John B. Rogers, Jr.
CEO & Co-founder
Jay is helping to build a game-changing American car company. Jay is relentlessly passionate about cars and the industry which surrounds them. His rides have included a 1991 BMW 535, 1971 Mercedes 300SL, a 1996 Dodge Viper R/T10, 1994 Chevrolet 1500 with hydraulic dump-bed, a 2002 Honda Element, and now he drives a 1971 Mercedes 280SL. Previously, John served for 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he was an Infantry Company Commander. He has worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Co., as an investment analyst at Ewing & Partners, and at a startup medical device company in the People’s Republic of China. Jay serves as the Chief Investment Officer and director of the RBR Foundation, a philanthropic foundation focused on education and healthcare. He is a graduate of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School (Baker Scholar). He lives in Arizona with his wife, Susannah, and three sons, John, Charles, and Houston.
Alexis Fiechter
Head of Community Management
Alex is a skilled CAD designer and a trained vehicle engineer having come from a position as a research and design engineer at Edison Price in NY where his team took numerous awards and recognitions for first-time, notable design activities. Prior to that, he worked for Magellan Aerospace and Autosport Designs. He received his Bachelors degree in Science, Technology and Sociology at the Claremont Colleges in California and went on to be a researcher and design engineer at MIT’s world-renowned Media Lab. Alex loves to modify cars and motorcycles many of which he uses for his daily drivers.
Matt Jackson
Engineering Community Manager
Matt is a mechanical engineer with interests in all aspects of the Automotive world. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 with a mechanical engineering degree, and spent many of his days at Va Tech learning fabrication techniques and putting them to use in building SAE Mini Baja cars. Matt attained a Masters in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in 2009, with an emphasis on entrepreneurial business practices. Matt has worked in the shipbuilding industry, the Nuclear power industry, and has experience in many aspects of mechanical design and configuration management. Matt joined Local Motors in 2012, and is very excited to be part of the 3rd industrial revolution. Matt is a lifelong builder and tinkerer, has been flying his whole life, and is working on building a homebuilt composite aircraft. Matt is a proficient CAD modeler, an experienced welder, loves rapid prototyping, and he and his wife Heather enjoy riding motorcycles all over Arizona.
Aurélien François
Community Liason & Designer
Aurel has grown up with a passion for cars and drawing. The story really began in his early teenage years, when he realized some people create real cars out of blank sheets of paper. Aurel’s dream of becoming one of these designers turned into a goal. His five years at the Institut Superieur de Design (France), along with some valuable internships, allowed him to learn more about the design process and its interaction with marketing, production and the auto industry at large. After graduating with his Masters in Transportation Design, Aurel learned about Local Motors. He became one of the earliest LM community members and he finally joined the LM team a few months later. Aurel’s understanding of the differences between European and American environments and automotive history reinforced his conviction: that culture has to play a main role in any design approach.
Nyko de Peyer
Design Community Manager
Nyko is a skilled Industrial and Graphic designer trained in formal methods at both the École de Design Creapole in Paris and Lehigh University. Prior to joining Local Motors, Nyko was a devoted community member and award-winning designer, recognized by Interior Motives Magazine for his Global Rescue and Utility Vehicle project in 2009. He worked for Car Design News for two years and ran his own multimedia design company, trykl international. Nyko loves not only to work on beautiful design, but also to share these talents with the community, both locally and online. Consequently, he is an active member of Rotaract, the youth chapter of Rotary International, and a devoted volunteer for Big Brother Big Sister.
Mike Pisani
Chief Builder Trainer
Before joining Local Motors, Mike worked in the R&D Engineering Department at Factory Five Racing, Inc., a component car company that designs and manufactures lightweight sports cars which customers take home and build to completion. During Factory Five Racing’s development of the GTM (a mid-engine supercar that has sold 200 units in the two years since its launch), Mike was an integral member of the GTM Design Team. After the production launch, he served as the Project Manager. While earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, Mike held several cooperative education positions at such companies as Borg-Warner, GE (Aircraft Engines Division), Gillette, Velcro, and Z-KAT Inc. (a medical device start-up company in Hollywood, FL) covering several areas of engineering, including but not limited to design, manufacturing, benchmarking and quality control systems. Mike has a deep-rooted passion for high performance and exotic automobiles, with a particular fondness for the “passione e legenda” behind the Ferrari mark. When he’s not at work or cheering Boston area pro/collegiate teams (particularly the Red Sox) to victory, you can find him working on his restoration of a 1984 Chevy Stepside Pickup Truck, which includes such modifications as a small block 350 (300 hp), lowered suspension, custom fuel cell, and custom paint/interior.
