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.
More Operations

Why Public Fleet Success Depends on More Than the Vehicles | From the Show Floor with Tim Coxwell
Fleet decisions rarely stay inside the garage. From funding pressure to emissions planning, Tim Coxwell explains what it takes to keep a sheriff’s office fleet moving while planning for what comes next.
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How Government Fleets Helped Build America
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this look back explores how government fleets evolved from horse-drawn wagons to specialized vehicles that keep communities running today.
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Fleet History, Long-Term Maintenance, and Fleet Needs | GovCast Cheat Sheet
Public fleet work has changed dramatically, but the core responsibility remains the same: keeping communities moving.
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Recognizing Progress, Leadership in Fleets | The June Dispatch
Catch up on the past month, whether you're interested in GFX news or Government Fleets' go-to articles for your operation.
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Beyond Utilization Rates: Smarter Fleet Replacement Decisions
Vehicle replacement decisions affect every aspect of fleet performance, from operating costs to asset availability. This guide explores how fleet leaders use integrated data, benchmarking, and lifecycle analytics to determine the right fleet size and optimize replacement timing with greater confidence.
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Talking Success, Leadership, and Fleet Needs
A perspective on the future of fleet management, the lessons learned about building strong teams in the public sector, and how to carry forward the department’s strategic direction.
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Proactive Approaches to Fleet Management Challenges with Erinn DeJonge
In this episode, we put the spotlight on the professional journey of Erinn DeJonge, CAFM, who brings a wealth of experience to her role as the fleet business operations manager at Sarasota County Government.
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The FleetGap Initiative: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Fleet Roles
FleetGap is working to build the missing bridge between service members preparing for civilian careers and fleet employers facing workforce shortages.
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How Government Fleets Are Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Practical Decisions
Public sector fleets are using connected technology to improve visibility, but the bigger challenge is building the processes to act on the information it provides.
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RoadFlex Brings Fuel Tax Compliance and Audit-Ready Reporting to Government, Public Works Fleets
New capabilities aim to help public-sector and public works fleets streamline fuel tax exemptions, reclamation, reconciliation, and audit-ready reporting.
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