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.
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What Government Fleets Are Missing About Their True Costs
What are fleet budgets missing, and how can agencies use the data they already collect to make a stronger case for change?
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Rethinking Fleet Decisions From the Budget Office to the Shop
This October we looked back at how public fleets are reconsidering familiar processes and using what they learn to make better decisions.
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Who Owns the Message on a Refuse Truck?
Refuse trucks can carry public messages into neighborhoods, but keeping those messages current takes planning and clear responsibility.
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Who Deserves Fleet Recognition and What Could You Teach at GFX?
Who helped shape your fleet career, and what have you learned that could help someone else?
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What’s Haunting Public Sector Fleets?
Public sector fleet challenges rarely happen in isolation, and addressing one often means understanding how it connects to another.
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Is Keeping Older Fleet Vehicles Really Saving Money?
Is keeping vehicles longer saving money, and what happens when a diagnostic test points to the wrong fix?
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How Smart Fleet Strategy Can Help Local Government Agencies Do More with Less
Keeping a vehicle longer may ease this year’s budget, but what does it cost the next one? A closer look at fleet decisions can reveal opportunities to reduce spending while protecting essential services.
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Connect with Government Fleet on LinkedIn
From industry news and fleet management strategies to conversations with peers, Government Fleet's LinkedIn page offers public-sector fleet professionals another way to stay informed and connected.
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Town of Queen Creek Named Most Successful Fleet Award Winner of Inaugural RTA Fleet Success Awards
Five fleets were honored at RTA Connect 2026 in Chicago for excellence across resource efficiency, intentional culture, risk management, and stakeholder satisfaction.
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A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
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