GovCast

A few years ago, the idea of creating a complete electric vehicle “package” for your fleet might have felt out of reach. Now, Electric Vehicles as a Service has moved beyond simply providing vehicles and toward supporting the full deployment. 

The idea of EVaaS boils down to a growing need for fleets to keep up with new electrification mandates and a shift toward treating electrification as a complete operational system. 

Government Fleet sat down with Sustainability Partners CEO Adam Cain to discuss how EVaaS is moving beyond pilot programs and what fleets should consider before beginning a larger deployment.  

Some of the most useful conversations at GFX happen outside the conference sessions.
David Renschler, fleet division manager for the City of Fairfield, California, joined Government Fleet from the GFX 2026 show floor after receiving the Legendary Lifetime Achievement Award.
Renschler discussed why relationships across the government fleet community have played such an important role throughout his career, particularly when new regulations require fleet managers to respond quickly.
He also reflected on the mentor who helped shape his approach to leadership and explained why government fleet professionals must remain informed to serve as responsible stewards of public resources.
Looking ahead, Renschler shared plans for a new centralized fleet facility that is expected to improve shop operations and help address technician hiring challenges.
Topics Discussed

• Returning to GFX and connecting in person.
• Why networking remains one of the conference’s greatest benefits.
• The work behind a long government fleet career.
• Responding to changes involving California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.
• What helped shape Renschler as a fleet leader.
• The value of work ethic, mentorship, and industry knowledge.
• Serving as a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.
• Plans for a centralized fleet maintenance facility.
  For more public sector fleet coverage, visit Government Fleet.com
  📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ Sign Up

🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe to the GovCast podcast! GovCast on Spotify ➡ Click Here

GovCast on Apple Podcasts ➡ Click Here

Block Field

Fleet work does not stop when fleet professionals leave the office, because the decisions shaping an operation often continue long after the workday ends.

In this conversation from GFX, Tim Coxwell of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office discusses the projects shaping his fleet operation, including long-term work around vehicle selection, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost per mile.

He shared how funding challenges are affecting Florida agencies, why mentorship has played such an important role in his career, and what keeps him connected to the government fleet community.

This discussion covers his expanded IT responsibilities, the role certifications played in his career, and what GFX offers the public fleet community.

🚨 ⁠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!

Mike Cleary, Director of Technical Training and instructor at Automotive Technical Support Services, joined us to discuss the evolving role of technicians in today’s fleet industry. Cleary is an ASE Master Technician and former eight-time Ford Certified Senior Master Technician, bringing decades of hands-on experience and training expertise to the conversation.

We covered the biggest changes he has seen in the technician profession, the top challenges facing government fleets, and how organizations are adapting to a rapidly changing maintenance environment.

Cleary also shared insight on preparing for hybrid and electric vehicle service, what fleets need to know about recruiting technicians in a competitive market, and how to make the most of limited training budgets.

Topics discussed include:

Technician workforce trends: How the technician profession has changed over time, what the labor market looks like now, and why fleets are facing increasing pressure to adapt.

Government fleet maintenance challenges: The biggest issues public sector fleets are dealing with, from staffing and resources to keeping vehicles in service.

EV and hybrid readiness: What fleets need to know as more hybrid and electric vehicles enter operations, including service demands, safety considerations, and training needs.

Recruiting and retaining skilled technicians: How fleets can attract new talent, compete in a changing industry, and keep experienced technicians engaged.

Mercury Associates, Inc. previously announced the revival of the Certified Fleet Management Organization (CFMO) Program, a third-party certification system aimed at evaluating and improving public and private sector fleet operations. Marcella Boyd, a consultant with Mercury Associates, joined Government Fleet to talk about the program, what's different, and what fleets need to know to earn the title. Here's what's covered in the video:

• CFMO background and what is significantly different from the pre-2019 version.
• Why a fleet should pursue CFMO, and where past participants have seen the biggest wins.
• How criteria are weighted, and whether any “gate” requirements can block certification.
• How CFMO accounts for differences in fleet size and resources, especially for small or rural fleets.
• What happens if an applicant falls short, including the feedback they receive, how quickly they can remediate and reapply, and the typical timeline and cost to complete.
• How fleets can start preparing now, especially with the goal of awarding certifications at GFX 2026.

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 priorities
• Addressing current challenges in fleet operations
• Leveraging a diverse background for strategic advantage
• Balancing legacy practices with new initiatives Lessons learned from team collaboration
• Vision for the future of Sarasota County's fleet
• Defining success in fleet operations
• Essential tools and habits for effective management
• Guidance 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:

📰 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.