Lee Pierce, director of fleet for Nutrien Ag Solutions was named the 2020 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year during a ceremony at the virtual 2020 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association's (AFLA) NextGen Conference, on Oct. 6, 2020.

Pierce, who was also nominated as a finalist for the award in 2019, has managed several of the largest fleets across multiple industries. While at Nutrien, she moved a very decentralized fleet to centralized, across 1,200 individual branch locations. 

Some of her many accomplishments include integrating disparate systems such as billing, accounting, and fixed assets along with the SAP integration that would affect their current fleet management environment. Reassessing how fuel, maintenance, and the International Registration Plan are managed are a select few. She has implemented processes and procedures to free up time for field personnel to focus on their core responsibilities, rather than sourcing and selling assets. 

She has recovered over $500,000 in credits by auditing all vendors. She is transforming the landscape by connecting systems and leveraging vendors to identify further opportunities and savings across the organization. Pierce serves on General Motors Commercial Sounding Board and Wheels Steering Council.

Pierce manages a fleet of approximately 18,000 vehicles and supervises a staff of nine. She's been with Nutrien Ag Solutions for two years, and the fleet industry for 20 years.

"It's an honor to be recognized for this award and now winning it. This is an achievement 20 years in the making, and I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for the support, guidance, and mentorship from numerous people within the industry, those who took me under their wing and taught me everything that I know," said Pierce.

The Fleet Manager of the Year award was created to recognize a proficient fleet manager who has demonstrated special business acumen in developing and executing key management policies in all areas. The award is sponsored by Wheels Inc. and AFLA. Suresh Rajapakse, vice president, Account Management for Wheels Inc., introduced Pierce as this year's winner during the awards ceremony.

Eligible nominees are full-time commercial fleet managers who control a company-owned or leased fleet in excess of 100 cars and light trucks combined. Nominees are recognized nationally among their peers for their unique abilities and accomplishments.