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In this episode, we sit down with Joe Clark, Fleet Management Director for the city of Durham,  North Carolina, and Assistant Director John Ferguson.    Durham was recognized as a Top 20 Leading Fleet for 2025, and Clark has led the department through major transitions while preparing the next generation of leadership. He shares what he’s most proud of during his tenure, how he’s balanced compliance, efficiency, and sustainability, and the data points that guide his decision-making.    Ferguson offers his perspective on the future of fleet management, the lessons he’s learned about building strong teams in the public sector, and how he plans to carry forward the department’s strategic direction. Together, they reflect on collaboration, leadership, and the evolving role of government fleets, offering valuable insight for both current and aspiring fleet professionals.  Topics discussed:  Key accomplishments from Durham’s fleet transformation Skills essential for future fleet leadership Balancing compliance, efficiency, and sustainability Using data-driven decisions to guide operations Preparing public fleets for the next 3–5 years Building effective fleet teams under public-sector constraints Advice for aspiring government fleet leaders    🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends   📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!   ⏱ Timestamps ⏱    00:00 Introduction  00:45 Durham’s biggest fleet accomplishments  01:44 Essential qualities for future leadership  02:25 Collaboration that shaped operations  03:59 Balancing challenges such as compliance, efficiency, and sustainability  05:08 Data-driven fleet decisions  06:02 The future of public fleet investment  07:11 Building effective teams in the public sector  11:15 Advice for aspiring fleet leaders  12:48 What's next and final takeaways from both leaders

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. DeJonge shared her transition into fleet management, the challenges she's tackling, and the strategies she is implementing to drive efficiency and innovation within the county's fleet operations.   We sat down to talk about her approach to leadership, the importance of proactive planning, and how her background contributes to her current role. DeJonge also offers valuable advice for professionals entering the field of fleet management.   Topics Discussed:   Transitioning into fleet management and initial prioritiesAddressing current challenges in fleet operationsLeveraging a diverse background for strategic advantageBalancing legacy practices with new initiatives Lessons learned from team collaborationVision for the future of Sarasota County's fleetDefining success in fleet operationsEssential tools and habits for effective managementGuidance for newcomers to fleet management🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com    📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=formcms&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=gf_website_100    ⏱ Timestamps ⏱    00:00 Introduction    00:29 The journey into fleet? What was that like?    02:42 About the new role and what is most exciting going forward?    04:09 Approaching challenges in a new role.    05:46 How a unique work background can translate into fleet work.    07:33 Approaching the transition—learning from people who have held this role vs. putting your own stamp on things.  10:42 Future goals for the fleet in the next year or two, and getting there.  13:07 What does success look like in this role?  14:28 What’s one tool, habit, or resource you can’t do your job without?  15:31 Advice to someone starting in fleet.

In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Norton, the first-ever fleet manager for the Town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. With the role being newly created, Bradley shares what it’s been like stepping into a position with no predecessor—and how he's laying the groundwork for a successful fleet operation from day one.   We discuss his early priorities, his strategies to establish the fleet program, and what he’s learned during the transition. Bradley also offers insight into his leadership style, the evolving responsibilities of today’s fleet managers, and advice for others taking on new management roles in the public sector.   Topics discussed:   Establishing a fleet program from the ground up.Navigating early challenges in a new management position.Evolving role of the modern fleet manager.Advice for new fleet managers starting out.🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends   📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! 🎧    ⏱ Timestamps ⏱    00:00 Introduction    1:21 Priorities since stepping into this role.    2:07 What has been important during this transition and how is this being executed?    2:55 Biggest challenge when taking on a new management role.    4:14 Work style and focusing on fleet in a different way.      5:15 The evolution of the fleet manager role. 7:04 One piece of advice for other fleet managers starting a new role.

What does it take to lead a major municipal fleet? In this interview, we sit down with Cedric Roberts, CAFM, Fleet Director for the City of Birmingham, to explore his journey into fleet management, the unexpected challenges he faced along the way, and the leadership lessons that shaped his career. Cedric shares insights on how the industry has evolved, common misconceptions about fleet management, and the importance of educating the public on its critical role. He also discusses strategies for maintaining balance in a high-pressure environment and the one piece of advice he would give his younger self. Don’t miss this deep dive into fleet leadership, industry shifts, and the mindset needed to navigate the challenges of today’s fleet operations. Watch now and gain valuable takeaways from a seasoned fleet professional! Topics Discussed: • The journey into #fleetmanagement and unexpected industry challenges. • Leadership skills that drive success in #publicfleet operations. • Common misconceptions about #fleet and how to educate the public. • Strategies for managing stress and maintaining #worklifebalance in a demanding industry.#governmentleadership #governmentfleet Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=formcms&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=gf_website_100 ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:32 The journey into fleet and some unexpected situations. 05:43 What is takes to become a better fleet leader. 07:12 What has changed the most since starting in fleet. 08:04 Misconceptions around the fleet industry and how fleet leaders can do more to educate the public about what they do. 11:20 Keeping a balance in the workplace. 14:03 Growing your support group for success. 17:09 Advice for a younger Cedric Roberts. 19:37 Planning ahead and what's new for the fleet.

