Year in Review: Editor's Picks of the Top 2023 Government Fleet Stories
Top 10 Fleet Operations Stories of 2023
The year's top articles focusing on fleet operations featured ways fleet managers are overcoming challenges and innovative approaches they are taking with their teams.

Government Fleet's top 10 articles on fleet operations show public sector fleet managers want to hear from other fleet professionals in the industry, and find ways to navigate challenges within their operations.
Photo: Canva/Government Fleet
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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New map layers give public safety agencies real-time fire detections and smoke conditions integrated directly into LiveOps at no additional cost.
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Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Your fleet may have the right policies, but are they being followed consistently? This practical guide highlights six hidden compliance risks that can undermine public sector and shared fleet operations and shares proven approaches to improve oversight, drive accountability, and maintain audit readiness.
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Dealing With Workplace Fraud in Fleets
Workplace fraud in government organizations can result in significant financial losses, but understanding its causes and implementing effective controls can help mitigate the risk.
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Mercury Associates Returns to Independent Ownership
New owners John Martin, Brad Smith, and Daniel Reichmann plan to expand Mercury’s analytical capabilities while continuing to grow the CFMO program.
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Fleet Technology Targets Inspections, EV Procurement, and Parts Sourcing
How new technology is addressing routine operational challenges, from vehicle inspections to cooperative purchasing.
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Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Orders Three New Aerial Ladder Trucks
As Murfreesboro's population grows, its fire fleet is growing with it. Three new aerial ladder trucks will replace existing frontline apparatus and equip a new ladder company planned for Station 12.
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Fleetio Launches PartsTech Integration, Helping Fleets Save up to 15 Minutes on Each Purchase Order
Integration brings parts sourcing and ordering into one connected Fleetio workflow to reduce administrative work.
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What’s Holding Your Fleet Back?
Catch up on the week with news around creating a more structured operation, examining an outdated garage, and more.
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When Better Communication Makes Fleets More Efficient
How government fleet operations can use routine communication to address underused vehicles while giving employees and customer departments a clearer way to raise concerns.
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How Dakota County Built a More Structured Fleet Operation
Kevin Schlangen shares how Dakota County’s fleet moved from reactive repairs and limited oversight to a more structured approach built around planning, training, and long-term cost control.
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