Leadership Team
About
VoltVerified is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating electric bicycle safety standards across California and nationwide. Our leadership team combines over 60 years of law enforcement experience with a deep commitment to public safety and community education.
Founded by individuals who have firsthand experience with the repercussions of electric bicycle collisions, VoltVerified is led by seasoned professionals determined to make a significant impact. Our leaders harness their extensive background in traffic safety, emergency response, and community engagement to develop comprehensive, safety training programs for riders of all ages and experience levels.
We are thankful for the strong support from our community partners and volunteers, whose dedication is crucial as we work together to safeguard lives and promote sustainable transportation options. Join us in our mission to empower every rider with the knowledge to ride safely and confidently.
“Day after day, I’d see riders, many of them teens, riding eBikes in very unsafe ways. And since eBikes are only getting more popular, I reached a point where I thought, ‘I have the knowledge and experience… and with the lack of eBike-specific training available, I can’t just sit back and do nothing!’ That’s why I started VoltVerified. We exist to bridge the gap by combining education plus hands-on training. Not just that, we leverage years of emergency driving experience to teach riders how to operate their bikes defensively, intelligently, legally, and safely.”
Mike Thomas
Mike Thomas
(President & Chief Executive Officer) Director
Mike Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of VoltVerified, a forward-leading organization committed to elevating electric bicycle (eBike) safety standards. Under his leadership, VoltVerified has developed a comprehensive certification program that combines interactive e-learning with practical, hands-on training, empowering riders with the knowledge to reduce collisions and preserve life.
Since establishing VoltVerified in January 2024, Mike has drawn on his extensive 22 years of law enforcement experience in Southern California, including his role as a Traffic Administrator. His firsthand experiences with the consequences of unsafe eBike use have fueled his passion for developing an educational program that transcends traditional, text-heavy methods, offering concise and effective training methods designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Mike has played a crucial role in traffic safety, administering over $2 million in grant funding for traffic safety and education, and hosting multiple bicycle safety events involving community members and local eBike businesses. His efforts have significantly contributed to safer riding practices and enhanced community awareness.
Born and raised in Southern California, Mike lives in Orange County with his wife of 12 years and their two school-aged children. He is currently pursuing an MBA at Oklahoma State University. An active member of his local church, Mike enjoys playing guitar in the worship team and engages in various outdoor activities like biking and hiking, further solidifying his commitment to community and personal well-being.
Thoby Archer
(Chief Operations Officer)
Thoby Archer, Chief Operations Officer at VoltVerified, leads planning and organizational efforts with a background of 20 years of law enforcement experience in Southern California. His recent tenure as Manager of the Traffic Administrative Bureau has been marked by effective leadership. Thoby has made notable contributions to traffic safety, including authoring a consequential municipal code based on data-driven insights to reduce bicycle collisions. He consistently provides insightful traffic safety analysis at City Council meetings. His adept grant management skills reflect the breadth of his professional impact. With a Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State Long Beach, Thoby employs a strategic approach to enhancing community safety and public service.
In his personal life, Thoby is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, camping, and biking—passions that align with his professional dedication to safety. Raised in Orange County, CA, he now shares his love for adventure with his wife and two children, instilling in them the values of exploration and community engagement.
Marta Thomas
(Marketing & Communications Director)
Marta Thomas serves as the Marketing and Communications Director at VoltVerified, with over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience. Her expertise in marketing, negotiation, customer service, and legal compliance shapes the organization’s educational outreach. Marta’s innovative marketing strategies reach and educate a diverse audience of electric bicycle riders, while her negotiation skills secure valuable partnerships that support VoltVerified’s mission.
Her leadership in marketing and communications is crucial in advancing VoltVerified’s vision of safe, knowledgeable eBike ridership. Marta’s extensive background is pivotal to VoltVerified’s efforts to advocate for safety and empower riders through effective education programs.
On a personal note, Marta is married and has two young children. She relishes spending quality time with her family and engaging in the outdoor activities she professionally promotes. Whether biking on scenic trails, hiking through California’s diverse landscapes, or enjoying a day in the park, these experiences are her source of inspiration. Originally from the Northern California Bay Area, Marta now enjoys the dynamic lifestyle of Southern California, where she merges her passion for the outdoors with her professional commitment to ensuring safe and enjoyable biking experiences for everyone.
Molly Uemura
(Event Planning Director)
Molly Uemura, Event Planning Director at VoltVerified, brings over 15 years of extensive experience in community services and event management. Her career features a history of successfully managing large-scale public events, demanding meticulous planning, coordination, and execution—skills that align perfectly with VoltVerified’s educational and safety-focused initiatives.
While at the City of Huntington Beach, Molly skillfully handled the permitting process for numerous major events, ensuring seamless experiences for millions of attendees. Her ability to work effectively with various city departments and key stakeholders highlights her talent for fostering collaboration, a talent she leverages for VoltVerified’s mission-driven events.
Molly’s expertise in municipal budget administration and volunteer coordination allows her to organize cost-effective and impactful educational programs. Her active role in community engagement makes her a compelling advocate for VoltVerified, promoting the safety and education of electric bicycle enthusiasts.
With an eye for detail and a record of accomplishment of thriving in dynamic, high-pressure situations, Molly is a critical asset to VoltVerified. Her commitment to event planning excellence is in full stride with the organization’s mission to reduce eBike-related injuries and fatalities through proactive education.
Brad Smith
(Lead Training Coordinator)
Brad Smith, the Lead Training Coordinator at VoltVerified, brings nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience from Southern California. Recognized as a police control techniques expert and Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor, Brad has led hundreds of training sessions, imparting his extensive knowledge to thousands of police officers and community members throughout his distinguished career.
At VoltVerified, Brad leverages his expertise to enhance educational programs aimed at promoting safe and lawful bicycle riding. His energetic approach and self-starter attitude make him particularly effective in addressing unsafe and illegal riding behaviors, especially among teens. His firsthand experiences in law enforcement and heartfelt interactions with bicyclists fuel his passion for educating riders on best practices and safety standards.
Outside of his professional life, Brad is a devoted family man, cherishing the time he spends with his wife and children. An enthusiast of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he enjoys the discipline and physicality of the martial art, which he has practiced for years. Brad’s dedication to personal growth and community safety makes him a pivotal member of the VoltVerified team, where he continues to influence positive change and safer riding practices.