NAFA Announces 2026 Winner of Tom Johnson Award

Edison, N.J. (March 20, 2026) – NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is proud to announce Robert Martinez, Principal, RSM Consulting Services, as this year’s recipient of the Tom Johnson Award. This award was created to honor the legacy of Tom Johnson, founder of the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas competition program. The Tom Johnson Award recognizes fleet professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship and long-term dedication to improving fleet operations and advancing the fleet industry.

“Robert Martinez exemplifies the best of the fleet industry,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “He represents all of the qualities that Tom Johnson brought to our community for decades such as leadership, dedication, determination, creative problem-solving, and vision.”

Over a remarkable career that began in 1986 as an auto service worker with the New York Police Department, Martinez rose to deputy commissioner of the Support Services Bureau. During his tenure, he modernized fleet operations, strengthened accountability systems, and established new performance standards that elevated public-sector fleet management. He has contributed extensively to NAFA through committee and board leadership. His sustained commitment to NAFA and to the development of fleet professionals has made a lasting impact on both the association and the broader fleet community.

Martinez will be honored with the Tom Johnson Award at the 2026 Institute & Expo (I&E) General Session on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The Tom Johnson Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the fleet industry through leadership and service. To be eligible for the award, candidates must have at least 15 years of experience in fleet management, with a proven record of mentoring, coaching and sharing their knowledge with peers. They must be recognized thought leaders, often presenting at national conferences, contributing to industry publications and holding respected certifications. Additionally, recipients must have been involved in the 100 Best Fleets Award program or similar initiatives, and have made significant contributions to both their organizations and the broader community.

Alongside Robert Martinez, the following nominees were recognized for their contributions to the fleet industry:

• Craig Croner, CPFP, Fleet Superintendent – City of Glendale, Arizona
• Dan Zenger, Fleet Operations Manager – City of Vancouver, WA
• Danny Brashear, Senior Industry Consultant – AssetWorks
• Darryl Syler, Division Chief, Fleet Management – City of Alexandria, VA
• David Worthington, Fleet Manager – County of Santa Clara Facilities and Fleet Management Department
• Kevin Schlangen, CAFM, Fleet Manager – Dakota County, MN
• Larissa Clinard, CAFM, MBA, Director of Fleet & Logistics – J.F. Ahern Co.
• Larry Campbell, CPFP, Director of Fleet Operations (Retired) – City of Fort Wayne, IN
• Mark Stinson, CPFP, Fleet Manager – City of Lee’s Summit, MO
• Ronald Wirth, Fleet Sustainability Manager – County of Sacramento, CA Department of General Services
• Sam Lamerato, Retired Fleet Superintendent – City of Troy, MI
• Scott Rood, CAFM, Fleet Industry Consultant – RTA: The Fleet Success Company
• Steve Saltzgiver, CAFS, Senior Fleet Industry Consultant – RTA: The Fleet Success Company
• Tim Coxwell, CAFM, Fleet Management Division Director – Leon County Sheriff’s Office (FL)
• Tony Yankovich, Director of Fleet Consulting for RTA – RTA: The Fleet Success Company

NAFA extends its gratitude to RoadFlex for sponsoring the Tom Johnson Award. Their support plays a vital role in recognizing the exceptional contributions of fleet professionals and advancing excellence within the fleet management industry.

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About NAFA Fleet Management Association 

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA is dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and safe fleets, ensuring that its members are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support to drive excellence in fleet operations. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year.

For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

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