Advisory Committee

Kate Bell
Kate Bell brings over a decade of expertise in public policy, specializing in community and economic development for state and local governments. As Policy Director for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, she advises leadership on key statewide strategies to advance Michigan’s economic future. Kate leads initiatives on regional resilience and navigating economic transitions in the auto and utility sectors

Gregg D. Brunner
Gregg D. Brunner serves as the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), bringing extensive expertise in traffic safety and infrastructure development. He co-chairs the Work Zone Safety Task Force, represents MDOT on the Council of Future Mobility and Electrification, and co-leads the Michigan Liaison Committee for the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Brunner is also an MDOT Director’s Award recipient and actively contributes to national transportation safety initiatives

Kara Cook
Kara Cook serves as the State of Michigan’s Chief Climate and Energy Strategist, leading initiatives on climate policy and clean energy. Previously, she was Senior Advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer on energy and environmental protection, and Chief of Staff at the Michigan Department of the Environment. Kara helped craft Governor Whitmer’s policy agenda, designed the 2023 clean energy package, and worked on record investments in climate, water, and parks.

Justine Johnson
Justine Johnson is the Chief Mobility Officer for Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. She brings over a decade of experience in economic development, mobility strategy, and government relations. Previously, she held leadership roles at the California Mobility Center and Los Angeles County Aviation Commission, and served as Head of Mobility Engagement for Ford’s Southwest Region. Justine has also advised on major transportation initiatives in New York City, including the Boro Taxi project.

Zachary Kolodin
Zachary Kolodin is the Chief Infrastructure Officer for the State of Michigan and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO). He leads efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding and coordinate statewide strategies. Under his leadership, MIO developed a Technical Assistance Center to help local stakeholders access funding. Previously, Kolodin served as Deputy Legal Counsel for Governor Whitmer, managing legal issues related to public health, labor, and more, and played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delbert Boone
Delbert Boone brings over 30 years of leadership in advanced automotive product development, with expertise in launching iconic vehicles and pioneering autonomous and alternative energy technologies. His work includes leading global R&D teams, securing patents for ADAS L2+ technologies, and partnering with the US Department of Energy & Transportation on autonomous logistics corridors. Boone’s innovations in mobility and clean energy are driving the future of transportation and freight logistics

Justin Mirro
Justin Mirro leads Kensington Capital Partners investing in the automotive and industrial sectors and is on the board of Wallbox EV Chargers (NYSE: WBX). Previously, he led three successful SPACs in the EV/battery sector and spent 20 years as an automotive investment banker in NYC. Justin worked as an engineer at GM in Detroit and Toyota in Japan, and has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.

James Vogt
James Vogt is an automotive executive with over 15 years of experience in electric vehicles, leading EV programs for three global OEMs in California. He has a proven track record in business development, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing across Asia, Europe, and North America. James has extensive experience with light to heavy-duty vehicles, charging infrastructure, and utility power. He holds degrees in Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.