Advisory Board
The great content at #GovFleetExpo doesn't just create itself. We work with some of the most respected names in the industry to ensure we're providing the most up-to-date and critical insights for government fleets.
2020 Members
Abrar Abukhdeir
Deputy Division Chief, Baltimore City, Department of General Services
Abrar Abukhdeir, is the Deputy Chief of Baltimore City’s Fleet Management Division. Having worked in the automotive industry for the past several years, Abrar brings with him strong operational and purchasing experience, as well as strategy and implementation for market analysis, international client relations, supply chain efficiency, and service delivery. He previously managed a multi-million dollar portfolio for one of the top international vehicle export companies in the southeast and MENA region. He was recognized as one of the leading performers in managing customs negotiations and predicting consumer demand in various markets. His current focus is centered around Baltimore’s EV strategy and increasing process efficiency through best practice implementation and modern technology.
John Bazelewich
Fleet Manager, Sussex County, Hamburg, NJ
John is the Fleet Manager for the County of Sussex in Hamburg, NJ. He has been in this position for 12 years. John is responsible for maintenance, acquisition, and disposal of all county vehicles and equipment including everything from heavy duty trucks to trailers and automobiles. His fleet totals 520 units. Prior to coming to the County, John had over 20 years experience in fleet and equipment management in the private sector, most recently as a Director of Maintenance for a large nationwide freight carrier, as Director of Maintenance for a regional bulk tank carrier, and as a Regional Maintenance Manager, Service Manager, and in heavy duty truck sales. John graduated in 1981 from Ohio Technical College (formerly Ohio Diesel Technical Institute) and has attended various college business courses over the years.
Dan Berlenbach
Fleet Manager, City of Long Beach
Dan Berlenbach (CPFP) is a career fleet manager, starting as a heavy equipment mechanic in the US Air Force and serving 29 years on active duty, operating a variety of fleets worldwide. In 2004 he transitioned to civilian life as Fleet Manager for the City of Oxnard, CA., then as Fleet Manager with the City of Phoenix. Returning to California in 2014, he serves as Fleet Manager for the City of Long Beach. In 2019 he was selected as the Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year. He also serves as President of the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA)—a SoCal based Fleet Managers’ group.
Sara Burnam, CAFM
Director, Fleet Management , Palm Beach County, FL
Sara Burnam, CAFM, has worked in Fleet Management for over 10 years. She is currently the Director of Fleet Management for Palm Beach County where she manages 3,100 assets, an operating budget of $50M, 14 fuel sites serving over 6,000 assets and 3 maintenance facilities. Sara previously worked for the State of Ohio and the Ohio State Patrol where she managed the fuel card program, and the annual fleet plans for 21 state agencies. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and her CAFM in 2014. She currently serves as Chapter Chair for NAFA’s Sunshine State Chapter.
Al Curtis
Fleet Services Director, Cobb County, GA
Al Curtis has over 25 years of experience in the fleet service industry and has served in both the public and private sectors. Al manages over 2,700 assets and has made significant sustainability improvements within the fleet. Under his leadership, the county has added 29 electric vehicles, 40 charging stations, implemented an employee charging program, launched a distracted driver’s campaign, added 32 electric hybrids, and 22 bi-fueled propane trucks. These smart vehicles choices and strategic deployments saved the Cobb County over $700,000 and aided in the county’s sustainability efforts to reduce the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
Kevin Devery
Fleet Manager, City of Tempe, AZ
Kevin Devery has over 30 years in the Automotive and Diesel industry. He is the Fleet Manager for one of the most forward-thinking cities in America; Tempe, AZ. He started with Tempe, with an entry level position changing tires and performing oil changes and has advanced through every position in Fleet Services. He and his organization have received the Leading Fleets Award from Government Fleet Magazine every year since its inaugural year, as well as, the Top 100 Best Fleets in North America for every year he has been the Fleet Manager for Tempe. He is considered a valley leader in electric vehicle adoption by Phoenix area municipalities. Tempe’s Fleet Services currently leads all other municipalities in the adoption of electric vehicles. Over the last 30 months, his team has successfully implemented over two dozen electric vehicles and plug in hybrids, as well as 28 charging stations and the needed infrastructure without any additional capital funding outside of normal operating budgets.
