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John Alley, CAFM
Deputy Director, Fleet
City of San Diego, Calif.
On-Road Units: 4,067
Off-Road Units: 150
Maintenance Facilities: 13
Fleet Budget: $95M

A former career military aviator with more than 40 years of fleet management experience, Deputy Director John Alley and his team have successfully implemented the city's new business plan for fleet management by consolidating fleet operations for all customer departments under one organization.

The results have saved the city more than $7 million in the first two years with other efficiencies identified daily. It has also allowed the city to fold the General Fund Departments of Public Safety (Police & Fire) under the umbrella of the Internal Service Fund; establish long-term vehicle replacement plans for all departments; implement a comprehensive vehicle financial plan and purchase more than 1,350 vehicles in the first two years; establish standard lifecycle classes for all city vehicles; immediately improve PM to unscheduled maintenance ratios from 45:55 to 50:50 for an anticipated improvement to 30:70 over the next four years; reduced maintenance backlog and increased fleet availability to more than 95 percent; increased customer service satisfaction to more than 94 percent; reduced overall vehicle emission levels; and increased team morale in all shops (two blue shield shops).

Fleet Services lives by the motto, "Mission First, People Always!"

Terry Anglin
Fleet Services Director
City of Garland, Texas
On-Road Units: 1,254
Off-Road Units: 501
Maintenance Facilities: 3
Fleet Budget: $7.4M

Terry Anglin has five-plus years of municipal government experience - responsible for entire maintenance and repair of more than 1,800 units at three shop facilities. He also has 28 years of private utility fleet experience at multiple locations, including alternative fuel technology development, engine research and development, and various truck up-fittings, and has been accountable for public and private operational and replacement budgets.

Anglin specializes in specification development; LNG engine research and development; CNG station maintenance; truck up-fitting equipment and sales; chassis and dynamometer service; equipment replacement purchases; paint and body shop; shop floor supervisor; and mechanic.

His technical training includes: Lincoln Technical Institute (Dallas); Texas Railroad Commission CNG Management, Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Austin); CNG Training - Texas Railroad Commission (Austin); GFI CNG Training - Stewart & Stevenson(Colorado); Refrigerant Recovery Training - ICMA (Dallas); and various management and supervisory courses.

Anglin is a member of the Automotive Advisory Board for Education, Eastfield College, Dallas; Fire Department Safety Officer's Association; Rocky Mountain Fleet Manager's Association; Solid Waste Association of North America; and the American Public Works Association.

Mark Bellamy, CAFM
Fleet Manager
York County, Va.
On-Road Units: 436
Off-Road Units: 405
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $4.9M

Working in the automotive industry since 1984, Mark Bellamy currently serves as fleet manager for York County, Va. As fleet manager, he is responsible for acquisition, disposal, maintenance, and repair of the county's equipment, as well as operation of a motor pool, fueling program, and tourism transportation. York's fleet organization supports other entities with fleet services as well as schools, the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, and the Colonial Services Board.

During his eight-year tenure with York County, the fleet organization has received the Blue Seal of Excellence Award from the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) five times. York fleet's eight technicians hold 114 ASE, Emergency Vehicle Technician, and Outdoor Power Equipment certifications.

In March 2008, Bellamy passed the Association for Equipment Management Professionals' Certified Equipment Manager exam demonstrating his proficiency in the field.

Bellamy also holds NAFA's Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation.

During 2008, York County was recognized by the Virginia Municipal League in the "Go Green" challenge. Bellamy was an advocate of this program and rewrote fleet policy to include green considerations, such as anti-idling and purchasing environmentally friendly vehicles. County fleet performance metrics were also changed to establish a baseline and measure green performance.

Bellamy has served as NAFA's Virginia Old Dominion chapter treasurer, vice chair, and most recently chapter chair. Nationally, Bellamy is a member of NAFA's Certification Board, overseeing the CAFM program.

Additionally, Bellamy has contributed to NAFA's Fleet Maintenance Operation Guide (FMOG) and served on the national nomination committee.

Teaching in the Virginia Community College system, since 2003 Bellamy has also served as an adjunct faculty member instructing in management, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Daniel Berlenbach
Fleet Manager
City of Oxnard, Calif.
On-Road Units: 771
Off-Road Units: 118
Maintenance Facilities: 3
Fleet Budget: $7.8M

Daniel Berlenbach, a fleet manager with 30-plus years of experience managing fleets of all sizes says he is especially proud of the accomplishments and team effort of the City of Oxnard's Fleet Services Division.

In the past year, the city earned its third ASE Blue Seal Certification, two State of California "Green Shop" awards, and recognition as the No. 3 Fleet in the country under the "100 Best Fleets Program."

A forward-thinking, fast paced operation, the division has taken full advantage of technology to improve service to its customers.

In 2008 the team implemented wireless networks and individual technician laptops for diagnostics, communication, and instant access to their AssetWorks maintenance management software. Additionally, the Division developed and implemented 26 Key Performance Indicators (KPI), deploying them to technicians and customers alike. These KPIs support the Division's fact-based management style and involve all employees in support of customer expectations.

[PAGEBREAK]John Cantu
Director of Equipment Services
Maricopa County, Ariz.
On-Road Units: 1,944
Off-Road Units: 606
Maintenance Facilities: 6
Fleet Budget: $16M

 

 

 

 

John Cantu is director of equipment services for Maricopa County, Ariz. He has more than 25 years of diverse fleet experience with heavy- and light-duty equipment. As director of equipment services department since December 2004, his focus in always providing professional, efficient, and cost-effective fleet services were critical to the department, which was being considered for privatization prior to his appointment as director.

His commitment to achieving high standards and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect were essential to the department's recognition as a highly efficient and productive workforce that is far from being outsourced. The department also eradicated a major budget deficit and continues to excel financially.

Cantu instills in others that working and caring for employees, which are the most valuable and critical resources leaders are entrusted with, must be the very first order of business. Achieving the trust and commitment from employees and implementing an effective strategic business plan have been important factors in the success of the department.

