CEI Group's Wayne Smolda, founder and chief executive, will present the winner of the 2014 Fleet Executive of the Year at the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association's (ALFA) conference in Las Vegas next week.

Smolda will present the award at a Sept. 9 breakfast. CEI has been co-sponsoring the award with Fleet Financials magazine since 2003.

The award recognizes exceptional leadership by fleet managers who have the title of vice president or higher. A panel of judges from the fleet industry selects the winner. Winners usually excel in criteria such as cost-saving initiatives, policy-setting, creation of innovative programs, and cultivation of fleet manager training and management. Jerome Webber, vice president of global fleet operations for AT&T, won the 2013 award.

CEI has also raised its AFLA sponsorship from Platinum to Diamond, the organization’s highest sponsor level, according to the group. “For more than 40 years, AFLA has been at the forefront in helping to raise the professionalism of the fleet industry,” Smolda said. “We’re proud to be a member and pleased to extend our support for the benefit of all of those who keep the wheels of business turning.”

Additionally, Wheels Inc. will present the 2014 Fleet Manager of the Year award.