Sherri Irwin, CPA
Director, Office of Support Services, State of Michigan
Sherri Irwin is the Director of Office of Support Services for the State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget. She oversees Vehicle and Travel Services, Print and Mail, and Logistics and Operations Divisions for the State of Michigan. Sherri is a CPA and has worked for the State of Michigan for over 28 years. In her role over the state-wide fleet she manages more than 13,500 assets including approximately 9,000 leased vehicles. Vehicle and Travel services manages seven motor pools statewide and operates one garage providing maintenance and repairs on vehicles in the Capitol area. On an annual basis the vehicles are driven over 120 million miles.
Sam Lamerato
Co-Owner and Principal Advisor, Public Fleet Advisors
Sam Lamerato, CPFP has been involved in fleet maintenance for 42 years. Sam retired as Superintendent of Fleet for the City of Troy, Michigan. Sam has received numerous professional and personal fleet industry awards including: 2008 APWA Top Ten Leader Award , 2010 APWA Professional Manager of the Year - Public Fleet, 2010 City of Troy awarded #1 Best Fleet in North America - Government Fleet Magazine, 2011 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year - Government Fleet Magazine, City of Troy recognized as an Elite Fleet in North America in 2011 - 2015 , Inducted into the Hall of Fame & Legendary Lifetime Achievement Awards - June of 2014 , Co-Owner and Principal Advisor – Public Fleet Advisors LLC (PFA).
Gary Lentsch
Fleet Manager, Eugene Water & Electric Board
Gary Lentsch CAFM, is the Fleet Manager for Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) and has over 40 years of fleet experience. Gary is a results-producing utility fleet professional with a proven record of accomplishment in planning and leading comprehensive fleet strategies. Through his leadership and vision, EWEB has made a concretive effort to deploy green technology and programs, demonstrating its commitment to environmental and sustainability. He's focused on the development of consistent fleet maintenance programs that assures the safe and reliable operations of fleet vehicles and equipment while maintaining a highest level of customer service. Gary currently resides on the Board of Directors for the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, and NAFA’s Certification Content Committee for NAFA’s CAFM program.
Erik Metzger
Fleet Manager, City of Conroe
With 24 years’ experience in the fleet industry Erik Metzger's journey started in 1995 as a tech for a local seismograph company. In 1997 he graduated technical school with Associates in Automotive Technology. Erik’s career with the City of Conroe began in 1999 as a technician and in 2001 he was promoted to Shop Foreman. As a Foreman Erik achieved ASE Master Certified in Automotive, Heavy truck, Transportation & Equipment up fit. In 2013 Erik became the interim Fleet Manager for the City of Conroe once achieving his CAFS Certification he was officially promoted as Fleet Manager in 2014. In 2018 Erik also achieved his CPFP Certification and continues to look for other opportunities to grow.
Mark Stevens
Fleet Manager, City of Sacramento, CA
Mark graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He began his career at Detroit Edison as Heavy Equipment Engineer. He then accepted the position of Fleet Manager for the City of Pompano Beach, FL where he established a state-of-the-art Fleet Management operation comprising fleet management information software, fuel management software and a comprehensive list of policies and procedures. He then accepted the position of Fleet Manager for the City of Asheville, NC, where he established objectives to meet sustainability goals legislated by city council. Mark is currently the Fleet Manager for the City of Sacramento, CA, where he continues to augment the city’s Fleet operations for one of the top leading fleets in the country.
News and Updates
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Testimonials
“GFX is a great event. Having the ability to meet with prospective clients & clients to discover areas where we can potentially help solve challenges within their fleet(s) is extremely valuable to myself & GPS Insight. We truly value GFX."
-Nathan Washington, Government Sales Manager - Southwest Region, GPS Insight, Scottsdale, AZ
“It was great attending GFX for the first time! I was able to network with my peers, meet new vendors and learn more about topics affecting my operations.”
-Tom Keyser, Fleet Manager, Washington County Oregon, Hillsboro, OR
“There was a bigger crowd, and conversations were deeper and longer this year."
-Mr. James L Vincent, Federal Fleet Consultant, Teletrac Navman, Garden Grove, CA
“GFX is a good conference to attend for three reasons. 1. Great opportunities to meet and get to know your peers in the fleet industry 2. Good choices in training sessions 3. Lots of good info and networking on the expo floor with vendors.”
-Don Walker, Fleet Manager, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise, ID
2020 Sponsors & Supporting Partners