With a fleet size of more than 2,500 units, the county is committed to improving the air quality and the environment of the community. As a fleet director, he recognizes the importance of being a responsible leader in the economic development of a rapidly growing community and has taken several initiatives, such as successfully implementing the use of biodiesel for county equipment which also includes several other local agencies, purchasing hybrid vehicles, and promoting several green initiatives within the county and state.

As a result of his commitment to the county and community, he was selected to be co-chairman for the 2007 Combined Charitable Campaign for Maricopa County and Chairman for the 2008 Combined Charitable Campaign. He is also a member of several professional organizations and was vice-chair for the National Automotive Fleet Association-Arizona Chapter 2007-2008 and has accepted the chairman position for 2009-2010. He has a Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisitions Management from Webster University.

Don Carson
Fleet Manager
Arapahoe County, Colo.
On-Road Units: 704
Off-Road Units: 115
Maintenance Facilities: 2
Fleet Budget: $2.5M

Arapahoe County fleet manager since 2005, Don Carson, CEM, has more than 35 years of experience in fleet management. Carson feels the greatest accomplishments in 2008 were the ASE incentive of 3 percent for mechanics that acquire the master certification and establishing the employee of the quarter program.

"In these times where budgets are cut and we need to do more with less, these are huge accomplishments," said Carson.

Fleet obtained the ASE Blue Seal award for the 3rd consecutive year. These positive changes since his arrival to Arapahoe County show the dedication of all employees in the fleet division.

Claton Chandler, CPFP
State Fleet Manager
State of Oklahoma
On-Road Units: 10,110
Off-Road Units: 3
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $18M

The State of Oklahoma fleet is quickly becoming a center of excellence and experiencing a contemporary renaissance in its fleet operations through what has been characterized as insightful policy development, innovative rate structuring, integration of technology, and ground-breaking sustainability efforts.

A relative newcomer to fleet operations, Clay Chandler brought with him a new and innovative approach in fleet leadership making a significant impact in how fleet managers perform their mission within the state's vehicle fleet, and more importantly, how they are viewed by their agencies' leadership.

Chandler understands the value of shared experience and expertise between agency fleet managers and has reinvigorated the state's Motor Vehicle Advisory Council (MVAC). Formed from 23 distinct fleets of varying sizes and compositions, the MVAC, which owns 9,000 vehicles, is now providing a unified body for statewide policy development and execution as well as providing a commodity management function to leverage pricing and increase functionality by potential vendors for statewide contracts on automobiles, trucks, fuel, and other emerging technologies.

Directly responsible for a combined long-term and daily rental fleet of 1,100 vehicles, Chandler has created a lease rate methodology using data analytics and lifecycle cost modeling to ensure supported agencies receive the best value for their fleet-use dollars, and that the information is provided to agency fleet managers inside their decision cycles for upcoming fiscal year budgets. Estimated cost savings for the state's innovative "Rollover" and "My Team" plans is expected to exceed $1 million annually.

In an effort to ensure fleet managers across the state are armed with real-time fleet information and state-of-the-art fleet management software, Oklahoma is expanding its use of AssetWorks Fleet Focus M5 to other state agencies. Chandler believes access to up-to-date maintenance and utilization data is paramount in saving state taxpayer hard-earned dollars and ensuring all fleet managers have tools necessary to remain credible experts.

Savings in the consolidation of outdated or inadequate legacy fleet management programs is expected to top $5 million annually for the next four years as the program continues its rollout.

As a complimentary initiative, Oklahoma is self-installing automatic vehicle location (AVL) equipment in each of the 1,100 vehicles in the state's long-term lease and daily rental fleets. This technology provides real-time engine diagnostic data as well as location information for each of the fleet's vehicles.

The second and third-order effects of this technology include improved driver behavior and productivity, reduced maintenance and fuel costs, and a tremendous environmental impact. Chandler estimates the state will save an estimated $984,000 in fuel and maintenance annually, with a total annual emissions reduction of 4,600,000 lbs. of environmental pollutants.

Chandler is also responsible for Oklahoma's alternative-fuel program. He has been a compelling force within the state in this constantly expanding area. He has a capital investment plan to establish an Alternative Fuel Center of Excellence with a principle focus on providing training and continuing education for the state's alternative-fuel technicians and has completed Phase I of a design/build project to open alternative-fuel infrastructure using prototype unattended fueling stations to be located throughout the state.

His program officers are also charged with aggressively competing for federal grant opportunities through the Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Those grants separately include infrastructure, vehicle conversions, and education/public awareness. The maintenance service division is slated to perform 35 alternative-fuel vehicle conversions in the next six months, with additional demand by state agencies for special-use vehicle conversions increasing as well.

Dionne Chisholm
National Level Fleet Manager
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
On-Road Units: 44,958
Off-Road Units: 876
Maintenance Facilities: 9
Fleet Budget: $463M

Dionne Chisholm started her fleet career as a fleet management assistant for the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) in 1991. In 1995, she was promoted to the position of Regional Level Fleet Manager.

While in that position, Chisholm managed the fleet for the central and northern regions, which consisted of 18 locations and more than 6,000 vehicles. Between 1995 and July 2003, she also headed the vehicle disposal program and established an Intra-Agency Agreement with the Federal Prison Industries (FPI). This program would make minor repairs and prepare vehicles for sale, enabling INS to receive top dollar for the sale of vehicles, most of which were sold through GSA.

While at INS, Chisholm also served as member of the agency Office of Internal Audit INSpect Team, conducting inspections of agency field office fleet management programs to ensure compliance with proper procedures in vehicle management. She also revised the motor vehicle section of the INSpect Guide used to conduct inspections.

In July 2003, she became fleet manager for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As such, she was responsible for motor vehicle and aircraft management, consisting of more than 35,000 motor vehicles and 300 aircrafts. Chisholm provided policy oversight and guidance to the USDA bureau level Motor Vehicle and Aviation Managers. She also served as a liaison between all 55 USDA bureaus, the General Services Administration (GSA), and other Federal Agencies.

Chisholm was the lead on the USDA Fleet Card Team for the GSA SmartPay 2 transition program. The SmartPay contracts expire in November 2008. She was also responsible for implementing the SmartPay 2 contract for more than 35,000 fleet cards. The fleet card is used for the authorized purchase of fuel, maintenance, repair, and emergency roadside assistance services of government-owned/leased motor vehicles.

