Executive  ·  Strategist  ·  Mobility Innovator

Mike
Cully

Executive.  Strategist.  Change Maker.

Mobility innovator and executive leader empowering organizations with expert leadership, electric vehicle consulting, and strategic growth across private, public, and government sectors.

Mike Cully
20+Years Leadership
15+Markets Launched
3Sectors
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Background

A Career Built at the
Intersection of Leadership
and Innovation

Mike Cully is a 5x CEO, mobility innovator, and executive leader with a career spanning broadcast journalism, global corporate operations, economic development, and public policy.

A recognized expert in new and disruptive mobility, Mike has consulted widely in the EV and transportation space, helping organizations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, sustainable transit, and mobility-as-a-service.

His career began in broadcast journalism, where more than a decade in front of the camera — including an Emmy Award for Breaking News — sharpened his instincts for communication, storytelling, and public engagement.

Mike is based in Portland, Oregon.

PRSA "Executive of the Year"
California State Assembly — "Outstanding Community Service"
Broadcasting Emmy — "Breaking News", Nebraska Association of Broadcasters
Presented to U.S. Congressional Subcommittee on Alternative Transportation & Energy
USC Distinguished Leaders Program
Executive Education  ·  2026
London School of Economics and Policy
Executive Education
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Executive Education  ·  Leadership Programme
San Diego State University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of the Pacific
BS, Business & Marketing

What I Do

Areas of Deep Expertise

Electric Vehicle Consulting

Expert guidance on EV strategy, fleet electrification, charging infrastructure, and navigating the rapidly evolving mobility-as-a-service landscape.

🏛

Government & Stakeholder Affairs

Proven track record advocating at local, state, and national levels — translating complex policy into actionable strategy for organizations of all sizes.

📈

Executive Leadership & Growth

C-suite leadership across private, public, and civic sectors — driving organizational transformation, market expansion, and sustainable growth.

🚀

New Mobility & Disruption

Deep expertise in disruptive transportation models — from shared mobility and ride-hailing to autonomous and electric fleets — and what it takes to scale them.

🤝

Economic Development

CEO-level leadership of chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, forging public-private partnerships that create lasting community impact.

🎙

Strategic Communications

A decade of broadcast journalism and executive-level communications experience — crafting narratives that resonate with boards, governments, and the public alike.

Experience

A Career Spanning
Sectors, Cities, and Industries

Present
Chief Development Officer
EV Buddy Inc.  ·  Edison, NJ

Spearheading strategic partnerships, national business development, and market entry for an innovative EV tech startup — positioning EV Buddy as a leader in equitable, tech-enabled mobility solutions across multiple U.S. regions.

May 2022 – Present
Owner
Ellie Mental Health  ·  Portland, OR

Multi-location franchise owner of a disruptive mental health services brand. Responsible for talent acquisition, real estate sourcing, and serving as lead communications and PR for local market growth.

July 2024 – June 2025
Economic Development Director
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde  ·  Oregon

Oversaw economic development projects for the Tribe, working directly with Tribal Council. Analyzed business proposals, conducted due diligence, developed strategic plans, and managed project budgets and financial feasibility.

December 2017 – May 2022
Executive Director
League of Oregon Cities  ·  Salem, OR

Led the renaissance of a storied organization representing all 241 cities in Oregon. Grew private sector investment by over 180% in the first nine months and championed change alongside 25 talented staff members.

May 2015 – December 2017
Principal & President/CEO
MDC Global Inc.  /  San Diego N. Economic Development Corp.

International consulting on corporate structure, transportation, and disruptive mobility through MDC Global. Concurrently served as President/CEO of San Diego North EDC, growing the investor base by 40% in 60 days.

July 2011 – May 2015
Regional Director, Operations & Marketing  /  General Manager
car2go NA, LLC. / Daimler AG  ·  Austin, TX

Launched and grew 14 U.S. locations into highly profitable operations totaling more than $800M in annual revenue in under four years. Lobbied local and state governments for expansion and served as national spokesperson on EVs and disruptive mobility, presenting to a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C.

March 2008 – June 2010
President & CEO
San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce  ·  El Cajon, CA

Rescued the organization from financial insolvency through strategic business plan implementation. Grew membership and revenues 28% in 12 months. Recognized statewide for excellence in advocacy and governmental affairs.

Earlier Career
Broadcast Journalist & On-Air Talent
Television News  ·  10+ Years

More than a decade of broadcast journalism, earning an Emmy Award for Breaking News from the Nebraska Association of Broadcasters. The communication and storytelling skills developed here underpin every leadership role since.

Civic Engagement

Volunteer & Board Leadership

2008 – 2010
San Diego Regional Airport Authority
Board Member

Provided governance and strategic oversight to one of the nation's busiest airports, collaborating with airline partners, government agencies, and business leaders to support airport operations, commercial growth, and stakeholder engagement.

May 2020 – Present
League of Minority Voters
Executive Board Member  ·  Secretary / Treasurer

Serving in an executive leadership capacity on the board, overseeing organizational governance, financial stewardship, and advocacy efforts to expand civic participation among underrepresented communities.

📄
Publication: San Diego PEV Readiness Plan
Contributor  ·  California Center for Sustainable Energy

Co-authored foundational planning guidance for plug-in electric vehicle infrastructure readiness across the San Diego region — one of California's earliest comprehensive EV planning documents.

Let's Connect

Ready to Start a
Conversation?

Whether you're seeking executive leadership, exploring electric vehicle consulting, or want to discuss innovative mobility solutions — I'd love to hear from you.