GF Blue logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Public Fleet Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees Honored

This year's inductees carry a combined 115 years of fleet experience.

November 17, 2021
Public Fleet Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees Honored

(L to R) New Hall of Fame inductees J. Darryl Syler, CPFP, state fleet administrator, State of Ohio; Kevin Schlangen, CAFM, CEM, CPFP, fleet manager, Dakota County, Minnesota; and Robert Gordon, deputy director, fleet management, DeKalb County, Georgia.

Photo: Lexi Tucker

2 min to read


Three public fleet industry veterans were honored at the 2021 Government Fleet Expo & Conference in Orlando. The newest members of the Public Fleet Hall of Fame were recognized at the Honors Celebration on Tuesday evening.

The Public Fleet Hall of Fame is comprised of industry leaders and pioneers who have significantly contributed to the public fleet profession, as chosen by members of the industry via online voting. The award is sponsored by Sourcewell.

Ad Loading...

This year's inductees are:

  • Robert Gordon, deputy director, fleet management, DeKalb County, Georgia      
    Years in fleet: 34

  • Kevin Schlangen, CAFM, CEM, CPFP, fleet manager, Dakota County, Minnesota
    Years in fleet: 40

  • J. Darryl Syler, CPFP, state fleet administrator, State of Ohio
    Years in fleet: 41

Each new inductee was given time to share remarks with the audience. "Make sure you come to events like GFX to learn. We need to learn what we can and pass it on to the young up-and-comers," Gordon advised. "It's all about faith and family. You need to have faith in your programs, because if you don't, who else will? Try to establish a true family at work. Look at the hours you spend there with them," Schlangen stated. Syler said, "Something I learned early on was ask questions. Also, give back. Pass it on and pay it forward."

The full list of Hall of Fame honorees can be found here.

More Operations

GovCast podcast graphic.
OperationsJuly 21, 2026

The Network Behind Better Government Fleet Decisions

A discussion on why relationships across the government fleet community have played such an important role and what shapes the leadership response.

Read More →
A graphic showing a mechanic and car engine.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 21, 2026

Ford, BlackRock, Google and Carhartt Form Skilled Trades Workforce Alliance

The alliance plans to develop a stronger pipeline between training programs and available jobs while examining workforce efforts already underway across the country.

Read More →
A GovCast Fro the Show Floor graphic with david renschler.
OperationsJuly 20, 2026

The Network Behind Better Government Fleet Decisions

A discussion on why relationships across the government fleet community have played such an important role and what shapes the leadership response.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A cheat sheet thumbnail with images of a checklist and mechanic.
OperationsJuly 20, 2026

What Makes Fleet Technicians Stay? | GovCast Cheat Sheet

The technician hiring and retention discussion is not new, but the way fleets respond to it continues to matter.

Read More →
Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
A GovCast podcast thumbnail.
Operationsby Nichole OsinskiJuly 16, 2026

On the Road with Government Fleet: Essential Podcasts for Professionals

Let's celebrate listening! Check out a GovCast podcast and discover the insights and strategies that can transform your fleet management approach.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Operationsby Nichole OsinskiJuly 13, 2026

How Real-World Vehicle Use Guides Replacement And Budgets

Three public fleet leaders explain how they use real-world vehicle data and long-term planning to keep aging assets in service and make more informed replacement and budgeting decisions in a high-cost environment.

Read More →
A GovCast Cheat Sheet graphic for youtube.
OperationsJuly 9, 2026

When Fleet Data Has to Actually Mean Something | GovCast Cheat Sheet

Better fleet technology only works when the information behind it can actually support decisions.

Read More →
A GovCast Fro the Show Floor graphic with tim coxwell.
OperationsJuly 6, 2026

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.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
an horse drawn ambulance and modern ambulance with an American flag overlay and the words Americas Fleet Evolution
Operationsby Jeanny AbrahamJuly 2, 2026

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.

Read More →