Meet the Plug’n Drive Team!
About Cara
Cara Clairman is President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, a non-profit that is accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) to maximize their environmental and economic benefits.
Cara has taken Plug’n Drive from an idea to a thriving non-profit, recognized as a leader in the EV space. Focused on accelerating EV adoption through outreach and education for over 10 years, Plug’n Drive has developed a number of award-winning programs to encourage consumers and fleets to make the switch from gas to electric, including the EV Discovery Centre and the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET).
Cara has more than 25 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation, initially as OPG’s environmental lawyer and later in the role Vice President of Sustainable Development. Prior to joining OPG, Cara spent five years practicing environmental law with the Torys law firm.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University.
Cara is the 2017 recipient of the Women in Renewable Energy’s ‘Woman of the Year’ award and the 2021 winner of the Al Cormier EV leadership award from Electric Mobility Canada. She lives in a two EV household, including a Chevy Bolt and a Hyundai IONIQ 5.
About Tracy
Tracy Walden is a collaborative executive leader with over 25 years of experience—most of it in the energy sector—focused on sustainability, climate action, and public engagement. She has led national communications, development, and advocacy strategies at organizations like the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), helping shape public discourse and build support for clean energy and large-scale conservation.
Tracy Walden first began working as a partner with Plug’n Drive in 2012 to help launch the organization’s EV Awards Program, recognizing leadership in electric mobility across Canada. She joined the Plug’n Drive core team in 2024 and has been leading the delivery of the epic EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour, bringing electric vehicle education and test drives to communities from coast to coast.
Tracy brings deep experience in brand development, stakeholder engagement, team building, and revenue growth, with a background spanning communications leadership in associations, retail energy, and corporate training.
She holds a B.Ed. and post-grad diploma in Education from the University of New Brunswick, is a certified Climate Reality Leader, and lives in Ottawa, where she enjoys active outdoor adventures with her husband.
About Chad
Chad Yee is an accomplished automotive industry executive with over 25 years of experience spanning OEM, dealership, product, sales, and marketing leadership roles for well-established automotive brands, like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz.
Chad’s life-long passion for cars, as well as his early interest in electric vehicles (EV) since the late 1990s, has established him as recognized subject matter expert in electrified vehicles. He has a proven track record in driving EV adoption, advancing consumer education, and awareness building for EVs. He also actively engages with the EV industry and organizations like EV Society (EVS), Electric Mobility Canada (EMC), and the Global EV Alliance (GEVA).
Chad has been one of Plug’n Drive’s trusted EV educators and ambassadors since 2022 and more recently as Project Lead for the organization’s key partner initiatives and consulting projects.
In addition to his automotive background, Chad brings over 15 years experience in marketing communications, marketing strategy, product marketing, and brand management. He has developed multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns for Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti. Chad has also led the launch of over 30 new vehicles, including battery-electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV).
With an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a lifelong commitment to EVs, Chad continues to champion the shift toward a zero-emissions future and helping consumers embrace electrification.
About Mary
Mary Mallin is the Manager of EVents and Logistics at Plug’n Drive, a non-profit organization that is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles through education and outreach, to maximize the environmental and economic benefits that EVs can provide.
Mary joined Plug’n Drive’s EV Ambassador team in 2018 after purchasing her electric car, where she provided EV education, test drives and delivered the Electric Vehicle (EV) Awareness Student Learning Program. Currently, Mary is the Manager, EVents & Logistics as well as the Tour Manager of “EVs are for Everyone” cross country Mobil EV Education Trailer (MEET) Tour and the lead on organizing Plug’n Drive’s numerous EV test drive events across Ontario and beyond.
Mary spent seven weeks, in 2021, taking the MEET to seven cities in Durham Ontario where it was overwhelmingly received. In 2022, Mary activated the MEET in New Brunswick for a tour of five cities to a great success. The 2023 season found Mary activating the MEET in two cities and participating in half of the 55 events delivered across Ontario. In 2024, Mary activated the MEET in Ottawa, Kingston and Richmond, BC.
Mary has 30 years of work experience in the education and IT fields. She holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University and Master’s of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto, where a course on Climate Change inspired her to make the switch to an electric car and to get involved with Plug’n Drive.
About Nancy
Nancy’s versatile career has taken her across multiple industry sectors spanning manufacturing, retail, and not-for-profit organizations, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of financial
operations in different organizational contexts.
At Plug’n Drive, she leverages this diverse experience to streamline day-to-day accounting processes and deliver precise financial reporting that supports the organization’s mission in the electrified transportation sector.
Her background in manufacturing has given her insight into complex cost accounting and inventory management, while her retail experience has honed her skills in high-volume transaction processing and customer-focused financial operations. This foundation has proven invaluable in her current role within the not-for-profit sector, where she applies her broad expertise to support organizational sustainability and growth.
Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Accountancy from De La Salle University. As a self-taught Microsoft Excel expert, Nancy’s passion for continuous learning drives her to constantly challenge herself with new technologies and methodologies, keeping her skills current in an evolving financial landscape.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Nancy has been a devoted dog lover and enjoys watching tennis and basketball.
About Alan
Alan Downward is a communications professional specializing in marketing and public relations within the automotive and energy sectors. As Communications Advisor at Plug’n Drive, Alan plays a key role in promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Canada, leading communications initiatives for Plug’n Drive’s sponsors and partners.
Alan’s work has earned national media coverage in outlets including CBC News, The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Maclean’s Magazine, Global News, and Forbes. His expertise spans social media strategy, graphic design, earned media campaigns, event coordination, and content development—driving public engagement and raising awareness around clean energy solutions.
Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Toronto and a post-graduate certificate in Sport and Event Marketing from George Brown College.
About Aakash
Aakash loves living on the cutting edge and mainstreaming innovation! Having spent over 5 years working in tech in journalistic and product marketing roles, he shifted his focus to electric vehicles to help accelerate EV awareness, excitement, and adoption.
At Plug’n Drive, his job is to ensure that the ambitious EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour achieves its full potential as an Event Operations and Communications Advisor.
An MBA graduate from the University of British Columbia, he was one of the first owners of the Ather 450X in Mumbai — generally regarded as the Tesla of two-wheelers. You can find him across the web as @jhaverinator.
About Dean
Dean is a out-of-the-box thinker who excels at delivering effective customer service by bringing people together to improve processes and tools.
Dean worked in financial services for over 25 years with extensive experience in Operations, Project Management and Business Continuity. His focus has been to lead teams of specialists to provide excellent service. He has managed various projects to improve processes and systems to improve the customer experience. Dean finished his professional career leading the Business Continuity Program supporting thousands of employees around the world.
He has always been interested in sustainability and the environmental. Finding a role as an EV Ambassador at Plug’n Drive was a great fit. As Office Coordinator, Dean now dedicates his time with Plug’n Drive to maintaining and improving various applications and reporting to support customers, sponsors and our EV Ambassadors.
Dean has a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. He discovered his love for travel after venturing to Russia just after the fall of communism. Dean had been driving a hybrid since 2005 and after 14 years moved to a full electric in 2019.
About Linda
Linda Kellock is a Senior EV Ambassador and Educator at PND. More recently she has taken on the role of Corporate Events Coordinator, helping sponsors and partners combine their team meetings and events, with education sessions and test drives of Plug’n Drive’s fleet at the Yonge and Bloor EV Discovery Centre.
Linda is a passionate entrepreneur and small business owner dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. With a strong educational background that includes a Bachelor’s degree and a Diploma in Nutrition, Linda combines her expertise to promote health and wellness through her business ventures.
As an avid supporter of sustainable living, she is also an EV owner, embracing eco-friendly transportation options and advocating for environmental responsibility. Her enthusiasm for innovation and new technologies drives her to stay at the forefront of industry trends, inspiring others to adopt healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
Linda Kellock continues to inspire those around her through her proactive approach to business and her passion for creating positive change. Whether empowering clients or advocating for sustainability, she embodies the spirit of innovation and community engagement.
About Cate
Cate is a third-year student at McGill University pursuing a double major in History and Economics, interested in the intersection between international development, social change, and sustainability.
Driven by a belief that local action is a catalyst for systemic progress, Cate has been actively involved in numerous community-based and youth-led nonprofit initiatives, both on and off campus. In her role as co-founder of the World Food Forum’s Quebec Youth Chapter in particular, she developed a strong appreciation for education-based environmental action, an experience she hopes to build on in her role at Plug’n Drive.
As Education Program Coordinator, Cate will support the Plug’n Drive team with communications coordination and program administration. Assisting with stakeholder communications, content creation, project coordination, and more, she looks forward to contributing her skills and experience towards Plug’n Drive’s vital mission.
About Paige
Paige is a new graduate from Queen’s University with an Honours BSc in Environmental Sciences through the Earth System Science Specialization program. She is passionate about climate change, clean energy, and sustainability.
She is particularly interested in the role that transportation electrification and emerging energy technologies can play in the transition to a low-carbon future. With a strong interest in environmental communication and education, Paige has developed experience researching complex climate and atmospheric systems, including writing her thesis on how climate change is influencing upper winds and jet streams and the resulting impacts on the aviation industry.
As Education Program Coordinator, Paige will support Plug’n Drive’s communications and digital content initiatives through newsletter coordination, media releases, content development, research, and stakeholder communications. She will contribute to social media content, website updates, media tracking, and EV education materials while supporting national EV awareness programming across Canada.