Learn about the changes governments can expect as EVs become more prevalent. In this episode, our subject matter experts break down how governments can increase their recoveries through collision management. Plus, what governments are doing to address the rising costs associated with body repair. Element Fleet Management's Bill Collins, Managing Sales Director, Government, and Mark Iorillo, Director of Sales and Marketing, discuss how the transition to EVs impacts the Collision Management business, what changes governments can expect, and more. Topics discussed: Factors influencing electrification in the industry, including charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost. Decarbonization efforts in government and commercial fleets, impacted by legislation and incentives. Decarbonization initiatives for fleets, including government guidelines and infrastructure investments. 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ SIGN UP ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:43 What changes can governments expect to see as EVs become more prevalent? 3:26 How can governments increase their recoveries through the Collision Management process? A look at pitfalls that could be seen during the entire collision cycle? 6:52 How can governments use technology to help reduce fleet costs? 9:30 What is being done to address the rising costs associated with body repair and areas governments should prioritize to help minimize cost.

Be a part of the discussion around macro considerations driving the transition to electric vehicles, including incentives, mandates, and change management strategies. Then, explore the challenges of decarbonizing fleets in North America, including addressing charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost considerations.   Element Fleet Management's Bill Collins, Sales Director, Government, and Avninder Buttar, SVP and Head of Electrification, discuss the need for cultural transformation and coordination across different parts of an organization to successfully transition to electric vehicles.   Topics discussed:   • Factors influencing electrification in the industry, including charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost. • Decarbonization efforts in government and commercial fleets, impacted by legislation and incentives. • Decarbonization initiatives for fleets, including government guidelines and infrastructure investments.   📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD   ⏱ Timestamps ⏱   00:00 Introduction   00:37 How macro factors influence the trajectory of electrification in the industry.   3:13 What are the prevailing realities that might be slowing down the transition towards electrification?   7:12 How legislation is evolving and impacting the decarbonization efforts within the sector.   12:48 How crucial is effective change management in navigating the challenges posed by decarbonization initiatives?

Finding and keeping good employees can be a challenge, especially when it comes to bringing on technicians. Managers are now trying to find more ways to create a pipeline between schools and the fleet while finding the best ways to support individuals in their training. We talked with Daryl Greenlee, Monroe County, Florida, Fleet Management Director about his hiring experience and his employee training strategy. Topics discussed: • Challenges hiring new employees. • Employee training and continued success. • Creating a pipeline between fleets and potential employees. • How fleets can retain employees. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:27 What the fleet has seen when filling new positions. 02:39 What is contributing to fewer people entering fleet professions? 05:42 How are you bringing in new recruits? 6:21 Ways to highlight the job to make it more attractive to recruits. 8:12 How can other fleets fill open positions?

What is the state of the vehicle market today? What are you thinking about when deciding to order vehicles? What might be some of the considerations for vehicle replacement? Find answers to these questions and more on this episode of GovCast. We sit down with Bill Collins, Sales Director, Government, and Bill Blais, Director of Strategic Consulting Services to discuss the state of the vehicle market, what to consider when ordering vehicles, and more. Topics discussed: • The current state of the vehicle market. • Vehicle availability and forecasts for the upcoming years. • Ordering vehicles and looking at vehicle replacements. • The used vehicle remarketing environment. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:55 What is the state of the vehicle market today 03:07 Vehicle ordering and considerations for vehicle replacement. 05:18 Used vehicle remarketing environment and expectations for 2023. 7:23 How government fleets can best navigate a potential recession. 9:37 What should fleets be thinking about when fulfilling mandates? 11:59 Approaching fleet differently from the past.

Where is your fleet in the journey of vehicle electrification? If you're still looking for answers to fleet electrification you've come to the right place. Join the conversation with Linda Ellis, Fleet Manager at UCB North & Latin America, and John Donahue, VP of EV Production Strategy & Innovation at Comdata. Topics discussed: • EV growth and where the US market is on that adoption curve. • What has accelerated EV adoption within fleets. • Public versus private charging. • Best practices for assisting driver adoption. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.d... ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Current trends and demands driving EV growth today. 03:22 What has stood out as having accelerated the most for EV adoption. 07:18 Best practices for assisting driver adoption. 13:17 Challenges fleet managers can expect when managing a mixed fleet. 18:30 Challenges the EV charging industry needs to fulfill promises on. 23:06 Recommendations for fleets starting on their electrification journey.