Paul Condran
Equipment Maintenance Manager
City of Culver City, Calif.
On-Road Units: 605
Off-Road Units: 30
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $7.1M

[PAGEBREAK]Dave Cole
Dept. of Public Works Mechanical
Maintenance Administrator
City of Glendale, Calif.
On-Road Units: N/A
Off-Road Units: N/A
Maintenance Facilities: N/A
Fleet Budget: N/A

 

 

 

 

Working as the City of Glendale's Public Works' mechanical maintenance administrator, Dave Cole continues to introduce innovative ideas to his fleet. In 2008, Cole addressed two of the city's biggest issues: economic downturn and continuing employee development.

As an administrator, Cole's division continues to turn out major amounts of work keeping the fleet running with a 20-percent staff reduction due to frozen positions.

In the employee development area, Cole continues to nurture a very successful partnership between Pasadena City College (PCC) and the City of Glendale, in which they employ three PCC students as interns.

Wayne Corum
Director of Equipment Services
City of Fort Worth, Texas
On-Road Units: 2,837
Off-Road Units: 630
Maintenance Facilities: 5
Fleet Budget: $21M

Wayne Corum is the director of equipment services for the 17th largest city in the nation, Fort Worth, Texas. The City of Fort Worth has a fleet of 3,721 vehicles maintained out of four service centers. Three of the four service centers are ASE Blue Seal certified.

In 2008, Corum led a process that resulted in the transition of parts management from Genuine Auto Parts (NAPA) to AutoZone, saving the city more than $200,000 per year.

Corum also led a citywide effort to minimize fuel usage resulting in $321,000 fuel savings. Under his direction, the city renegotiated its diesel fuel contract resulting in the addition of biodiesel to the contract and reduced the cost by $100,000 over the life of the contract. Finally, he worked with city departments to replace 151 fleet vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles.

In May 2008, Corum was elected vice chair of the Texas Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association.

Bryan Flansburg, CAFM
Director Transportation Services
University of Colorado
On-Road Units: 575
Off-Road Units: 0
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $1.1M

Bryan Flansburg has been involved with fleet management for more than half his life. With 26 years of fleet experience, he has spent 22 of these years at the University of Colorado.

Flansburg started his career with a four -year stint in the military. He held positions as maintenance manager, fleet manager, and for the past 12 years, has served as director of transportation services at the University.

Transportation Services has 50 employees that report to three area managers. Flansburg supervises area managers whose responsibilities include administering the University fleet, driver training, motor pool, one maintenance shop, and a transit operation.

In January 2005, his fleet responsibilities expanded to include the University of Colorado's Denver and Health Science Center campuses. Flansburg is an active member of the NAFA Fleet Management Association. Previously serving terms in appointed and elected positions at a local and national level, he has facilitated and conducted numerous training sessions.

Flansburg earned his Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) certification in 1997, was recertified in 2002, and again in 2007. He was instrumental in originating the University's nationally recognized biodiesel program.

In 2003, he started his own company where he develops computer programs to improve business processes for several local businesses, fleet consulting for local municipalities, and has been called as an expert consultant and witness for a fleet-related lawsuit.

Dennis Hogan, CAFM
Fleet Services Manager
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
On-Road Units: 715
Off-Road Units: 246
Maintenance Facilities: Pre-flood, 5;
post-flood, 1 permanent, 1 temp.
Fleet Budget: $8.5M

Dennis Hogan has always sought out positions that provided him with the biggest challenges. Each fleet he managed has been one with potential that was not where it could be operationally.

Hogan worked with the University of Iowa fleet operation, and in a six-year period, rebuilt the operation and restored the University customer's faith in fleet.

He next took a position with Alliant Energy. During his time with Alliant, Hogan directed the merger of three utility fleets; IES Utilities, Interstate Power Company, and Wisconsin Power and Light into one fleet covering four states and 4,000-plus units. The Alliant fleet was recognized as one of the top quartile utility fleets in the 2006 and 2007 Utilimarc Fleet benchmark study.

In September 2007, Hogan saw an opportunity to take on a new challenge, building the City of Cedar Rapids fleet entirely from scratch.

In 2006, the citizens of Cedar Rapids voted to change the form of government from full-time council and strong mayor to city manager form. As part of that change, the concept of a consolidated fleet operation came to reality. Hogan was hired to build that fleet operation into a customer-focused organization.

From October 2007 to June 2008, he created the organization, hired key staff members, and began transitioning operations formerly held at city department level to the new fleet services division. This involved gathering customer expectations and balancing those with the expectations of the senior level leaders of the city.

One of the first tasks Hogan undertook in the city was generating a business strategy defining "how we get from here to where we need to be." This involved creating a preventive maintenance program, fleet policies and procedures, standardized specifications, customer service surveys, performance measures, standardized fleet forms, and a "State of the Fleet Report." Fleet also accomplished consolidating all fleet records to the Fleet Services Office.

In June 2008, Cedar Rapids suffered the worst flooding in the city's history with nearly $1 billion dollars in damage. The basis for fleet's strategy to that point was completely destroyed; all fleet records, all vehicle history files, and four of the five city-owned garages - all of the progress made from October 2007 to June 2008. Since fleet had evacuated our garages and office, they borrowed a tent from the Iowa National Guard and set up our operation. The fleet services organization was up and running within three hours of the evacuation.

Since June, the fleet services division has successfully worked from a military maintenance tent, an 11,000-sq.-ft. bare floor garage facility, and finally in December, fleet moved to a leased facility with a 30,000-sq.-ft. garage facility.

