PRINCETON, NJ- Several corporate fleet professionals recently earned the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation from NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA). Representatives from Terracon Consultants, Inc.; PECO; Sperian Protection Americas, Inc.; LeasePlan USA; Bolthouse Farms, Inc.; and Wheels, Inc. were among the latest batch of CAFM graduates for 2009.

NAFA plans to honor recipients for their achievements at the 2010 NAFA Institute & Expo in Detroit this upcoming April.

CAFM recipients include:

Virginia Liddle, corporate fleet administrator for Terracon Consultants, Inc. in Olathe, Kan. Liddle has 21 years of experience in the fleet industry. She currently manages all aspects of fleet in the purchasing department including facilities, travel, phones, copiers, and IT equipment procurement. In addition to her CAFM designation, Liddle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has been an active member of NAFA since 1999 and is currently the Safety Chair of the Mid-America Chapter. In 2003, Liddle was Chapter Chair of the St. Louis Gateway Chapter after serving as Vice Chair from 2001-2003. "This was the next logical step in my fleet career to add to my education and experience," said Liddle.

William Flemming, fleet manager of PECO in Berwyn, Pa. Flemming, a member of NAFA's Philadelphia Chapter, has 30 years of experience in the fleet industry. His department manages more than 1,400 vehicles, 10 shops, and 21 fuel sites. In addition to his CAFM, Flemming also holds an ASE Master Car & Truck Certification. During his career, he has gained extensive experience as a mechanic, technical trainer, and supervisor. "(The CAFM Program) provides a broad knowledge base of fleet," said Flemming.

Karen Doyon, corporate indirect buyer for Sperian Protection Americas, Inc. in Smithfield, R.I. Doyon has five years of experience in the fleet industry. Her duties include managing approximately 200 vehicles in North America, leading cross functional teams in the strategic sourcing process for indirect categories, managing the U.S. corporate headquarters building and mailroom, and negotiating contracts for travel and office machines within the United States. She reports directly to the vice president of corporate purchasing for the Americas. Doyon has been an active member of NAFA's New England Chapter since 2004 including two years as Chapter Chair (2008-2009).

Laura Mauter, senior account manager for LeasePlan USA in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Mauter has 9 years of account management experience within the fleet industry. Her duties include managing relationships with a key group of clients and overseeing their fleet operation related to the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of vehicles. She joined NAFA as an Affiliate in 2008 and is a member of the Chicago Chapter. "The vast range of the curriculum was daunting at first," said Mauter. "As I progressed through the material, understanding it and passing the exams, I felt like an explorer that finally reached the top of a mountain! It was extremely rewarding."

Samuel Kingston, mobile assets manager for Bolthouse Farms, Inc. in Bakersfield, Calif. Kingston has three years of experience in the fleet industry. His duties include managing mobile assets and compliance with air resource boards. He joined NAFA in 2007 and is a member of the Southwest Chapter. Kingston was motivated to earn a CAFM designation to become a better asset for his employer, according to NAFA.

Steven Schwartz, regional sales manager for Wheels, Inc. in Valley Cottage, N.Y. Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience within the fleet industry through sales and new business development. He has been an NAFA Affiliate since 1996 and is a member of the Inter-County Chapter. His pursuit of a CAFM certification was motivated by a personal goal achievement and a desire to deepen his industry knowledge and experience. "(The CAFM program) is an essential tool for anyone in the industry expecting to deepen their knowledge of the business and value to their employer," said Schwartz.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a series of comprehensive examinations to demonstrate expertise in the eight disciplines of automotive fleet management: Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, Vehicle Fuel Management, Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management. Designed to identify and recognize exceptional fleet management professionals, many employers now require fleet managers to obtain the CAFM designation prior to, or shortly after, employment.

For more information on the CAFM program and the CAFS program, visit www.nafa.org/certification.