Are you ready for the 2023 Government Fleet Expo & Conference? If you're still on the fence or new to the event, this episode breaks down what to expect and how you can make the most of your #GFX experience, whether you're just stopping in or staying for the whole event. Andy Campbell, supplier development supervisor for Sourcewell, drops in for a chat to talk about his session, what he's enjoyed about being a repeat GFX attendee, and what to look forward to this year. Topics discussed: • An overview of GFX 2023. • What first-timers should expect for GFX. • How attendees can get the most out of their GFX experience. • A sneak peek of an upcoming session. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.d... ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:32 A brief overview of Campbell's experience with GFX and his involvement in 2023. 01:54 What GFX attendees can expect to learn at the event in the various sessions. 03:15 Why GFX is a great networking opportunity where attendees can connect with fleet leaders and industry professionals. 05:00 The best way for attendees to get the most out of their 2023 GFX experience.

Adding electric vehicles (EVs) but trying to understand how to add the infrastructure needed for this change? We catch up with David Renschler, CPFP, who is fleet division manager for the city of Fairfield, California, where infrastructure changes are making way for the vehicles of the future. From his own city's experience, Renschler breaks down his insights and practical advice regarding EV charging equipment, infrastructure planning, cost recovery, safety, and the challenges of transitioning to an EV fleet. Speaker: David Renschler, CPFP, fleet division manager, City of Fairfield, California Topics discussed: • Research and planning need for EV infrastructure. • Challenges with adding new fleet infrastructure. • Lessons learned when making the EV switch. • Understanding your budget and where funding will come from. • Vehicle replacement funds and how they play into infrastructure. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends 🎥  You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel! 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is moving fast with government grants to support a stronger charging infrastructure and inventory. By 2035 California will no longer be selling fuel vehicles but it will take time for fleets to retire or transition their vehicles to electric. Mixed fleet management will be the way of the near future and fleets must find ways to simplify a very complex ecosystem for fuel + EVs. Keagan Russo and Carolyn Edwards of Fleetcor break down these changes. Speakers: Keagan Russo, President, North American Local FLEETCOR Carolyn Edwards, Vice President of EV and Sustainability, FLEETCOR Topics discussed: • Managing mixed fleets and best practices for doing so. • Challenges with at-home and at-work charging. • How to manage and track fuel and EV charging expenses. • What should municipalities look for when hiring new fleet managers? • What can individuals in the fleet industry do to stay better connected? 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends 🎥  You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel! 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

The role of the fleet manager is ever-changing and issues faced 10 or 20 years ago may look very different now. Mark Stevens, who recently retired from his role as fleet manager for the city of Sacramento talks about his time overseeing a California fleet and what he's learned along the way. We'll cover how the role of fleet manager has changed, what municipalities should do when bringing on new fleet hires, and how those in the fleet industry can stay better connected. Speaker: Mark Stevens, retired fleet manager for the city of Sacramento Topics discussed: • How the role of the fleet manager has changed. • Biggest challenges people face in fleet management roles. • What can fleet managers do for better success in the future? • What should municipalities look for when hiring new fleet managers? • What can individuals in the fleet industry do to stay better connected? 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends 🎥  You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel! 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

Fleet sustainability and vehicle utilization are two topics that are an everyday part of the ever-changing public sector. Eli Arquilevich, national director, Public Sector, Mobile Field Solutions at AT&T sits down to talk with us about what trends he and his team are seeing in fleet and the issues those in the public sector are trying to solve. Get a better understanding of how fleets can move toward a greener future while utilizing technology for the benefit of the vehicle and driver. Speaker: Eli Arquilevich, National Director Public Sector, Mobile Field Solutions at AT&T Topics discussed: Understanding what issues public sector fleets are trying to solve. What trends are happening in the fleet industry right now? Creating a greener fleet and determining the right vehicles for that fleet. Coaching drivers toward a more sustainable fleet, looking at factors such as idling times. What can fleets do to keep divers safe on the road? 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! 🎥  You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

Fuel prices are sky-high — that means fleet managers, now more than ever, need to ensure a secure and efficient fuel management program. But that’s not the only challenge fleet managers face. Here, we’ll also discuss electrification and how it fits into your fuel management strategy, as well as how to use fuel data to improve your operation.   Speaker: Tom Bates, president, Multiforce Systems   Topics discussed:  How fleet operations are dealing with high fuel prices. Important factors to look for in a fuel management system. How EV charging fits in with traditional gasoline/diesel fuel management. How fleet and fuel managers can better use their fuel data to improve their operations. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends 🎥  You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel! 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!