After the flooding and the immediate aftermath, it was clear fleet would not be able to return to our former locations. Since the June flooding, the City of Cedar Rapids fleet, under Hogan's supervision, has accomplished:

  • Developed and implemented a direct bill program to transition Fleet Services to an Internal Service Fund division, including monthly lease and rental programs, a billing system for fuel, and a charge back system for our garage operations.
  • Standardized specifications for 90 percent of fleet equipment.
  • Developed and implemented 14 strategic standard operating procedures for fleet operations and maintenance.
  • Purchased and implemented the Asset Works Fleet Focus software in 90 days from installation to implementation.
  • Consolidated departmental garage operations into one fleet maintenance program and operating culture.
  • Created and implemented three customer feedback loops, supporting management and frontline employee customer feedback.
  • Established series fleet maintenance performance measures that have led to a 60-percent increase in accurate maintenance data collection and billing data.
  • Negotiated and executed a repair parts RFP.
  • Generated a first-ever fleet services annual report.
  • Reduced total fleet units by 75 units pre-flood, and an additional 45 units post-flood.
  • Implemented a lifecycle costing strategy and fleet replacement plan.
  • Created a vehicle accident management process and an accident review committee to include new reporting process and accident report forms.
  • Launched the Fleet Focus Group, a customer-oriented cross functional team working on fleet programs and processes with a customer prospective.

Jeffrey Jeter
Director of Fleet Services
Spotsylvania County
Public Schools, Va.
On-Road Units: 1,400
Off-Road Units: 25
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $2.2M

Jeffrey Jeter has worked in the automotive industry for more than 35 years. He currently serves as the director of Fleet Services for Spotsylvania County Public Schools in Va. In his current position, he is responsible for acquisition, disposal, maintenance, and repair of the county's equipment assets.

During the past two years, he has successfully overseen the completion of the new fleet services facility; restructured the fleet maintenance shop to separate heavy vehicles from light; re-tooled both shops; achieved in-house warranty certifications from two of the major automobile manufacturers; and built an excellent rapport with internal and external customers and vendors.

While serving as assistant fleet manager for Chesterfield County, Va., his department won the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, achieved from the major three automobile manufacturers' in-house warranty center, and received the Blue Seal Award from ASE.

As deputy director of fleet services for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jeter helped implement a national fuel card program and national automobile rental program, installed an E-85 fuel site, implemented a maintenance software program (CCG-FASTER), and implemented a maintenance call center.

 Jeter has served in many chapter level positions during his 14 years as a member of NAFA and is currently serving on the NAFA Board of Governors Education Development Committee and as an FMS instructor.

[PAGEBREAK]David Johnson
Manager, Automotive
Services Division
Clark County, Nev.
On-Road Units: 2,651
Off-Road Units: 368
Maintenance Facilities: 3
Fleet Budget: $19.3M

 

 

 

 

With more than 21 years of military fleet management experience and eight years of private and public sector experience, David Johnson currently serves as the manager of automotive services for Clark County, Nev.

Over the last three-and-a-half years, Johnson built the largest hybrid fleet in the state, currently at 441 vehicles and expected to exceed 500 by the end of this fiscal year. By changing the makeup of the fleet, he had a savings of more than $250,000 in fuel costs over the last year due to the increased mileage the hybrids provide in comparison to the straight gasoline vehicles.

Through the efforts of Johnson's team, the county fleet is 100-percent alternative fuel. He has generated more than $12 million in annual revenue as a self-funded enterprise and provides services to 45 county departments.

His team oversees all maintenance and management activities over a fleet of 3,069 units. Process improvements are an ongoing operation that cover every aspect in fleet operations from technology, purchasing, vehicle specifications, and environmental practices.

Fleet upgraded Asset Works M4 to the latest edition, as well as upgraded all county-owned fuel stations to the latest technology available from Asset Works Fleet Focus.

Fleet also standardized fleet to reduce the requirement to stock parts from various manufacturers. Johnson oversaw the largest vehicle purchase in county history of $5.2 million this fiscal year.

He spearheaded obtaining ASE Blue Seal certification for all three maintenance facilities under his direction and has successfully maintained this certification for the last three years. Johnson sits on the Advisory Committee to the College of Southern Nevada's Automotive Training Center.

Edward Johnson
Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent
City of Lake Charles, La.
On-Road Units: 986
Off-Road Units: 264
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $2.7M

With 11 years' experience as fleet maintenance manager for the City of Lake Charles, La., Edward Johnson has served as fleet superintendent for the past three years.

Johnson was most recently recognized for his leadership, training, and personnel skills. He is always looking for ways to save city money by reducing use of outside repair vendors by 50 percent, resulting in more than $200,000 saved annually.

The City's fleet numbers approximately 1,250 vehicles and pieces of equipment. Johnson's focus on change and improvement is evident in his skills in technology, purchasing, environmental practices, and his care for customers.

He instituted computerization in software upgrades for all sections in vehicle maintenance. His fleet has made an attrition turnover of 35 percent in the last three years.

Johnson believes "If you take care of your personnel in training and treat them with respect, you will receive quality work finished on time, all of the time."

He was instrumental in passing the stringent city Federal Transit Administration's Triennial Transit Bus Review for the first time in 15 years, and was recognized for such in 2007.

Johnson is a member of the American Public Works Association, California School Bus and Transportation Organization, and has worked with Thomas School Bus Company redesigning a new boxed radiator for 1997-1999 model-year buses. He is a retired U.S. Army soldier, having served in three major conflicts.

Paul Koch, CAFM
Fleet Manager
City of Durham, N.C.
On-Road Units: 1,465
Off-Road Units: 185
Maintenance Facilities: 2
Fleet Budget: $2.9M

Paul Koch developed and implemented a fully centralized fleet replacement program to address aged-fleet problems, replacing 39 percent of the fleet, eliminating 36 assets, and returning $2.7 million in disposal proceeds in just three years.

Purchasing and standardization strategies have also supported the reduction of 775 lines of repair parts inventory valued at $55,510. Inventories, downtime, shop efficiency and PM scheduling/compliance have also been addressed through excellent data collection, accountability, and customized reporting.

Koch authored articles on fleet budgeting, fleet replacement, and instructed fleet workshops for American Public Works Association (APWA). He also serves on the NAFA Fleet Management Association CAFM certification board.

Rick Longobart
Fleet Services Superintendent
City of Inglewood, Calif.
On-Road Units: 500
Off-Road Units: 100
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $3.8M

Rick Longobart, fleet services superintendent for the City of Inglewood, Calif., was a former equipment maintenance supervisor for the City of El Segundo, Calif.

