PRINCETON, NJ- More public sector fleet professionals recently achieved the designation of Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM), the fleet management industry's highest level of certification. Currently less than 500 fleet managers have joined the exclusive ranks of CAFM certification holders, according to NAFA Fleet Management Association.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a series of comprehensive examinations to demonstrate expertise in the eight disciplines of automotive fleet management: Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, Vehicle Fuel Management, Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management. Designed to identify and recognize exceptional fleet management professionals, the CAFM designation is being required by more and more employers prior to, or shortly after, employment.

Recent CAFM graduates include the following public sector fleet professionals:

Julie Boring, fleet manager, City of Dallas. Boring, CAFM, has 15 years of fleet experience and is responsible for three fleet service locations, 50 employees, over 1900 vehicles, and oversees a budget of $5 million. She joined NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2009. "The desire to attain personal achievement, to enrich and expand my fleet knowledge, to substantiate my expertise within the industry, and to acquire meaningful recognition in the fleet community," inspired Boring to earn her certification.

Keith Garnett, management analyst supervisor I, State of Ohio Department of Youth Services. Garnett, CAFM, joined NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2006, and has more than 10 years of fleet experience including time as site fleet coordinator and agency fleet manager. He wanted to pursue a CAFM because it is nationally recognized and is instrumental in furthering careers in fleet. "A CAFM shows you have obtained a higher level of expertise," said Garnett.

Mario Guzman, equipment analyst, Palm Beach County (Fla.) Fleet Management. Guzman, CAFM, has more than 10 years of fleet experience and is responsible for the purchase of vehicles and equipment.He writes specifications for purchases and assists customers in vehicle and equipment configuration.In addition, he monitors recalls, toll violations, and red light violations for the department. Guzman has been a member of NAFA Fleet Management Association since 2006 and is active in NAFA's Sunshine State Chapter. In addition to his CAFM, he is also ASE certified in 13 fields and holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration.

James McGonagle, fleet floor leader, Town of Groton, Conn. McGonagle, CAFM, has 20 years of fleet experience and is responsible for the maintenance, repair, acquisition and disposal of more than 300 vehicles and equipment including small engines, heavy equipment, and fire and police apparatus. He has been active in NAFA since joining the Association in 2009 and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Greater Hartford Chapter. "The desire to obtain the most recognized certification in government and private fleets," led McGonagle to earn his CAFM.

NAFA's CAFM program is endorsed by the National Conference of State Fleet Administrators (NCSFA), the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA), and The Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators (FLAGFA). In addition, the CAFM program is offered for college credit at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Michigan) and Ranken Technical College (St. Louis, Missouri).

More information on the CAFM program is available at www.nafa.org/certification.

Click here to see other recent public sector fleet CAFM graduates.