Top 10 Fleet Operations Stories of 2023

2023 may be over, but we want to take a moment to look in the rearview mirror at some of this year's top articles focused on public sector fleet operations before we kick off 2024.

Here is a list of the top 10 articles on fleet operations for this year (as of Dec. 22).

1. Driving Change: Women Leading the Way in Fleet Management Careers

Over the last several years, there has been a noticable increase in the number of women in public sector fleets — particularly in management roles.

Read about two women who have climbed up the fleet management ladder.

2. Leading Ideas from a Leading Fleet

There are several things that stand out about the fleet department for the city of Raleigh, North Carolina: camaraderie, passion for the industry, and good leadership. This is what made them stand out for the 2023 Government Fleet Leading Fleets award.

Learn why a perspective shift helped this team make it to the top.

3. Innovation and Sustainability in Action with the 2023 No. 1 Leading Small Fleet

Another fleet that took home honors from Government Fleet in 2023 was the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Illinois. This team was named the No. 1 Leading Small Fleet. Though this fleet is considered small, their operations are mighty.

Read about some of the innovative programs the fleet team is working on.

4. Navigating Lesser-Mentioned Challenges as a New Fleet Manager

For new fleet managers, the task at hand can seem daunting. And new challenges seem to arise every day.

Read about challenges you might face within your operations so you're prepared to take them on.

5. Lessons Learned from 2023 Award Winner, Sara Burnam

Sara Burnam, MSL, CAFM, has seen a lot in her days working in fleet. From working at a Goodyear Auto Service Center, to taking on the role of assistant fleet manager for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, to leading the Palm Beach County fleet in Florida.

Learn more about Burnam's time in fleet, challenges she has overcome, and advice she has for other women in fleet.

6. Identifying New Opportunities in Fleet: Q&A with Craig Willingham

Despite stepping away from his role as fleet manager, Craig Willingham is still lending support in fleet's operations as Assistant Director of General Services for Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Read about Willingham's new role, plus his reflecting on his time as fleet manager.

7. How to Make the Most of an Old Fleet Facility

Public sector fleet managers are often tasked with working out of older buildings. While they may be dealing with aging facilities and infrastructures, there are still ways they can improve their workspace.

Read how an Alabama fleet manager made changes to his fleet facility to improve efficiency and increase sustainability.

8. From Aircraft Maintenance to Virginia Fleet Manager with George Hrichak

In August, George Hrichak, CEM, CPFP, MSM, closed down the fleet garage for the city of Chesapeake, Virginia, for the last time. Over his two-plus decades working for Chesapeake, Hrichak led a heap of successful initiatives to improve the operations.

Read about Hrichak's time in fleet, how the Army influenced his career, and his advice for new leaders.

9. Larry Campbell Retires After Decades in Public Fleet

With nearly five decades of fleet work, it's safe to say Larry Campbell, CPFP, has loads of wisdom about the industry.

Read Campbell's advice for fleet managers, ways he's improved Fort Wayne, Indiana's fleet operations, and ways Campbells has been recognized for his work over the years.

10. Sacramento County’s Keith Leech to Retire, Looks Back on Career

Keith Leech has helped move the city of Sacramento's fleet operations forward. As he retires, he's reflecting on his career in fleet.

Read about ways Leech has seen the industry evolve during his time in fleet management, plus the surprising way he stepped into the industry.