Longobart attended Los Angeles Technical College and Phoenix University. His experience consists of fleet and facility maintenance, hazardous waste and AB989 Recycling Program. He is responsible for the implementation of an automated fleet and fuel management system that streamlined the divisions operation by using environmentally sound business practices that decreased waste and reduced costs.

Because of his leadership, the City has saved millions of dollars and received certification from both the State of California for its outstanding maintenance records and vehicle repairs and the Department of Toxic Substance for its excellent environmental operations. The City has also been recognized as one of the "100 Best Fleets."

Throughout 2008, Longobart has been instrumental in adopting programs that have improved efficiency and streamline operations, as follows:

  • Integrated seven software solutions into one program to reduce cost.
  • Adopted CEI Group Accident Collision Program.
  • Implemented a Web-based motor pool reservation system.
  • Installed state-of-the-art alternative-fuel station.

Gary Lowe
Fleet Services Administrator
City of Tucson, Ariz.
On-Road Units: 2,500
Off-Road Units: 250
Maintenance Facilities: 2
Fleet Budget: $28M

Gary Lowe has more than 31 years of experience with the City of Tucson, Ariz. Fleet Services Division and recently retired certification from the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Construction Mechanic Chief Senior (CMCS) after more than 20 years of service.

Two years ago, Lowe was assigned to active duty in Camp Fallujah, Iraq, serving as the Construction Equipment Manager for western Iraq. He managed more than 5,000 vehicles and construction equipment repairs, maintenance, and replacement and performed detailed inspections of repair facilities, equipment, and program processes.

As fleet services administrator, he is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the division activities for a 2,700 vehicle fleet (including refuse trucks) and 108 division staff members. He manages a budget in excess of $26 million, initiates short- and long-term planning for system improvements, oversees all fuel and maintenance operations, vehicle acquisition and disposal, facility improvements, personnel issues, and monitors overall costs while ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources.

Under his direction, the City is leading the way for other municipal fleets in the use of alternative fuels and vehicles. For 2009, the city's diesel tanks were converted to B-20 and Fleet Services is in the process of converting three of the eight fuel sites to E-85 to accommodate its growing fleet of approximately 200 flex-fuel vehicles.

Two of the three sites are currently dispensing E-85 with the third site scheduled to come online before the end of 2009. To increase availability of E-85 for the City's fleet of flex-fuel vehicles, Lowe negotiated an agreement to utilize the fueling facility at the University of Arizona in exchange for allowing the University to utilize the city's fueling site for B-20 for the University's Cat Tran buses. In 2008, Fleet Services applied for and successfully received a federal excise tax credit for CNG - $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge).

Lowe contributes the success of Fleet Services to his team of professionals and their ability to meet the challenges facing all municipal fleets.

Gary Lykins
Fleet Manager
Town of Jonesborough, Tenn.
On-Road Units: 88
Off-Road Units: 39
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $460K

Gary Lykins is fleet manager for the Town of Jonesborough, Tenn. He holds ASE certifications as a Master Technician, Parts Specialist, and a Service Consultant. Lykins is "no stranger to equipment management" having spent 15 years in a mixture of aspects of the fleet management process.

Before joining the Town of Jonesborough in 2005, he served other private companies as a dealership parts manager, service manager, and an independent fleet repair operations manager.

Lykins offers and supports a wide range of new ideas and effective strategies as the town embarks on a new era of comprehensive fleet management. Many new programs and initiatives have been put into action in respect to alternative fuel, conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and proper fleet usage under his direction.

A spotlight on productivity and customer satisfaction is the primary objective to Lykin's goal, which is characterized by a single word: QUALITY.

[PAGEBREAK]Allen Mitchell, CPFP
Fleet Manager
Snohomish County Dept. of
Public Works, Wash.
On-Road Units: 957
Off-Road Units: 370
Maintenance Facilities: 3
Fleet Budget: $25.2M

 

 

 

 

Allen Mitchell is fleet manager for Snohomish County, Wash. Public Works Department, Fleet Management Division. Mitchell has served in this capacity for more than 14 years.

In his current position, Mitchell is responsible for managing a broad range of fleet assets including more than 1,400 units of vehicles/equipment and 1,200 radios that serve all county departments.

The Snohomish County fleet is valued at $54 million. He supervises a staff of 49 fleet personnel at four locations and manages a $22-$25 million annual budget. He also manages the rental and revolving fund which is self supported through revenues from equipment rental, equipment sales, sales of parts and construction materials, and investments. The Fleet Management Division functions as an internal rental organization which provides comprehensive equipment services to its internal customers.

His previous experience includes five years as equipment supervisor with the King County, Wash. Department of Public Works; nine years as transportation officer and manager with Rainier National Bank; two-and-a-half years as motor pool supervisor with the Washington State Motor Transport Division, and more than four years of active-duty military experience as a maintenance officer in the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Captain.

Mitchell's education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology and a Master's Degree in Adult Education Administration from Western Washington University. In August 2007, Mitchell received the Certified Public Fleet Professional accreditation. In October 2008, Snohomish County was designated as a "100 Best Fleet" and ranked No. 3 as a Government Green Fleet out of 38,000 public sector fleets.

He has been a NAFA member for 29 years and has served four terms as Puget Sound Chapter Chair in addition to many other chapter positions, and has also served nationally on the Membership and Law Enforcement Committees.

In addition, since 1988 Mitchell has been a member of the American Public Works Association and serves as the vice president and treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Public Fleet Manager's Association. He was previously a member of the National Association of Vanpool Operators, and served on the Federal Way Community Council, as well as on the board of the Federal Way Philharmonic Orchestra.

Vincent Olson
Superintendent of Internal Services
Village of Algonquin, Ill.
On-Road Units: 100
Off-Road Units: 50
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $1.1M

Vincent Olson is a third-generation Veteran and is very proud of his family's service to the country.

As a member of HHC 2nd Bn 7th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart Georgia and again assigned to HHC 155th at Camp Shelby Mississippi during Operation Desert Storm, Olson was exposed to the motor pool that was kept in a high state of readiness. This early influence drove home the concept of a central mission and the importance of a well trained team.