James Rivera
Sub-Assembly Manager & Engineer
James “Tony” Rivera was born and raised in southern Arizona, where his love of all things mechanical began. In high school, he was heavily involved in the school’s auto shop and drafting programs. This combination inspired James to enter mechanical engineering after graduating. James received his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University. Before working with Local Motors, James expanded his knowledge in mechanical engineering through an internship at OPM Customs, Baja SAE, and other personal projects. While working at OPM Customs, James was involved in performing custom modifications and restoration work on Camaros, Mustangs, and multiple older-model Ferraris. James is also heavily involved in Baja SAE, and was Chief Engineer for the 08-09 season, and Team Captain for the 09-10 season. He began working at Local Motors as an Engineering Intern in summer 2010, and now works full-time as a production/R&D engineer. While not working, James enjoys anything outdoors, especially if he is driving his Toyota rock crawler/daily driver.
Damien Declercq
Director of New Business Development & Co-Creation
Damien joined the team in early 2011 to run the XC2V program. He is focusing his efforts on the opportunities and partnerships to develop the Local Motors Business. Damien has a background in mechanical and production engineering, and a master in management. He has worked in the battery industry, the automotive after market in Europe, and in various sales and marketing positions. Before joining Local Motors, Damien was working on a project to put enthusiastic eco-friendly cars on the European roads through the use of co-creation and partnership with OEMs.
Lee Herge
Director Supply Chain Development and Materials
Lee Herge joins Local Motors with experience in all aspects of Supply Chain; having worked previously in Automotive for Honda of America Manufacturing and Vantage Mobility. Lee has opened a Greenfield manufacturing facility in Central Europe and helped design and implement a global manufacturing and distribution footprint for high-tech manufacturer Diebold Incorporated. Lee received his MBA from Kent State, a Finance degree from the University of Toledo, and is a certified Six Sigma Black belt from Air Academy Associates in Colorado Springs. In his free time he spends it riding BMX, Mountain or road bikes, his motorcycle, or with his two daughters and wife Jennifer.
Justin Fishkin
Chief Strategy Officer
Justin marries a lifelong dedication to sustainability and making a difference in the world with a background in finance and investing. Prior to joining Local Motors, he served as Senior Portfolio Manager of Carbon War Room, an NGO founded by Sir Richard Branson to identify and implement entrepreneurial solutions to climate change. Justin began his career at Goldman Sachs in investment banking. He then joined Lazard, followed by SAC Capital Advisors. In his spare time, Justin founded The Holster Project, co-founded digital indie record label Holster Records, serves on the Board of Street Soccer USA, remains a Senior Advisor to Carbon War Room, and recently ran his first marathon. Justin graduated with a BA in Economics from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C.
Amy Romano
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
Amy joined the Local Motors team in September 2012 to lead strategic communications, marketing and public relations efforts and support community development. Prior to joining Local Motors, Amy served as the Division Communications Manager for Integrated Weapon Systems Division of ATK (Alliant Techsystems), a global leader in design, manufacture and marketing of medium caliber cannons, ammunition and integrated weapon systems. Amy earned Bachelor’s degrees in International Business and English and an MBA in Marketing from American International College in Springfield, Mass. She currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband of 18 years, Don, and their three children – Claudia (16), Sam (14) and Jack (10). In her “free time,” Amy is a VERY enthusiastic football mom and band/color guard mom (occasionally to the embarrassment of her children), a burgeoning road cyclist, and an avid hiker and camper. Amy is also a committed although not particularly speedy runner who has run three half marathons (with a PR of 2:02:26), a host of 5ks, 8ks, 10ks and 12ks, and mud runs, the Army 10-miler in Washington, DC, and participated on two Ragnar Relay teams (del Sol and Wasatch Back) in the last three years.
