Government Fleet has announced three finalists for the 2016 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award. Judges chose the finalists from a group of 15 qualified nominees as scoring the highest in 10 categories: business plan, technology implementation, productivity, policies, preventive maintenance program, utilization management, replacement program, customer service, fuel management, and safety.

The judging panel is made up of public sector fleet managers from a variety of fleets around the country.

The finalists are:

• Gary Lentsch, CAFM, fleet manager, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Ore.

• Kelly Reagan, fleet administrator, City of Columbus, Ohio

• Robert Stine Jr., CAFM, CPFP, fleet director, Hillsborough County, Fla.

In addition to the 10 categories for which candidates are judged, Government Fleet asked them about their accomplishments.

Lentsch is proud of his interactions with other fleets throughout the country in regards to environmental stewardship projects. The fleet recently switched away from fossil-based diesel fuel, and Lentsch has presented on the benefits of renewable diesel to more than 400 fleet professionals in six different states. He has worked with various fleets in their switch to renewable fuels.

Reagan helped grow the Ohio Chapter of the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association, of which he serves as chairman, to more than 150 members. The City of Columbus was also involved in the successful Midwest Green Fleet Forum & Expo in 2015.

Stine uses a common sense Lean Six Sigma approach to improve fleet operations, reduce no-value operations, and reduce cost of operations. He leads the fleet team in providing high customer satisfaction, affordable service, and competitive service choices.

Industry professionals nominate fleet managers for this award, and candidates are asked to fill out a questionnaire for judging purposes. The 15 qualified nominees for this year are:

• Peter Bednar, fleet manager, Ventura County, Calif.

• Sharyl Blackington, chief, fleet services, San Diego County, Calif.

• Doug Bond, transportation services manager, Alameda County, Calif.

• Lloyd Brierley, general manager, Fleet Services Division, City of Toronto, Canada

• Craig Croner, CPFP, administrative services manager, City of Boise, Idaho

• Brandon Elliott, fleet operations director, Lancaster County, S.C.

• Mario Guzman, CAFM, general services manager, City of West Palm Beach, Fla.

• Bruce Halliday, fleet manager, City of Rochester Hills, Mich.

• Mary Joyce Ivers, CPFP, PWLF, fleet and facilities manager, City of Ventura, Calif.

• Gary Lentsch, CAFM, fleet manager, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Ore.

• Gregory Morris, CEM, fleet manager, Sarasota County, Fla.

• Marilyn Rawlings, CEM, director, Fleet Management, Lee County, Fla.

• Kelly Reagan, fleet administrator, City of Columbus, Ohio

• Robert Stine Jr., CAFM, CPFP, fleet director, Hillsborough County, Fla.

• Facundo Tassara, fleet manager, City of Norfolk, Va.

The award is sponsored by General Motors. The winner will be announced at The Honors Ceremony at GFX, which takes place June 20-23 in Nashville.