Fifteen years of private sector service and eventually going into business for him were the training ground for prudent fiscal management, inventory control, and business planning.

These experiences prepared Olson for fleet management position within the Village of Algonquin, Ill. Since coming on board for the Village of Algonquin in 2005, fleet maintenance has:

  • Achieved ASE Blue Seal certification four consecutive years (more than 65 combined certifications in fleet operations for six people).
  • Been listed on the 100 Best Fleets for two consecutive years.
  • Established a funded vehicle replacement program with 10-year forecast for vehicle replacement.
  • Developed fleet/parts room standard operating procedures.
  • Launched alternative-fuel program using waste vegetable oil that reduced petroleum diesel use by more than 5,000 gallons to date.
  • Included more than 70 percent of alternative-fuel or hybrid vehicles/equipment.
  • Reduced inventory loss to less than 1 percent for three consecutive years.
  • Instituted bar-coding for inventory control.
  • Launched GPS/AVL for snow fleet and street sweeping equipment with controller feedback.
  • Utilized online auctions for vehicle disposal.
  • Provided monthly fleet reporting for all departments.
  • Worked with local Dundee Crown High School chemistry and environmental science classes to educate students on Public Works and application of Sciences within.
  • Provided fuel and service for local High School "Cool Bus Project."
  • Publicly spoke for APWA, FVOA, and Sustainable Cities Symposium on alternative-fuel programs in fleet operations.
  • Kept fleet availability above 98 percent.
  • Reduced outsourced costs by 70 percent.
  • Developed and implemented Quartermaster system for stocked goods with invoicing for departments.
  • Reduced fleet overtime by 60 percent utilizing electronic service request system and employing a system of vehicle liaisons for departments.
  • Implemented oil sampling program to extend oil life in vehicles and reduce oil waste.
  • Drafted idling policy.
  • Established "green purchasing guidelines" for parts room purchasing practices (recycle light bulbs, etc.)
  • Reduced fuel consumption for Village operations by eliminating V-8 gas-powered vehicles, replacing them with V-6 and 4-cylinder power plants.
  • Implemented online training for technicians.
  • Provided quantitative analysis for fleet operations using CFA software for 150 motorized pieces of equipment and vehicles over nine departments, four stock rooms, one fuel site, 18 stationary generators, fabrication, and welding.

Marilyn Rawlings
Fleet Manager
Lee County, Fla.
On-Road Units: 1,239
Off-Road Units: 618
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $11.9M

Marilyn Rawlings has served as fleet manager for Lee County government since 1994. Rawlings whose background was in business and finance, was originally sent to fleet management to troubleshoot the debt-ridden organization, clean it up, and prepare it for privatization.

At the end of the first year, she saw the potential and recommended her boss keep the fleet operation in-house. Rawlings and her staff have since eliminated $1.2 million in debt, reduced the county's hazardous waste generation status with EPA, reduced the number of under-utilized vehicles, and standardized and centralized the county's fleet of vehicles.

Lee County fleet management has received numerous awards, including ranking as the No. 1 fleet in North America by Utility Fleet Management magazine and Fleet Counselor Services.

Rawlings and her team have been recognized throughout the country as industry leaders and have been featured in publications such as Government Fleet, the APWA Reporter, and AEMP's Up and Running and Utility Fleet.

She is committed to helping people maximize their personal and leadership potential and speaks to thousands nationally each year. A motto on her desk sums it all, "The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it."

Rawlings is a long-time member of the NAFA Fleet Management Association and the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). She received her designation as a Certified Equipment Manager (CEM) in 2005 and served as the first female president of AEMP in 2006.

Ongoing goals include:

Assisting with the development of county policy regarding vehicle transportation for county employees in the conduct of official county business.

Establishing fleet financial policy identifying all fleet costs, allocating these costs, and supporting fleet management as a governmental operation.

Instituting market-driven services that will keep feet competitive by making Providing for a centralized fleet management function in order to maximize vehicle usage and fleet operation efficiency.

Providing a customer-focused, strategic, and systematic approach to continuous performance improvement.

Providing a management information foundation enabling the organization to identify all costs and support all fleet functions, enabling managers to make decisions related to the most efficient use of resources and empowering all fleet personnel to make decisions in their areas of the fleet organization.

Proving fleet employees with a unique work environment that balances exceptional customer service, hard work, personal growth, and fun.

Fleet management currently maintains approximately 1,925 pieces of equipment, 44.1 percent of which are cars, vans, and light-duty trucks, 21 percent medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and 23 percent heavy equipment.

Fleet Management staff is also responsible for eight fueling sites throughout Lee County with a total estimated capacity of almost 70,000 gallons county-wide.

Overall, employee turnover has been very low. In 2008, fleet eliminated one vacant, office support position due to budget reductions. Fleet lost one infield mechanic due to retirement, but the position was quickly filled. The number of qualified applicants for vacant technician positions has increased due to the current local job market. To date, the county has been able to fill its existing vacancies with qualified technicians.

Kelly Reagan
Fleet Administrator
City of Columbus, Ohio
On-Road Units: 3,500
Off-Road Units: 2.100
Maintenance Facilities: 4
Fleet Budget: $32M

With more than 25 years experience in fleet, Kelly Reagan, fleet administrator, moved to the City of Columbus third-quarter 2007 to work with fleet operations and the director's office.

The foundation had been laid to propel fleet into the 21st century by the previous administrator and operations manager. Reagan facilitated and enabled operations to become the largest city in the nation to receive ASE Blue Seal certification and one of only two municipalities in Ohio to receive this recognition in January 2008.

In the last year, fleet has realized an increase of Master ASE certifications on the floor from eleven in 2007 to 23 in 2008 - representing a 109-percent increase in master certifications within fleet.

According to Reagan, education is the key to containing costs in the budget strapped environment many cities face today. For this reason, education is paramount to containing costs in both parts and supplier services and is a major focus for the City of Columbus.

Fleet has also realized more than 2,600 specialized training hours among technicians in specialized Emergency Vehicle Training (EVT) in 2008, resulting in an increase in qualified technicians able to service a fire apparatus - 11 employees received 22 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certifications in 2008. Fleet increased certified EVT employees on the floor from nine in 2007 to a current 16 employees holding 32 EVT certifications in specialized areas.

