Three new Fleet Hall of Fame inductees were announced recently at the 2025 Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) annual conference in Marco Island, Florida, on Monday, Sept. 15.  

Each year, the awards are sponsored by AFLA and presented by Automotive Fleet.  

Hall of Fame inductees have over 10 years of fleet experience and are recognized for the "indelible mark each has made within the commercial fleet management profession,” according to the awards criteria.  

“Our Hall of Fame nominees are fleet professionals who have made a profound difference in the industry over their careers, which span decades,” said Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet. “This is truly a lifetime achievement award.”

This year's three honorees join more than 100 others who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its establishment in 2008.  

Defining Moments: Laura Jozwiak  

The second installment of the 2025 Hall of Fame series highlights inductee Laura Jozwiak. 

During her acceptance speech at the AFLA conference, Jozwiak captured the audience's attention by framing it as a love letter. 

"We grow the most when we are tested, challenged, and still persevere — when we are brave enough to say yes when opportunities present themselves and follow where our hearts take us,."  she said.  

Jozwiak's career in fleet spans over 30 years. She's watched the industry change, adapt, and grow.  

She began her career as an executive assistant to the vice president of sales at Emkay Fleet Management. After eight years, Jozwiak moved on to work at Wheels, where she advanced to the role of a Strategic advisor and chief client officer.  

"Like every love story, sometimes one gets comfortable, and it may be time to shake things up, so I did,” said Jozwiak, referencing a time of personal upheaval. "I was then off to Wheels to join their Fleet Consulting Team. This is where our love truly took off. In the most challenging time of my life, you were there for me." 

The historic merger between Wheels, LeasePlan USA, and Donlen helped define Jozwiak's career. She worked to collaborate with teams and align clients as the companies found a new groove and learned how to work alongside one another. 

Jozwiak recently concluded her fleet career at Wheels, and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Suresh Rajapakse — and longtime business associate and friend — assumed her role after a long-standing friendship between the two. 

"Laura’s induction into the Fleet Management Hall of Fame is a moment that fills me with pride and gratitude. For over ten years, I had the privilege of learning and collaborating with her, and watching her lead with clarity, compassion, and conviction," said Rajapakse. "Laura fostered a culture that centered around client success and personal growth, and she did it with purpose and heart. Her legacy continues to inspire me every day, and I couldn’t be happier to see her receive this well-deserved recognition."

Jozwiak continued to frame her fleet experience in love.

"The love story continued with new industry challenges, ESG, supply chains, mergers, new ways to grow, and being challenged. As I was deciding it was time to close out my fleet industry career, you helped ensure I was ready to let go and explore new directions,” Jozwiak said.   

Leadership Success and Civics 

At AFLA, Jozwiak has held multiple leadership roles, including secretary, vice president, and president.  

She sat on the board of Women in Fleet Management (WIFM). Not only was she a leading board member, but she was the first affiliate member to become a member of NAFA and to earn the CAFM certification. 

Jozwiak serves on the board of directors for Intrinsic Schools and is a member of The Chicago Network. This organization supports women in the workforce, empowering them in the fleet industry.  

"I have countless stories, many friends, many life lessons, and so many fond memories. But this moment — this recognition — is the cherry on top of a fantastic love story." 

Jozwiak was inducted alongside Oleg Cytowicz and Lisa Kneggs. 

Other Award News

Fleet Manager of the Year: Joseph Lukacs Wins 2025 Fleet Manager of the Year 

Fleet Visionary: Taylor Murphy Wins 2025 Fleet Visionary Award

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