Colby Martin Introduced as New SEMA Action Network Director

	A photo of Martin and his truck on the cover of the August 2003 issue of Classic Trucks magazine.

SEMA has announced the hiring of Colby Martin as its new director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). His primary responsibility will be to manage and direct the association’s grassroots network and oversee its outreach strategies to the hobbyist community and to the media.

“Although I will be working closely with SEMA government affairs staff based in Washington, D.C., I will remain stationed in my Southern California home and birthplace,” Martin said. “This new opportunity is the latest in a string of fortunate events that have allowed me a very gratifying career with SEMA. From my beginnings as a SEMA scholarship applicant and intern, I have been fortunate to accept roles in both the Membership and Marketing Departments and plan on using that knowledge and experience to further the SAN’s cause.”

Martin is a longstanding auto enthusiast. As a toddler, he was a regular at the drag races at Pomona, sprint races at Ascot and sand races on the dunes of Pismo Beach. His enthusiasm for the hobby has taken many forms throughout his life and is probably best represented by his longtime daily driver, a ’58 black and lime green mild custom Ford F-100 pickup. According to Martin, the truck has seen countless miles as a college commuter, weekend hot rod and tow vehicle for a land speed racing team. He’s currently working on a traditionally styled, chopped ’31 Ford Model A coupe on Deuce rails.

“Today, our combined government affairs efforts, including Federal and State legislative and regulatory affairs activities, are at unprecedented levels,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In 2011 alone our team has taken part in several hundred legislative or regulatory actions on issues ranging from scrappage to public nuisance laws to emissions testing programs, equipment standards and vehicle titling. Through the SEMA Action Network and its grassroots actions, Colby will be able to call on his skills honed over the years to broaden our effectiveness in support of policies beneficial to the automotive lifestyle and hobbyists.”

Please contact Martin with any questions or concerns regarding the SAN at 909/978-6721 or by e-mail at ColbyM@sema.org.