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

This month, we spoke with Amy McAdams, director for fleet for MORSCO, Inc.

Getting into Fleet

In 2010, McAdams began her fleet career as a senior accountant responsible for approximately 250 vehicles at a large commercial facility services company. She began working at her current company, MORSCO in November of 2017.

McAdams is responsible for the centralization and consolidation of the company's fleet department, which consists of approximately 700 trucks, 200 trailers, and 500 pieces of material handling equipment.

"One of my top successes in my fleet career was making the leap from accountant to fleet manager. I grew up in a family of car fanatics, so becoming a fleet manager melds my background and experience. Having the opportunity to take a large decentralized fleet and build a fleet program that focused on standardization, centralization, and cost savings will always be something I am proud of," she said.

And, like many of us, while she was familiar with cars, fleet was a whole new world.

"When I took the role, I really didn't know exactly what being a fleet manager was. In the only way I know how, I reached out to our fleet management company for guidance and kept my eyes and ears open to learn as much as I can about every aspect of fleet. Over the seven years as fleet manager, I made sure to keep pushing for more information and learning about emerging technologies and 'outside the box' cost-savings opportunities," McAdams said.

The pursuit of education and knowledge has been high on McAdams list of goals.

"One of the best decisions I made was to enroll in the CAFM program through NAFA. I made it my top goal and achieved it in 2016," she said.

What motivates McAdams to continue? The ever-changing nature of fleet. 

"From new-vehicle models to new technology and more, there always seems to be something to keep you focused," she said.

The best advice McAdams has for other fleet managers, whether entering the industry or celebrating a milestone anniversary, is to "build your network, strive for continuous learning, and don't be shy. There are tons of other fleet managers out here willing to talk, advise, mentor, etc."

Get to Know Me

Experience is only part of our story and what someone likes to read, watch, and listen to can help paint a fuller picture of their personality. Here are some of McAdam's favorites:

• Book: "To Kill a Mockingbird and Old Man & the Sea — both are my favorites probably because of the power of the main characters to persevere against adversity," she said.

• Movie: "Princess Bride — I've probably seen this movie 100 times. I love it because of the wit, humor and power of love," McAdams said.

• Song: "In My Life by the Beatles. This song makes me emotional every time I hear it. Isn't that what songs should do?" she said. 

• You May Not Know: "When I was in college I represented Penn State University in the National Championship Billiard tournament at the University of Georgia. I didn't make it out of the first round, but I will never forget the experience. To this day, I still have my pool cue.

Another little known fact is that my father had a race car named Miss Amy when I was very young. I'm not sure if I was named after the race car or the other way around," McAdams concluded.