NAFA Announces Inaugural Winner of Tom Johnson Award

Edison, N.J. (April 3, 2025) – NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is proud to announce Patti Earley, CAFM, Fleet Fuel Manager at Florida Power & Light, as the inaugural recipient of the Tom Johnson Award. This award was created to honor the legacy of Tom Johnson, founder of the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas competition, the Green Fleet Awards, and the Green Garage Contest. The Tom Johnson Award recognizes fleet professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship and long-term dedication to improving fleet operations and advancing the fleet industry.

“Patti Earley has been a driving force in fleet management for over 40 years, and this recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “Her leadership, vision and contributions have not only shaped NAFA’s direction but have also had a profound impact on the broader fleet industry. We are proud to celebrate her as the inaugural recipient of this award.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Patti has played a key role in fostering fleet innovation and operational excellence. She has been a dedicated NAFA member for more than 25 years, attending every NAFA Institute & Expo since joining. Her commitment to NAFA extends beyond membership—she has served at the chapter level since 2001 and the national level since 2003. As a former NAFA president, she was instrumental in guiding the association’s strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and elevating NAFA’s presence within the fleet community. She also played a key role in the complete rewrite of the CAFM program that began in 2003. Her dedication to NAFA and the fleet industry has made a lasting impact on both the organization and the profession. Notably, her connection to the fleet community spans decades, having first met Tom Johnson nearly 25 years ago at a North Central Chapter meeting.

Patti will be honored with the Tom Johnson Award at the 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, California, during the General Session on Monday, April 28.

The Tom Johnson Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the fleet industry through leadership and service. To be eligible for the award, candidates must have at least 15 years of experience in fleet management, with a proven record of mentoring, coaching and sharing their knowledge with peers. They must be recognized thought leaders, often presenting at national conferences, contributing to industry publications and holding respected certifications. Additionally, recipients must have been involved in the 100 Best Fleets Award program or similar initiatives, and have made significant contributions to both their organizations and the broader community.

Alongside Patti Earley, the following nominees were recognized for their contributions to the fleet industry:

• Dan Zenger – City of Vancouver, WA
• Darryl Syler, CPFP, BCFP – City of Alexandria, VA – Division Chief Fleet Management
• Facundo Tassara – RTA: The Fleet Success Company
• Kevin Schlangen, CAFM – Dakota County Minnesota Fleet Management
• Mark Stinson – City of Lee’s Summit, MO
• Robert Martinez – RSM Fleet Consulting LLC
• Ronald Wirth – County of Sacramento, CA Department of General Services\
• Sam Lamerato, CPFP – Public Fleet Advisors
• Scott Rood, CAFM – RTA: The Fleet Success Company
• Steve Saltzgeiver, CAFS – RTA: The Fleet Success Company
• Tim Coxwell, CAFM – Leon County Sheriff’s Office
• Tony Yankovich – RTA: The Fleet Success Company

NAFA extends its gratitude to RoadFlex for sponsoring the Tom Johnson Award. Their support plays a vital role in recognizing the exceptional contributions of fleet professionals and advancing excellence within the fleet management industry.

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About NAFA Fleet Management Association 

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.

For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact
Keaveny Hewitt
On behalf of NAFA
khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com
919.622.5276