Jean Paul Capin Gally
Chief Financial Officer
Jean Paul is a recent addition to the Local Motors family. He has always harbored a passion for cars that continues to motivate all significant aspects of his life. In his new role as Chief Financial Officer at Local Motors, Jean Paul brings together his love of vehicles and his skill for crafting innovative new ventures. Prior to his time at Local Motors, Jean Paul was the CFO of Mastretta Cars, a vehicle design company that built the first Mexican sports car. He began his career in finance at Evercore Partners, where he worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions Investment Banking Advisory Group in the Mexico City office. He graduated from the University of Chicago with degrees in Economics and Philosophy. Jean Paul has been passionate about spurring the growth of entrepreneurialism. He is a founding partner of Angel Ventures Mexico, the first angel investment network in Mexico, and he remains a project advisor and a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and financiers in this group. Jean Paul is also an active member of Endeavor, a global nonprofit entrepreneur network, where he is a mentor and volunteers his time assessing business plans and growth strategies for entrepreneurs.
Karin Ostebo
Director of Accounting and Human Resources
Karin joined Local Motors team shortly after the company went into business and wears many “hats” – including accounting, office manager, human resources and purchasing. Prior to Local Motors, Karin freelanced with her own company, providing accounting services for many different clients. She holds a degree from the University of New Hampshire in Environmental Science, but got into accounting when she was living and working in Alaska. Her passion for cars started at age nine, when she got to sit in a Delorean prototype at a beach in New Jersey. Her first car was a 1974 Mustang II given to her by her dad, a former metallurgy engineer for Ford, who taught and expected her to change the oil, break pads, adjust the throttle, etc. When not at work (which is very rare), you can find her with her three children, Christian, Annika and Lars, out on the islands in Buzzards Bay on her 27-foot Sea Ray, skiing or on her Suzuki GSXR-600.
Tim Thomas
Chief Information Officer
Tim took an interest in technology early, programming computer games at his high school where he grew up in Princeton, NJ. For over 20 years, Tim has applied his passion for innovation and technology to companies in industries from travel and music to financial services. In roles ranging from Programmer to Vice President, Tim has a 360-perspective of building cutting edge websites and web communities, having overseen architecture and development for PaineWebber Properties, Smarter Living, essential.com, Berklee Media, and divorcepartner.com, a web-based organization that he founded and built on his own. He is responsible for a variety of technology-based innovations from smart interfaces that made computers accessible, to technophobes and the concept that became the lucrative travel shopping meta-search site, Booking Buddy. Tim’s passion for vehicles pre-dated his love for technology, when he took every opportunity to drive anything with a motor as a child. An auto engineer at heart, Tim has rebuilt his own cars to varying degrees, and has completely disassembled and re-assembled one of his motorcycles. The car he loved owning the most was his first car, a Rabbit GTI, and the car he has enjoyed driving the most has been a BMW Z3. His dream cars have changed over the years, starting back in the 60′s with the Jaguar e-type (XK-E) and 1968 SAAB Sonett II V4. He hopes to one day take a Ford GT and a Bugatti Veyron for a “quick spin.” At Local Motors, Tim combines his passions for cool cars, technology, innovation and building a totally new kind of business from the ground up.
Buddy Crisp
Chief Sales Officer
Buddy is a father of four, married to Karen Crisp and lives in the mountains of Southern California on seven sprawling acres at the 6,500 foot level. He has been involved in the automotive industry in one way or another all of his life. It all started in 1970 when he first started racing quarter midgets at the age of 5. He has raced cars, motorcycles, sprint cars, stock full, class 1, and Trophy Truck divisions. In 2011 he raced the Rally Fighter at the Parker 425 in the sportsman class. Buddy has held a position as builder/trainer at Local Motors and has been here since the first production car hit the streets. He has been involved extensively with research and development of the company as well as the marketing efforts. He is involved in most of the vehicle testing and events the company partakes in. Buddy has been behind the wheel for most of the driving shots that you can find on the Local-Motors website and on YouTube. If there are any questions about the Rally Fighter and what it is capable of, Buddy is your go to guy, because he has personally taken the car to many of its limits.