Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Do You Have What it Takes to be a NAFA Fellow?

To be eligible, candidates must be active NAFA members for the past five consecutive years and have demonstrated leadership through volunteer service, contributions to NAFA’s initiatives, and a commitment to mentoring and advancing the profession.

Do You Have What it Takes to be a NAFA Fellow?

Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, contribution to the industry, and evidence of strategic thinking and innovation. 

Photo: NAFA/Automotive Fleet

2 min to read


NAFA is rolling out a new program to honor distinguished fleet professionals who have made major contributions to the fleet industry and to NAFA itself.

Ad Loading...

Applications are now open for the NAFA Fellows Program.

Ad Loading...

“NAFA Fellows are individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a long-standing commitment to the advancement of the fleet industry,” NAFA CEO Bill Schankel, CAE said. “This program not only acknowledges their accomplishments but also ensures their continued impact in shaping the future of fleet management and developing the next generation of leaders within the profession.”

 What Makes a NAFA Fellow?

The NAFA Fellows Program recognizes fleet professionals who have shown exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing NAFA and the fleet industry. 

To be eligible, candidates must be active NAFA members for the past five consecutive years and have demonstrated leadership through volunteer service, contributions to NAFA’s initiatives, and a commitment to mentoring and advancing the profession.

Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, contribution to the industry, and evidence of strategic thinking and innovation. 

Examples of relevant service include:

Ad Loading...
  • Serving on a NAFA committee

  • Earning the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation

  • Providing subject matter expertise to peers

Fellows are expected to continue their leadership roles by serving as mentors, speakers, authors, and advocates within NAFA and the broader fleet community.

 How are NAFA Fellows Selected?

The selection process involves nominations from other NAFA members or self-nominations.

After submitting an application, which should include a curriculum vitae and responses to essay questions, candidates are invited to a final selection round, where interviews with the selection committee take place. 

Each class of Fellows is unique. There is no minimum or maximum number of honorees selected each year.

Ad Loading...

Selected Fellows will continue to engage actively with NAFA by contributing to key initiatives, attending retreats, and participating in strategic discussions that help shape the future of fleet management. 

You can find more information on how to apply to be a NAFA Fellow by visiting the NAFA website.

More Operations

Fleet operating costs for 2026 over image of a service center
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 1, 2026

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility

Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
Operations•October 29, 2026

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations

This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.

Read More →
A picture of a transparent catalytic converter with blue text and the Automotive Fleet logo on the top.
Operations•October 29, 2026

How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft

A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 26, 2026

Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap

Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.

Read More →
A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →