RMFMA Names Board Officers, Award Winners

The Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA) announced new board officers and the winners of its annual awards at Fleetcon, its annual fleet educational event that took place Sept. 14-17 in Glendale, Ariz.

Steven Choquette, with Denver International Airport Fleet Services, won the general election for the president‐elect position on the Association Board of Directors.

“My core work ethic is one of customer service. No matter what you do or who you do it for, everyone has a customer. I’m excited at the opportunity to help continue the service excellence and leadership historically provided by RMFMA, and hoping to help to continue this legacy,” Choquette said.

Bob Patterson succeeds Pete Scarafiotti, City of Mesa, Ariz., as chairman of the board. Patterson is life member of the RMFMA and retired from Arapahoe County, Colo. Patterson has served the RMFMA in several capacities over the years as the chair of the Colorado Chapter, past president and executive board member on the Association Board, and the chair of the association’s Marketing Committee.

Edmond Yelle, Jr, automotive mechanic, City of Wichita Falls, Texas, was named the Fleet Professional of the Year. The award is granted to a fleet professional who has brought about a significant advance in the management or operation of the fleet.

Having volunteered for the new position of safety officer in the Fleet Services Department, he implemented many changes and new policies that have reduced on‐the‐job injuries by at least 30%. He continues to support the fleet personnel in the Safety First training program and lead initiatives to continue to reduce injuries and safety incidents.

The association named Chris Pettijohn, fleet manager, City of Abilene, Texas, the Outstanding Fleet Member of the Year for his contributions to the association. Pettijohn is the current treasurer of the Texas chapter and served as chair in 2013. He also serves on the association’s Marketing Committee. Under his direction, the Texas chapter grew and attendance was high for quarterly meetings. Pettijohn took the initiative to update the chapter procedures, as well as develop guidelines for new membership and quarterly meeting attendance initiatives.

Finally, Ryan Parkins, Silver State International, Nevada Chapter Associate, was named the 2015 Kathy Loeb Outstanding Associate Member of the Year for his contributions to the association. Parkins has been instrumental in assisting the Nevada Chapter in many ways from contributing to growing its vendor membership to routinely sponsoring its quarterly meeting lunches. He has also served on the association’s Fleetcon Vendor/Exhibitor Committee.