Wilson Earns Esteemed Fleet Industry Certification

Russ Wilson, Fleet Specialist at KLJ, recently earned the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM®) designation, the fleet management industry's esteemed certification, from NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA).

Wilson has 22 years of experience in the fleet industry, specifically in the areas of operations management and maintenance supervision. As Fleet Specialist, Wilson oversees the corporate vehicle fleet and transportation equipment fleet for the organization. He handles all aspects associated with ownership and utilization, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Wilson said the motivation for achieving CAFM certification was, “(my) desire to gain the most thorough and in-depth education in fleet management, which will prove invaluable in my current position.”

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.

"The NAFA CAFM program is the only certification program that proves an individual's expertise in fleet," said NAFA Chief Executive Officer Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "Other certification programs may attest that a person has minimum basic knowledge of fleet, but the NAFA CAFM program proves the person is an expert."

Wilson, a member of NAFA’s North Central Chapter, said of the program, “(It) provides anyone tasked with fleet management responsibilities with a solid, well-rounded understanding of the elements that make up a first-rate fleet program.”