Peter DeMars participated and lettered in both cross country and track; he was also a member of the photo, publications, industrial education, engineering, and lettermen’s clubs. By graduation, he had managed to accumulate about 28 high school credits, which meant he never attended study hall and knew the school’s summer school offerings by heart. Peter was in the first graduating Class of 1970.
He earned multiple scholarships to the University of Arizona where he majored in engineering and now teaches in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering department. Peter is a registered professional engineer and prior to establishing his present firm, he worked for several prominent architectural/ engineering firms with responsibilities as Senior Project Engineer, Technologist, Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer, and Director of Design. Peter is now a founding Principal of the DeMars Group Inc., an engineering firm with presence in Tucson, Phoenix and San Francisco.
His work usually involves consultation, concept design, construction documentation and supervision of projects that include hospitals, clean manufacturing space for semiconductor, flat panel, biopharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing clients, government facilities, alternative energy infrastructure, etc.
Peter has written many white papers and publications and developed associations with a number of institutions. He has an impressive list of professional affiliations including American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers; Former Commissioner for Metropolitan Energy Commission, Tucson, AZ; and Adjunct Professor, College of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering just to name a few.
Peter has done a great deal of volunteer work with both youth and adult activities including VICA/ Skills USA where he helps to compile and analyze data for contestants in photography competition; designs and installs three or four exhibits each year at La Pilita Museum, works on various school benefits at Carrillo Elementary School, officiates at local invitational track events and coordinates the distribution of sand and other materials for over 8000 candles for the Indian Ridge Estates annual holiday luminaries event.
Peter is married to Elsmarie and they have three children.