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 

   

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⏱ 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