The Automotive Fleet judging committee has always faced a difficult challenge in choosing a single AF Professional Fleet Manager of the Year from a list of the many highly qualified candidates. And, as the role of the fleet manager continues to evolve, the task of identifying a winner has become more complex than ever.

Today's fleet managers must be unbelievably versatile. They are often tasked not only with overseeing the fleet operations, but also with managing procurement and manufacturer negotiations, evaluating the supply chain, overseeing safety, monitoring regulatory changes, and understanding a growing list of automotive technologies. This growing set of responsibilities creates a multitude of moving parts and roles.

But, one unifying sentiment I'm sure all fleet managers share is that it's a very exciting time to be a member of the fleet management industry.

Automakers have rebounded nicely from the economic downturn at the end of the past decade, selling more new vehicles in 2013 than they have in any year since 2007. Manufacturers are offering a host of new technologies to enhance just about every element of the driving experience from fuel efficiency to safety to on-the-go networking.

We've even seen notable progress in "self-driving" automation, a once radical concept that many say is rapidly nearing practicality.

But, a booming automotive economy has meant some challenges, as well. The recent surge of new vehicle sales portends the softening of a resale market that has surged in the wake that weof the recession. The continuing shortage of rail cars to meet increasing capacity demands from auto manufacturers has resulted in vehicle delivery delays (and the particularly harsh winter of 2013-2014 certainly didn't help matters). In addition, as manufacturers have become more diligent about ensuring the quality and safety of their vehicles, the number of recalls has soared.

This combination of challenges has required fleet managers to be flexible and creative in order to meet their drivers' needs and keep them on the road and productive.

Fleet managers have certainly been given a very delicate task of harnessing the benefits of the modern automotive fleet environment while at the same time mitigating its challenges.

The evolution of newly available vehicle models, equipment, and technologies has often challenged fleet managers to step out of their comfort zone and evaluate unique opportunities to drive ongoing value for their fleets.

As we look forward, the emergence of new CAFE standards, alternative fuels, telematics capabilities, vehicle production materials, government regulations, and corporate sustainability mandates will mean that fleet managers will have to continue to enhance their knowledge base, and be more strategic and critical-thinking than ever.

This year's AF Professional Fleet Manager of the Year nominees will certainly be among those who will lead the charge. And, while these fleet managers deserve plenty of recognition for all of their achievements to this point, their most enduring quality will be their ability to stay versatile in an ever-changing fleet environment.

Dan Frank is the president of Wheels, Inc.

Related:

A Closer Look at the 2014 Professional Fleet Manager of the Year