Reagan was also instrumental in working with many internal city agencies, and with the help of fleet personnel developed and implemented the state of Ohio's most aggressive "Green Fleet Action Plan" by Mayor Michael Coleman.

The Plan reduced the City's overall fuel use by 3-percent over 2008 (reducing more than 36,000 gallons of fuel), expanded the use of biodiesel, 47-percent of new vehicles purchased were "green" vehicles under the plan, implemented an EPA grant to install hydraulic heaters and DOCs (a device with a honeycomb-like structure that oxidizes pollutants in the exhaust stream, thereby reducing harmful emissions), and working with the Refuse Division to purchase the City's first CNG refuse truck. Finally, the City of Columbus recently received approval for a $1.3 million CMAQ grant to enable the expansion of CNG throughout the city.

Also in 2008, fleet management was awarded the Clean Fuels Ohio "Champion 2008 Award" for its dedication to "greening" its fleet, specifically its development and implementation of central Ohio's green fleet plan.

 Finally, in an effort to reduce costs, fleet management bid for aftermarket parts for most OEM-specific related parts for light-duty vehicles. By purchasing "aftermarket" parts instead of OEM parts, fleet expects significant annual cost savings of approximately $290,000, while maintaining overall product quality in the Operations.

David Renschler, CPFP
Vehicle Maintenance Manager
City of Fairfield, Calif.
On-Road Units: 262
Off-Road Units: 72
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $4.25M

David Renschler has more than 18 years of experience in the fleet industry and has spent most of that time in government service. For the past two years, Renschler has served as the City's vehicle maintenance manager and has strived to establish and maintain a team atmosphere.

He has faced many challenges with Fairfield, including trimming the budget while increasing employees to add a second shift of technicians to decrease sublet repairs and overtime expenditures.

Renschler believes "if you take care of your employees and vehicles, they will take care of you." This is done by treating employees like the professionals they are, as well as instituting a preventive maintenance program. Renschler notes, "Oh and a monthly birthday BBQ doesn't hurt either."

He has sat on the Board of Directors of the Public Equipment Managers Association (PEMA) of northern California for three years and is a member of the Public Fleet Supervisors Association (PFSA), NAFA Fleet Management Association, and the American Public Works Association (APWA).

In 2008, Renschler taught his first one-day "Fleet Management in Public Works" seminar for the APWA Northern California Chapter and will be a presenter at their annual Public Works conference in San Ramon, Calif.

To combat tough times, he has involved employees in making the division more streamlined and uses "outside the box" ways of doing business.

More than $128,000 was saved by stripping quick moving, high dollar parts from transit coaches sent to scrap metal instead of getting minimal amounts for them at auction.

Fairfield joined a fuel consortium for fuel purchases saving more than $81,000 annually.

A utilization study was done and 10 percent of the medium- and light-duty vehicles were removed from fleet, saving more than $500,000 in replacement and maintenance costs.

George Schwarz, CPFP
Director of Vehicle Management
City of Harrisburg, Pa.
On-Road Units: 505
Off-Road Units: 20
Maintenance Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $2.75M

George Schwarz, director, Bureau of Vehicle Management, Harrisburg, Pa., has more than 38 years of fleet experience. He has drawn a new meaning to the terms innovation, cooperation, accountability, and efficient operations which are often referenced in the fleet profession. He is the author and administrator of a multimillion dollar cooperative purchasing program known as the PACC (PA Capital City) Automotive and Equipment Contract.

This procurement program, cooperatively used for capital equipment purchases by government entities in eight states, is responsible for simplifying the purchasing process and saving government in excess of $25 million to date.

Other accomplishments include the implementation of an automated fleet management program that improved reporting procedures and fleet accountability, implementation of an automated fuel management system and supplying/dispensing fuel (from multiple sites) for the City, and seven outside government entities (state, county, school districts, and local municipalities included), resulting thousands of dollars in continuous, annual savings.

Schwarz introduced a city-adopted biofuel program, oil sampling program, standardized specification/equipment replacement program, no expense surplus equipment disposal program, environmentally friendly/fuel saving hybrid and flex-fuel fleet vehicle program, and acquired and installed waste oil furnaces to heat the maintenance facility at little or no expense.

[PAGEBREAK]Joseph Simoncini
Fleet Director
Westchester County, N.Y.
On-Road Units: N/A
Off-Road Units: N/A
Maint. Facilities: N/A
Fleet Budget: N/A

 

 

 

 

Joseph Simoncini has been part of the automotive industry for 39 years. The last 35 at Westchester County. Starting with the county in 1974 as a mechanic, Simoncini graduated to fleet director in 1993.

In 2006, the county started a hybrid vehicle purchase program resulting in an addition of around 200 hybrid fleet vehicles.

In 2007, fleet started a biodiesel program, saving money in diesel costs as well as reducing greenhouse gases.

For 2008, Simoncini formed, oversaw, and chaired a program consisting of local municipalities and first responders to share services and information concerning day-to-day operations of fleets and equipment. He also instituted an in-house training program for safe operation and repairs to hybrid vehicles, all other vehicles, and shops.

He enjoys the automotive field and also races vehicles in spare time.

John Tapia
Property Manager
Los Alamos National Security, LLC
On-Road Units: 1,530
Off-Road Units: 0
Maint. Facilities: 1
Fleet Budget: $7.4M

John Tapia is property management group leader and laboratory property manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). He is responsible for LANL's fleet management, controlled personal property, precious metals, property disposition, and export control/high risk property programs.

Tapia holds an MBA in finance and human resources management from the College of Santa Fe, N.M., and a professional certification in project management from George Washington University. He began his career at LANL in 1993, and has worked in the areas of finance, procurement, and property management.

During his tenure, Tapia has led many critical institutional projects including various wall-to-wall inventories, the 2004 classified removal electronic media (CREM) validation, and the FY07 classified parts inventory validation.

