Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Fleet category recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public fleet management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any APWA member whose primary responsibility is management of a public works fleet is eligible. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Fleet Services Committee members are not eligible during the time they serve on the committee.

Career Length—Candidates with a minimum of 10 years qualifying experience may be nominated.

Employment—Candidates may be employed in either the public or private sector; however, career service must be in the field of public works, specifically in the area of a public sector fleet.

Scope—Candidates must manage a significantly diversified fleet of equipment utilized in providing essential public service functions.

Selection

The award winner is selected by the Professional Manager and Snow and Ice Award Committee.

Criteria

Candidates must address the following specific criteria, which will be evaluated in the selection process.

Profession—Significant contributions to the advancement of public fleet management.

Leadership—Outstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of public fleet management.

Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective public fleet management.

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of public fleet operations.

Customer Service—Evidence of a high degree of satisfaction among customers and other stakeholders.

Community Service—Promotion of the field of public fleet management in the community, agency, or customers served.

Sustainability—Support the advancement of sustainable contributions in public works.

Nomination Process

Any group, individual, or governmental entity may nominate candidates. Nominations are particularly encouraged from APWA chapters and branches. Self-nominations are not accepted. Nomination of a candidate is limited to one Professional Manager of the Year Award per year. Submittal should include supporting documentation that clearly addresses the eligibility requirements and the candidate’s professional work.

Deadline

March 3, 2025

Presentation

The winner is presented with a plaque at the Awards Recognition Ceremony during PWX and featured in APWA publications.

Award Winners

2024
Bradley Northup, CAFM, Public Works Superintendent-Fleet Operations, City of Carlsbad, California

2023
Robert Gordon, Director of Fleet Management, DeKalb County, Georgia

2022
Larry Campbell, CPFP, Director of Fleet Operations, City of Fort Wayne, Indiana

2021
Travis Brown, Vehicle Fleet Services Manager, City of Raleigh, North Carolina

2020
Cindy Forrester, Division Manager of Equipment Services, Gastonia, North Carolina

2019
Rob Sizemore, Fleet Service Supervisor, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2018
Kevin Rogers, Fleet Manager, County of Forsyth, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

2017
John Foreman, Fleet Superintendent, City of Missouri City, Texas

2016
Melvin Garrett, Assistant Fleet Director, Charleston County Government, North Charleston, South Carolina

2015
Barry Lowry, MPA, Fleet Program Manager, Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina

2014
Chris Trull, Fleet Manager, City of Charlotte, North Carolina

2013
Richard Battersby, CPFP, CAFM, Director of Fleet Services, University of California, Davis

2012
J.D. Schulte, CPFP, Fleet Division Manager, City of Moline, Illinois

2011
Kevin L. Schlangen, Fleet Manager, Dakota County, Minnesota

2010
Samuel P. Lamerato, CPFP, Superintendent of Fleet Maintenance Division, City of Troy, Michigan