Three new Fleet Hall of Fame inductees were announced recently at the 2024 Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) annual conference in San Antonio.

In the first installment of the 2024 Hall of Fame series, Automotive Fleet is highlighting inductee Theresa Belding.

Hall of Fame inductees have over 10 years of fleet experience and are recognized for the "indelible mark each has made within the commercial fleet management profession," according to AFLA. 

This year's three honorees join the 97 others inducted into the Hall of Fame since it was established in 2008. The program is sponsored exclusively by AFLA and presented by Automotive Fleet. 

"Being recognized by my peers means more to me than anything else," Belding said in her speech at the AFLA conference, referencing Kenny Chesney's "I Didn't Get Here Alone." 

"During my time as AFLA President, I had the privilege of being on stage when my friend Sue Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame. That was an inspiring moment for me and the first time I thought about being in the Hall of Fame one day," she said.

Working in Fleet Since 1993

Belding has spent her 31-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, 29 of which were with Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Not long after joining the company as a data entry specialist, Belding became involved with fleet services. 

"The fleet program and I grew up together," Belding said, noting that the Forest fleet started at 250 vehicles with no clear policies or procedures compared to now, where the fleet boasts 4,500 units and is a prime example of best practices in fleet management and safety.

"Reflecting back, starting out in fleet, I had no idea what I was doing. There was no expert inside of my company," Belding said. "In my early 20s, I was terrified walking into the Pharmaceutical workshop at NAFA with the likes of Shirley Collins, Josie Sharpe, Joe LaRosa, and so many legends. But I realized they were all there to help. All I needed to do was ask."

Belding grew Forest's fleet organically until 2014, then rapidly through acquisitions and mergers until 2020. During this time, the company was acquired by Actavis, then Allergan, and finally, Abbvie, which marked the end of Belding's time there.

"I have been fortunate enough to have known Theresa for over 20 years. We first met when Theresa was the fleet manager for Forest Pharmaceuticals, and I was learning how to sell fleet management services in the mid-west," Chris Conroy, chief executive officer at Holman, said. 

"It wasn't just her fleet competence that stood out; it was her personality and her passion for continuous improvement. While her company's fleet operations were excellent, Theresa aimed for best-in-class and was open-minded to new and innovative pursuits that would create value for her company. These traits have allowed Theresa to flourish as a trusted leader in our industry and a true friend for many of us," Conroy continued.

Belding's Current Role in Fleet

In 2021, Belding joined Exact Sciences as the fleet manager, inheriting a fleet vehicle program in its infancy. 

"18 months before starting at Exact, I met the individual who was starting their program at an industry event. I shared best practices with them and could see many of those implemented when I started," Belding said.

Once Belding was on board, she refined the program to develop a more cost-effective and streamlined fleet, which has organically grown from 600 to over 1,100 vehicles. 

Belding's nominator applauded her ability to lead strategic initiatives and build relationships, such as negotiating additional factory orders with multiple OEMs to continue replacing vehicles within the fleet when other OEMs did not provide enough assets for replacement.

"Having had the privilege of working as a vendor for Theresa Belding for almost three years, I am continually impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to keep the wheels of fleet operations running seamlessly," Debbie Struna, national account manager at Fleet Street Remarketing, said. 

"Theresa is always on top of her projects, never allowing anything to slip through the cracks, and consistently offers solutions that enhance processes. Her dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work," Struna continued.

Belding's nominator also celebrates the dedication, expertise, meticulous attention to detail, leadership, guidance, and proactive problem-solving exuded in her work.

Building Community and Sharing Success

Belding mentioned that none of her accomplishments would have been possible without her involvement in NAFA and AFLA, as well as the strong support of her vendors. 

"I learned so much from colleagues in the industry who had come before me and those in the industry today. I am still teachable. Networking has been such a vital component to my success," Belding said.

Belding has received recognition in the form of other awards and services, including:

• 2009-2013: Served on the AFLA board

• 2011: Won Professional Fleet Manager of the Year

• 2011-2012: Served as AFLA president

• 2013 FLEXY: Earned Fleet Excellence Award for Fleet Safety

• 2022-Present: Served on the AFLA board

"When I served on the AFLA board alongside Theresa, it became clear why she deserves to be considered for the Fleet Hall of Fame. Her deep insight and extensive fleet knowledge are invaluable assets, and she is always willing to share her expertise to support our industry associations and colleagues," Struna said. 

Outside of her career accomplishments, it's no secret that Belding has garnered respect and admiration from peers, colleagues, and the entire fleet community, according to Lori Rasmussen, president at PARS Inc.

"This honor is a testament to her extraordinary achievements and remarkable impression she has made in the fleet industry," Rasmussen said. "Her compassion for the fleet industry comes through in everything she does. I had the pleasure of working with Theresa on the AFLA board and through various industry committees. She always brought fresh ideas, creative solutions, and always remained focused on achieving her goals."

More Awards News

Other 2024 Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Matthew Betz

• Bill Gibson

Check out other 2024 award winners:

• Sharon Etherington Wins 2024 Fleet Manager of the Year

• Ernie Garcia Named 2024 Fleet Visionary