  • Championed the Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt Project - "Fleet Right-Sizing."
  • Won an NNSA Environmental Stewardship Award in the category of alternative fuel and fuel conservation in transportation.
  • Worked with LANL organizations to turn in 58 vehicles and downsized 39 vehicles in FY '08 for an annual projected costs savings of $291,000.
  • Implemented preventive maintenance (PM) checklists to standardize service levels provided by all vehicle service providers.
  • Published a local vendor PM rate listing, by vehicle type, enabling employees to make knowledgeable decisions when selecting a vendor.
  • Partnered with a local Native American fuel distributor to procure and store E-85 fuel.
  • Acquired a 3,000-gallon fuel truck dedicated to hauling E-85 fuel to 80 of LANL's security vehicles as a test case.

Jay Taylor
Fleet Director
Tempe, Ariz.
On-Road Units: 820
Off-Road Units: 350
Maint. Facilities: 2
Fleet Budget: $5.2M

Jay Taylor came to Arizona's City of Tempe Fleet Services Division with 10 years experience in the automotive industry. He served as a technician in fleet services for 17 years before being promoted to fleet analyst in 2003. He was selected to his current position of fleet director January 2007.

Taylor has fulfilled a mandate to focus on team building within the fleet organization and maintain and improve proactive relationships with all user groups in the Tempe organization, while maintaining the safety and reliability of a wide range of equipment to include public safety vehicles, refuse collection, turf, and staff vehicles, and heavy construction equipment.

The fleet work group has been very successful in this regard, having improved the quality and quantity of repairs in direct relation to the cooperative establishment and communication of team goals.

Tempe fleet has instituted a green fleet program which includes accelerated conversion of the fleet to E-85, hybrid, and B-20 compatible vehicles. The team relies on the effective use of fleet management software to monitor and implement PM services, repairs, and technician efficiency, in addition to planning and implementation of a comprehensive replacement program.

Fleet also contributes significantly to the specification, evaluation, and award of innovative fuel contracts designed to provide flexibility, economy, and convenience in fueling city vehicles, going forward into the future. Fleet services is also responsible for the administration of all city fuel sites and fuel issues.

Carlos Velasquez
Manager, Fleet Svcs. Bureau
City of Long Beach, Calif.
On-Road Units: 1,712
Off-Road Units: 51
Maint. Facilities: 5
Fleet Budget: $43.5M

Carlos Velasquez has more than 30 years experience in the automotive industry. He has serviced the City of Long Beach, Calif., or the past 23 years in the following positions: police garage service attendant; service writer; equipment mechanic; mobile equipment mechanic; senior equipment mechanic; fleet supervisor; and superintendent of maintenance.

With a great team, fleet was awarded the No. 1 "Government Green Fleet Award" for North America. Long Beach was in the "100 Best Fleets" for the third year in a row, moving up to number 22 from 60 the previous year.

Accomplishments for 2008 include:

  • More than $1 million in grant funding for new 32,000-gallon LNG station, and particulate traps purchases.
  • Fleet reached a 91.8 percent PM completion within 30 days, increased from 72 percent, saving more than $1 million for customers.
  • Vehicle multiyear competitive bid process has saved more than $200,000 annually.
  • Saved more than $50,000 annually by recycling materials as opposed to disposing as waste.
  • Wrote and instituted idle policy forecasted to save more than $50,000 annually.
  • Became an ASE Blue Shield certified shop.
  • Worked with Human Resources and the workers union to provide $1 skill pay for each ASE master certified technician, light and heavy.
  • Worked with Elgin sweeper to stretch sweeper unit frames and add larger LNG fuel tanks, (65 to 85 gallons) eliminating extra trips for sweeper operators on a daily basis.

Douglas Weichman, CAFM
Director, Fleet Mgmt.
Palm Beach
County, Fla.
On-Road Units: 2,598
Off-Road Units: 2,220
Maint. Facilities: 4
Fleet Budget: $40.8M

Douglas Weichman is currently the director, fleet management for Palm Beach County, Fla., and has held this position since 1990. He previously held the position of fleet manager for Miami-Dade County for nine years, and held private sector fleet positions upon graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science Automotive & Heavy Equipment Technology.

Weichman has been a member of the NAFA Fleet Management Association since 1987, holding the position as a national officer for the past eight years. He was elected senior vice president, is a FLAGFA member, Governor of Florida appointee to Clean Cities, Instructor University of Wisconsin Fleet Maintenance Management & NAFA's Fleet Management Seminar, and has published numerous articles and worked on the development of several educational products for NAFA.

Fleet was selected the "Vocational Fleet of the Year" by Fleet Owner magazine. Weichman has instituted several inter-local agreements to supply fleet services to several municipalities located within Palm Beach County along with State of Florida agencies, FBI, and Secret Service.

 Achievements in 2008 include the  expansion of Tier I fuel contracts to include 3 million gallons of biodiesel, vehicle replacement fund expansion increasing hybrid fleet to 220 units, was the first government entity in the southeast U.S. to purchased three hybrid-bucket trucks. Palm Beach County collected approximately $70,000 in tax rebates for hybrid vehicles purchased by using EPAct 2005 re-write rules.

Weichman was the first runner-up for the 2008 Government Fleet Public Sector Fleet Manager of Year award, selected as one of the top 20 "100 Best Fleets in North America," and wrote the policy for Palm Beach County's vehicle idling, energy conservation, sustainability, emission and greenhouse gas reduction plans.

The budget for fiscal year 2009 is $46 million for a 4,178-unit fleet, plus supply fueling service to an additional 2,000 vehicles.

He established the first NAFA Green Fleet Award, presented at NAFA's I & E in Salt Lake City, Utah May 2008, and is a member of the team working with the Fuels and Technology Committee of NAFA, creating a user friendly greenhouse gas calculator. He has reduced new-vehicle purchases and eliminated underutilized vehicles and equipment by approximately 250 assets in FY2008, accounting for saving of about $6 million. He has enrolled six managers in the CAFM program, one of which achieved certification in 2008.

About the author
Lauren Fletcher

Lauren Fletcher

Executive Editor - Fleet, Trucking & Transportation

Lauren Fletcher is Executive Editor for the Fleet, Trucking & Transportation Group. She has covered the truck fleet industry since 2006. Her bright personality helps lead the team's content strategy and focuses on growth, education, and motivation.

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