Keep Reading: Program Aims to Introduce More Women to Diesel Technology Careers
Highlighting Women in the Fleet Industry
This International Women's Day Government Fleet is highlighting stories about the achievements and contributions of women in their various fleet roles.

From technicians and mentors to fleet managers and industry leaders, women in fleet are doing it all.
Photo: Government Fleet
From technicians to fleet managers to engineers and more, women continue to make an impact on the fleet industry. Within the public sector, women have been breaking the mold and taking the lead within their workforce to bring fleets into the future.
This International Women's Day Government Fleet is highlighting articles that tell the stories of women in the fleet industry who are making a difference within their organization. Despite the challenges many have faced, these women have not only persevered but continued to make progress. Here are several stories of those female leaders in fleet.
Women in Public Fleet Management: The State of the Industry
Women in public fleet management face unique challenges — whether that’s establishing respect with vendors, getting buy-in with technical staff, or often being the only woman in the room. During GFX, four women in fleet discussed these topics.

PepsiCo Nor Cal POD Fleet Manager Makela Owens, Agile Fleet Senior Client Success Manager Kathy Wellik, CAFM, Sara Burnam, MSL, CAFM, fleet management director for Palm Beach County, and Alison Kerstetter, the Fleet Manager for the city of Sacramento.
Photo: Ross Stewart Photography
Empowering Women in Fleet with Diesel Mechanic Missy Albin
Missy “Diesel Girl” Albin discusses her unique path to becoming a diesel tech and shares her thoughts on the industry, how the industry is changing, and what fleets can do to be more inclusive for new workers.
Driving Change: Women Leading the Way in Fleet Management Careers
Dive into the experiences of two women in fleet management. From handling solid waste collections to tackling industry challenges, these trailblazers share their insights from the heart of Texas.

Solid Waste Department Deputy Director Josephine Valencia with a San Antonio refuse truck.
Photo: City of San Antonio
The Cultural Crossroads of Women in the Government Fleet Workforce
As public fleets look to target and recruit female drivers, they have an opportunity to change the narrative around who is fit for what job by understanding the barriers that create the imbalances in the first place.
Highlighting NYC DCAS' New Dep. Chief Fleet Management Officer
Tamika Johnson manages Fleet Acquisitions and Administration for the City fleet and oversees the division’s hiring and human capital efforts.
‘Stay Informed’ Fleet Manager Makela Owens on Building Connections, Industry Transitions
Fleet manager Makela Owens discusses the changes and challenges of the fleet industry as well as the motivation for being the fleet industry. Owens is now the Nor Cal POD fleet manager for PepsiCo.

Heavy Equipment Superintendent Naomi Puente Good Shield gets into a heavy-duty truck.
Photo: City of San Antonio
Managing Recruitment & Maintenance as a New Fleet Manager
Alison Kerstetter, fleet manager of the Sacramento, California, Department of Public Works, shares the latest updates on her fleet and how she started her career in fleet.

Sara Burnam, fleet management director for Palm Beach County, Florida, was named the 2023 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year.
Photo: Palm Beach County
Burnam, who was named the 2023 Fleet Manager of the Year, discusses her journey to the public sector, challenges in the industry, and plans for the fleet's future.
More Operations

How Leading Fleets Improve and Why Business Plans Matter
This week, we look at what past Leading Fleet winners can teach us about making progress, plus how to build a business plan your fleet will actually use.
Read More →
Nominate a Fleet Leader for the 2027 Public Fleet Hall of Fame
Do you know a fleet leader who has made a lasting impact on the industry? Nominate this fleet professional for the 2027 Public Fleet Hall of Fame.
Read More →
Why Fleet Business Plans Need Three Perspectives
A fleet business plan should help agency leaders understand the fleet’s value, give the organization a clear direction, and establish shared expectations with customer departments.
Read More →
How Oil Analysis, Safety Technology, and Fleet Awards Drive Improvement
What happens when fleets let measured results guide their next decision?
Read More →
Emergency Response, Fleet Sales and New Technology
This week’s fleet news covers emergency preparedness, shifting vehicle sales, electric truck investments, and new tools for monitoring road conditions.
Read More →
NCDOT Adds Dash Cam Imagery to Statewide Traffic Monitoring
North Carolina transportation officials are adding another set of eyes to roads that aren't covered by fixed traffic cameras. A statewide deployment gives NCDOT access to on-vehicle imagery to verify conditions during work zones, severe weather, emergencies, and other traffic events.
Read More →
Turning a Bottleneck Into a Blueprint: How Tallahassee Rethought Police Fleet Readiness
For Tallahassee, finally receiving 87 delayed police cruisers created a new problem: how to get them on the road without creating a massive backlog. The solution would change more than the upfit process.
Read More →
AI, Police Fleet Readiness and Fire Apparatus News
See how AI, a reworked police-vehicle upfitting process, and a fire apparatus acquisition could affect public fleet operations.
Read More →
How AI and Automation Work Together to Reduce Government Fleet Downtime
As their assets age and their budgets’ purchasing power shrinks, government fleet managers are facing growing pressure to do more with less.
Read More →
Police Fleet Innovation, EV Strategy and AI
See how public fleets are rethinking police vehicle readiness, electrification, workplace culture, and driver workflows.
Read More →

