The Women in Fleet profile series introduces fleet managers to some of the most influential women in fleet. Every month, we get to know another positive force in the fleet industry. 

This month, we spoke with Angela Gregorowicz, fleet cooperative account manager for LeasePlan USA.

Getting into Fleet

Gregorowicz has been in the fleet industry for the past 20 years. She started her fleet career with Hoffmann-LaRoche (now Genentech, a member of the Roche Group) and began working with LeasePlan USA about three-and-a-half years ago.

At LeasePlan USA, her current responsibilities include all exceptions. “I am responsible for medical, size, and 4x4 exceptions, and executive support to include vehicle assignment, identification and correspondence. I handle departmental communications including annual policy review. I also manage restructures, imputed income support, and other special projects as needed, including the recent mobile app rollout, staff training, and more,” she explained.

Gregorowicz made her way into fleet in a more traditional way than many others.

“I joined Roche with my associate degree working in the accounts payable department. After a few positions of increasing responsibility in that department, a role opened in the fleet department. I applied, and didn't get it but I really wanted a role in the department so I applied again. A second position quickly opened, and I was hired. I must thank a few female managers/mentors, Kathleen McGlory and Nancy Sampson who mentored me, and Michael Bieger for giving me the opportunity. The rest is history as they say,” she said.

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she was promoted to fleet manager at Roche.

“I worked my way up from a support role to the manager of the department in a short period. In that role, I managed many downsizings with tight turnaround times. I realized cost avoidances by reassigning existing inventory in place of ordering. I also rolled out a hybrid fleet program in partnership with the HSE manager. I also streamlined my selector from five vehicles to three in support of the CO2 emissions goal and leveraged supplier rebates for fleet savings,” Gregorowicz recalled.

She is also proud of her involvement with the New Jersey Chapter of NAFA.

“I held all board positions, including Chapter Chair and brought the Chapter to a better financial state and expanded the offerings at the ride 'n drive. I’m thankful to everyone I’ve worked with through the years: my former staff, suppliers, co-workers, fellow NAFA member, and more,” she said.

Like many, it’s the people that inspire Gregorowicz to succeed: “I enjoy helping people, and in fleet, you do that daily.  Additionally, there’s always something new to learn, which keeps it fresh.  Lots of opportunity for growth both professionally and intellectually,” she said.

Gregorowicz has this advice for anyone looking to join fleet: “Go for it! Network, network, network, and be flexible. Join NAFA and AFLA and learn as much as you can. Volunteer and talk to people. There’s a lot of smart, experienced, helpful people in the industry willing to help if needed,” she concluded.

Get to Know Me

Experience is only part of our story and what someone likes to read, watch, and listen to paints a fuller picture of their personality. Here are some of Gregorowicz’s favorites:

Book: “How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Networking is crucial in today’s environment, and this book teaches you how to do that,” she said.

Movie: “I don’t have a favorite, but I enjoy watching the Godfather trilogy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and Pretty Woman, to name a few,” Gregorowicz said.

Songs: “I like lots of genres of music: DooWop, Soft Rock, Classical, and Dance. Anything that feels good!” she said.

You May Not Know: “Starting in grammar school through now, I’ve been a lifelong volunteer. I’ve volunteered for Wayne Unico, Our Lady of Consolation Church, Lions Head Lake Association, and Preakness Healthcare, among others,” Gregorowicz shared.