Government Fleet Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Christy Grimes
Christy GrimesFormer Senior Editor
December 29, 2023
Top 10 Fleet Operations Stories of 2023

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

3 min to read


Ad Loading...

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).

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Ad Loading...

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

Women working in technician roles and another woman leading a team.
OperationsMarch 3, 2026

Women in Fleet: Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Evolution

Fleet leadership has moved beyond the shop floor into a role shaped by higher expectations and constant change, and women have helped drive that evolution. But how has that shift happened, and what does effective leadership look like in operations today?

Read More →
image showing several awards with the Government Fleet logo.
Operationsby Nichole OsinskiMarch 3, 2026

Deadline Extended: Government Fleet Awards

Submissions for most awards close Monday, March 9; review award categories, confirm eligibility and requirements, and wrap up your entry before the deadline.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

3 Ways Fleet Tech Builds Public Trust

Managing a state or local fleet comes with levels of accountability private companies don’t have. Read how modern fleet technology helps elevate visibility and safety to strengthen community trust.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Modernize Motor Pool Operations Without Increasing Cyber Risk

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 27, 2026

Insight and Advice from Past Winners | The February Dispatch

Revisit a handful of February pieces that still feel relevant, from what top fleet leaders kept consistent over time, to what electrification progress looks like when it’s built on coordination and buy-in, to why associations continue to be a real advantage for public sector fleets.

Read More →
Fleet manager of the year with text 'Leadership Insight.'
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 26, 2026

Reflection and Insight from Public Sector Fleet Manger of the Year Winners

This year's Public Sector Fleet Manger of the Year judges relfect on their own industry expereince and share some leadership insights.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 26, 2026

MOVING ON FROM DEBATE: A Guide for Fleet Managers Who Just Want To Get Electrification Done

Fleet managers are done with the debate—and focused on execution. Learn how to build a practical electrification strategy that aligns infrastructure, operations, and financing while keeping costs controlled and deployment scalable with support from Blink Charging. Discover how smart planning today positions fleets for long-term performance and ROI.

Read More →
Drone-in-a-box docking station with a quadcopter on top, branded SkyfireAI, positioned outdoors on a concrete surface.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 25, 2026

Ohio Advances Nation’s First Statewide Drone First Responder Program with Selection of Nine Public Safety Agencies

Ohio is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind statewide Drone First Responder pilot, giving nine public safety agencies new tools to improve emergency response times and situational awareness.

Read More →
The BBM logo and the Fleetsource logo.
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 25, 2026

Bobit Business Media Expands Fleet Technology Platform with Acquisition of Roadz Partner Portfolio

By combining media authority with marketplace enablement, BBM aims to create a more connected environment where fleets can confidently evaluate solutions and technology companies can accelerate responsible growth.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Operationsby Jeanny RoaFebruary 25, 2026

Electrifying Progress and Building Community: Joseph Mattox's Road to the Public Fleet Hall of Fame

Driven by Community and Sustainability: Mattox’s Approach to Modernizing Municipal Fleet Operations

Read More →