Erin Gilchrist has been named the inaugural recipient of the Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award, a new honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the fleet profession through mentorship, knowledge sharing, leadership, and service.

Gilchrist received the award during the 2026 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) conference in Las Vegas last week.

The award was established in memory of longtime Automotive Fleet Editor and Associate Publisher Mike Antich, who died in 2025 after more than four decades covering and serving the fleet industry.

Rather than recognizing a single accomplishment or job title, the Spirit of Fleet Award honors the qualities Antich demonstrated throughout his career: sharing knowledge, mentoring others, connecting people across the industry, giving his time and leadership to the profession, and helping leave the fleet industry stronger.

Beginning with Gilchrist, the annual award will recognize fleet professionals who carry that spirit forward through their own work and involvement in the industry.

An Industry Tribute to Mike Antich

The inaugural award was created through a collaboration between Nissan, AFLA, and Bobit Business Media. Nissan played a key role in helping establish the award as a lasting tribute to Antich and his contributions to the fleet community.

Recipients are selected by a judging group consisting of members of the AFLA board, Nissan, and a Bobit representative.

Jerry Zielinski, head of commercial and government fleet sales for Nissan and Infiniti, presented the inaugural award to Gilchrist during the AFLA conference.

Gilchrist’s selection begins what is intended to become an ongoing recognition of fleet professionals whose influence extends beyond their individual organizations and into the broader fleet community.

Gilchrist has spent more than two decades in fleet and automotive operations, including 15 years managing Safelite AutoGlass’ national fleet, which grew to more than 8,000 vehicles under her leadership. She was named the 2019 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year for her work in areas including safety, telematics, sustainability, and fleet efficiency.

After Safelite, Gilchrist moved into the fleet technology sector, serving as vice president of fleet evangelism at IntelliShift, where she worked with fleet professionals and hosted the Straight Talk on Fleet podcast. She has remained active in the fleet community through industry leadership, education, mentoring, and advocacy, and is currently with Kingbee Vans.

 “Receiving the inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award is one of the most meaningful honors of my career," said Gilchrist. "Mike was a dear friend and one of the great voices of our industry, so to receive an award created in his memory is incredibly humbling. Fleet has given me mentors, friendships, purpose, and a community that has helped shape who I am professionally and personally."

"To me, having a spirit of fleet is about showing up for people, sharing what you know, opening doors, and leaving the industry stronger than you found it. That is what Mike did so beautifully, and it is the legacy I will keep trying to live up to.”