Scott Lauer retired as associate director, North American Fleet Administration and Procurement for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. on Aug. 31, following a 29-year career with the company, of which, the past 10 were in fleet.

Since 2009, Lauer managed the fleet program for Merck in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, which, at the time, was comprised of approximately 9,000 vehicles and increased to almost 12,000 units following the company’s later acquisition of Schering Plough. At the time of his retirement, the Merck fleet was comprised of approximately 6,000 vehicles. Prior to being promoted to associate director of North American fleet administration and procurement, Lauer managed U.S. fleet administration for Merck from 2007 to 2009.

During his career in fleet, Lauer served on Ford's fleet advisory board, Wheels, Inc.'s sounding board, CEI's advisory board, and, most recently, General Motors' commercial sounding board. Lauer won the 2016 Fleet Visionary award presented by Automotive Fleet and on multiple occasions was a nominee for Automotive Fleet's Fleet Manager of the Year award.

Before moving to fleet management, Lauer was the facilities manager for Merck. He joined Merck in 1988 following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army where he served from 1985 to 1988 as commander of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. “We averaged more than 700 live ordnance missions per year,” said Lauer.

Lauer received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Delaware in 1984.

While retired, Lauer’s future plans include hiking on the Appalachian Trail, cycling, camping, mentoring, and teaching English as a second language.

“I really look forward to spending more quality time with my wife, parents, four children, and three adorable grandchildren,” said Lauer. “I also lead the deacon's board at my church and teach fourth and fifth grade Sunday school.”