 76th District
- Ron Roberts, San Diego County Supervisor, 4th District
- Pam Slater, San Diego County Supervisor, 3rd District
- Toni Atkins, San Diego City Councilperson, 3rd District
- Douglas Gibson, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Executive Director
- Alan Sweedler, Ph. D., San Diego State University, Professor of Physics.