The three finalists for the 2025 Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year Award have been named.

Sponsored by Wheels, established in 2004, and named after Automotive Fleet’s founder and fleet industry visionary, Edward J. Bobit, the award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and results in fleet management.

The winner will be announced at the 2025 AFLA Conference in Marco Island, Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The finalists are:

Joe Lukacs

Global Director of Fleet Operations
The Sherwin Williams Company
Years in Fleet: 28

With more than 28 years at The Sherwin-Williams Company and over a decade leading its fleet, Joe Lukacs oversees a global operation of more than 12,000 vehicles. A multiple nominee for the award, Lukacs combines deep technical expertise with a Six Sigma Black Belt mindset, continuously driving cost savings, safety improvements, and operational efficiency. 

In 2024 alone, his strategic foresight enabled Sherwin-Williams to leverage favorable remarketing conditions for multi-million-dollar gains and achieve a 4.1% CO₂ reduction, even amid fleet growth. He expanded the company’s hybrid and EV footprint, resulting in a 4.7 MPG improvement over baseline, while piloting innovative safety solutions like custom delivery van ramps.

“Being a finalist for Fleet Manager of the Year is an incredible honor. It’s a reflection not just of my individual efforts, but of the collective commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation that defines our fleet operations at The Sherwin Williams Company,” said Lukacs.

Lukacs prioritizes green fleet through the expansion of hybrid vehicles, which has resulted in a net increase of 4.7 MPG in passenger vehicles. He also generated a multi-million-dollar incremental increase in gains for Sherwin Williams.

Lukacs also serves on multiple advisory boards — including General Motors’ Advisory Board and Wheels’ Customer Advisory Board — and frequently contributes his expertise to peers and OEM partners alike. 

“It’s humbling to be recognized among so many talented professionals in the industry.  That said, I’m most proud that as a company, we always prioritize the safety of our fleet," he continued. “Every decision we make is grounded in the commitment to ensure our drivers return home safely at the end of each day. That responsibility is at the heart of everything we do.”

Charles Schott

Fleet Director
Rollins Inc.
Years in Fleet: 31

Charles (Charlie) Schott serves as fleet director for Rollins, Inc., where he oversees one of the largest private light-duty fleets in North America — more than 18,000 vehicles across 700-plus locations. Since joining the company four years ago, Schott has built Rollins’ fleet department from the ground up, introducing formal structure, data systems, and operational strategy where none previously existed. 

With prior leadership roles at Pfizer, NYU, and Brink’s, Schott brought a deep background in operations and fleet logistics to the role, applying disciplined, scalable processes that have significantly improved efficiency, compliance, and cost control. His work has positioned Rollins as a model for fleet transformation and continuous improvement.

Under Schott’s leadership, Rollins has seen sweeping operational improvements: upfitting capacity expanded from two to nine locations, cutting delivery times by 32%; automation of contact and address data updates now reaches 100% and 94%, respectively; and preventive maintenance compliance jumped from 70% to 89%. These initiatives translated to savings of $2.5 million in new car carry cost avoidance and a 16% reduction in cost per mile, while maintaining a flat $0.52 operating cost per mile for three years amid inflationary pressures.

“It is an honor to be nominated for this award alongside so many deserving contemporary fleet leaders,” Schott said. “Fleet at Rollins is a team sport that I have the good fortune to be surrounded by a proficient and professional team. Our support from Rollins leadership along with the accountability demonstrated by the Rollins extended vehicle supply chain is unparalleled.”

Schott prioritizes three pillars for himself, his department, and those who work under him: Supply Chain, Vehicle Lifecycle, and Operations. They are the foundation for a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven optimization.

Linda Ellis

Fleet Lead Americas - Global Procurement
Union Chimique Belge (UCB)
Years in Fleet: 20 

Linda Ellis is a senior sourcing and fleet professional with over 20 years of experience leading strategic procurement and fleet operations for major organizations across industries. Currently managing the Americas fleet for UCB Pharma, she oversees a $24 million budget and more than 1,000 vehicles. Under her leadership, UCB has achieved an 89% green conversion rate and a 12.14% reduction in CO₂ emissions, surpassing corporate sustainability targets well ahead of schedule.

"This has really been a moment of reflection for me. I am grateful that I can not only love what I do but be fortunate enough to be recognized as well," Ellis told Automotive Fleet. "It is beyond amazing."

Her career includes impactful roles at companies like SunTrust Banks, Collibra, Cox Enterprises, and Boral Industries, where she consistently drove savings, implemented ERP systems, and enhanced procurement and fleet strategies. 

At UCB, Ellis has implemented a comprehensive electrification roadmap that includes a fully automated EV onboarding process, close collaboration with OEMs and suppliers, and internal engagement programs to boost driver adoption. By mid-2025, her fleet included 147 EVs, 468 hybrids, and 332 PHEVs, with plans to eliminate internal combustion vehicles entirely by year-end. 

"My family has certainly supported me, but I have an excellent network of phenomenal women in fleet as well, made up of both business partners and fellow fleet managers," she said. "It's often we take our work hat off to hold impactful conversations that will help us be better at what we do in the long run. Its invaluable support."

Most noteworthy was Linda’s leadership at UCB Pharma where she oversees 1,400 vehicles and manages a $24 million budget. This work resulted in an 88% implementation of alternative fuels and a 34% reduction in carbon footprint.

Ellis also eliminated personal-use deductions for EV drivers, supported pilot programs for new electric platforms, and led efforts that saved the company over $550,000 in avoided fuel costs in 2024 alone. 

"Being a mentor, I truly enjoy any opportunity to cultivate a love for the fleet industry, encouraging both innovation and thought leadership."