John Boesel, CEO of Calstart, was recognized for his 33 years of service at the 2025 Fleet Forward Conference in San Diego. The recognition took place during the awards ceremony on Oct. 22.

Chris Brown, associate publisher for Automotive Fleet, acknowledged Boesel’s career and leadership over the years before Boesel took the stage. 

"Under Boesel’s leadership, Calstart proved that environmental progress and economic growth can go hand in hand,” said Brown. “John has guided the organization through every major shift in U.S. transportation, policy, and programs. That really set the bar for clean vehicle technology...we’re celebrating not only John’s achievements, but that spirit of innovation.” 

“It’s been so rewarding…we’ve really developed the concept of the clean transportation industry,” said Boesel during the conference. “We have come a long way, and the future is bright.”

Calstart is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing clean transportation. 

During his tenure, Boesel led Calstart’s efforts to shape clean transportation policy at both the state and national levels. Under his guidance, the organization played a key role in the passage of California’s Assembly Bill 118 in 2007, which generates up to $150 million annually to support clean vehicle technologies and is projected to deliver $3 billion in funding by 2035.

Boesel also oversaw Calstart’s management of more than $1 billion in incentives through the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which advanced the nationwide adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses.

“It has been an honor to serve Calstart for more than three decades and lead the team that has played a key role in growing the United States’ clean transportation industry,” said Boesel. “I am very excited about the future of Calstart and, particularly with current dynamics, its opportunity to take on an even more impactful role in accelerating the growth of the North American clean transportation industry.”

The company has grown from 25 employees in 2001 to 200 team members today, and it doesn’t stop there — Calstart has also grown to more than 210 clean transportation companies.

Following Boesel’s leadership, Michael Berube takes on his new role as CEO.