Canoo Appoints Former NASA Chief Technology Officer Deborah Diaz and Veteran EV Transportation Leader James Chen to Board of Directors

Justin, Texas, Feb. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canoo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOEV), an advancing high-tech mobility company, today announced appointments of two leaders in electric mobility, public policy, clean energy, technology, and cybersecurity to the company’s Board of Directors. The appointments of Ms. Deborah Diaz and Mr. James Chen are effective immediately.

“I’m excited to strengthen the board with the additions of Deborah and James,” said Tony Aquila, Investor, Executive Chairman, and CEO of Canoo. “As innovators and leaders, they will support Canoo and its team achieve our strategic growth objectives and increase our market penetration.”

Deborah B. Diaz previously served as former Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and CIO for Science and Technology at U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Diaz currently serves on the board of directors of Archer Aviation, Primis Financial, and ZeroAvia. Ms. Diaz is also Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst ADV, a technology and strategic growth advisory firm. She brings decades of experience in government and corporate leadership with expertise in technology governance, cybersecurity, management of complex IT systems and infrastructure, and digital transformation to the Canoo Board of Directors.

James C. Chen is former Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Deputy General Counsel at Tesla and former Vice President of Public Policy & Chief Regulatory Counsel at Rivian Automotive. Mr. Chen is currently a shareholder at the law firm of Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir in the firm’s transportation technology and energy practice. He brings extensive experience in designing and implementing solutions for complex legal, policy, and regulatory matters to the board.

Ms. Diaz said: "Canoo’s innovative design, utilization of smart technology, and expert staff are very impressive. The company has built commercial orders in addition to U.S. government and military partnerships to transform future mobility. As Canoo scales and manufactures more electric vehicles, there will be an increased need to assure that risk-based data and system protections are in place to create a world-class infrastructure. I am excited to be part of the Canoo board and to help establish the roadmap for Canoo’s digital transformation journey.”