Clean transportation champion CALSTART announced the appointment of Michael Berube as its new CEO on Oct. 14, with the role effective Nov. 13, 2025.

Berube succeeds John Boesel, who is retiring after three decades with the organization, including 24 years as CEO.

An MIT-trained transportation and civil engineer by background, Berube is an automotive industry leader with two decades in senior roles at Fiat Chrysler and Daimler-Chrysler, where he lead product strategy and brought new low-emissions technologies to market. He also served a decade as a senior official for sustainable transportation at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). His track record of building partnerships led to the creation of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the U.S. Federal Consortium on Advanced Batteries. 

In this role, Berube will focus on driving initiatives aimed at solidifying the role of new affordable and clean transportation options for consumers and businesses through close industry partnerships.

“It is a privilege to join CALSTART at such a profoundly pivotal moment in our industry,” Berube said. “Transportation is vital to the economy and to consumers’ everyday lives. It is at an inflection point and needs bold leadership to help secure the promise of lower-cost and low-emissions options that meet the needs of all Americans. Together with our members and partners, I will continue the work of building the clean transportation industry and expanding its vital impact. Ours is a sector that drives jobs, innovation, and domestic manufacturing while enhancing U.S. global competitiveness and air quality. Having led talented teams in both the private and public sector, I look forward to bringing the same level of commitment and can-do spirit to the cross-functional teamwork that lies ahead. Let’s improve transportation for all.”

CALSTART’s current president and CEO also shared his enthusiasm for the hire. “I want to thank our Board of Directors for leading the search and finding such an outstanding candidate," Boesel said. "Between his years with Fiat Chrysler, Daimler-Chrysler, and DOE, Michael has the right experience to fully appreciate and leverage CALSTART’s role as a trusted broker between industry and government. I’ve known Michael for a number of years, and am confident he will do a great job in taking the organization to the next level and accelerating the growth of the U.S. clean transportation industry.”