Four fleet leaders have been named finalists for the 2026 Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year award: Dominika Leja, Jen VrMeer, Linda Ellis, and Ron McGuigan.

The annual award recognizes a fleet manager who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable results in the management of a commercial fleet. The winner will be announced during the 2026 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) conference.

Dominika Leja, AstraZeneca

Dominika Leja, associate director, fleet at AstraZeneca, has more than 20 years of fleet leadership experience spanning fleet management companies, procurement, supplier management, and corporate fleet operations.

Since returning to AstraZeneca in 2023, Leja has led a major corporate fleet electrification initiative, helping the company transition its U.S. fleet to 100% battery-electric vehicles by the fourth quarter of 2025.

“Being recognized as a Fleet Manager of the Year nominee is truly an honor, especially among so many talented and respected professionals in our industry,” said Leja. “The fleet community has always felt like family to me—a group of passionate people I have had the privilege to know, learn from, and laugh with throughout my career.”

The transformation involved nearly 6,000 vehicles as well as charging infrastructure, suppliers, drivers, and field operations. AstraZeneca ordered 6,235 EVs and deployed more than 5,300 as the program progressed toward full electrification.

Leja also helped address charging access for employees living in multifamily housing and rental properties. The electrification program has resulted in $9.7 million in annual fuel cost avoidance, eliminated 3.8 million gallons of fuel, and avoided more than 33 billion grams of CO2 emissions.

“I am grateful to be part of a profession I genuinely love and to be recognized by peers whose work I admire every day. Thank you for the recognition and for celebrating the people who help move our industry forward.”

Jen VrMeer, Becton, Dickinson and Company

Jen VrMeer, senior manager, sales operations at BD, has more than 18 years of experience in fleet and sales operations. She oversees more than 2,500 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada while supporting more than 4,000 sales and service professionals.

VrMeer has focused on balancing safety, financial performance, operational efficiency, and the driver experience. BD's fleet recorded 8.22 accidents per million miles compared with an industry benchmark of 11.22, while accidents declined 10% and incidents fell 19% year over year.

Her program has also delivered significant financial results. During the current reporting period, BD realized $481,670 in audited direct savings and $2.13 million in cost avoidance. Over the past six years, the fleet program has consistently generated between $800,000 and $1.8 million in annual savings.

“Being named a finalist for the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award is an incredible honor and a recognition I am deeply grateful for. While this nomination bears my name, it truly reflects the support of an outstanding team at BD, the encouragement of my leaders who have invested in my growth, and the collaboration of industry partners who have challenged and inspired me throughout my career,” said VrMeer.

VrMeer has also guided fleet operations through major corporate changes, including acquisitions, a spinoff, the launch of BD's Canadian fleet program and U.S. reimbursement fleet model, and a 2026 vehicle divestiture.

“What I love most about fleet is the unique opportunity to combine strategy, innovation, financial performance, and service to make a meaningful impact on both employees and the business,” VrMeer said. “Fleet is far more than just vehicles. It's about enabling people to do their best work, solving complex challenges, and continually improving the driver experience.”

Linda Ellis, UCB

Linda Ellis, fleet lead Americas, global procurement at UCB, has more than 20 years of experience in fleet, procurement, and strategic sourcing. She oversees 993 vehicles across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.

Ellis has led UCB through a fleet sustainability transformation encompassing vehicle selection, charging infrastructure, supplier partnerships, driver incentives, and sustainability governance.

As of June 2026, 95.06% of UCB's fleet used a green powertrain, including plug-in electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and gasoline-electric hybrids. The transition has contributed to a 34% reduction in the fleet's carbon footprint.

Ellis has paired the sustainability initiative with cost-control efforts. A fleet rightsizing initiative and review of long-term rentals generated approximately $16,000 in monthly savings. In 2026, UCB also reduced CO2 emissions per vehicle by 4.5% and improved fuel efficiency by 14.3% despite a 9.2% increase in fleet mileage.

“What a great honor to be nominated in the company of these brilliant industry peers. This reflects one of my favorite things about our industry, from the unmatched innovation to some of the greatest displays of teamwork and collaboration anywhere around,” said Ellis. “It is where professionals openly share, support one another, and create lasting impact that moves the industry forward, together. I love it! Thank you for the recognition!”

Ron McGuigan, TurnPoint Services

Ron McGuigan, director of fleet at TurnPoint Services, oversees more than 5,250 vehicles supporting more than 60 residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service businesses across more than 30 states.

McGuigan has helped guide the fleet through rapid acquisition-driven growth. As TurnPoint expanded, its fleet grew to include thousands of vehicles, multiple OEMs, dozens of brands, and more than 60 upfit configurations.

To prepare the fleet for continued growth, McGuigan developed a strategy to standardize vehicles, upfits, safety equipment, and fleet processes while retaining the flexibility required by TurnPoint's individual operating businesses.

More than 2,700 vehicles have been delivered during the company's current fleet management partnership, while TurnPoint has increased its use of factory orders compared with higher-cost out-of-stock sourcing. McGuigan has also established advisory groups and repeatable processes to help newly acquired businesses integrate into the fleet.

“It's truly an honor to be nominated for such an award,” said McGuigan. “The nomination, regardless of the outcome, shines light on the TurnPoint organization and what we have been able to do in such a short time.”

McGuigan said TurnPoint's supplier relationships have also played an important role in the fleet's growth.

“Choosing the correct partners to help build and support your fleet is critical to success,” he said. “This nomination shows that we have made some great decisions on who we partner with.”

Winner to Be Announced at AFLA

The 2026 Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year winner will be announced at the 2026 AFLA conference.