September 2, 2022 - Larry Campbell, the City of Fort Wayne’s Director of Fleet Operations, has been named the 2022 Professional Manager of the Year-Public Fleet for the American Public Works Association (APWA) – Indiana Chapter.

Campbell has been with the City of Fort Wayne’s Fleet Department for 19 years and has managed fleet facilities for over 40 years, serving municipal fleets for 31 years.

One of Campbell’s biggest challenges and successes was bringing the City Fleet Management team back in-house. City Fleet Management staff was outsourced for nearly 22 years, which resulted in performance challenges on contracted repairs to City owned vehicles and equipment.

In addition, Campbell implemented the upgrade to the new version of the Faster Web Fleet Program. This implementation improved customer satisfaction by addressing customer inquiries more effectively and efficiently, making for better interactions with other departments.

Campbell also reorganized the Fleet Department organizational structure and set up a promotional process for entry level technicians to be able to train and study with certified mechanics and management. This promotional system helps maintain staffing needs and sets professional goals for staff to better themselves in the profession.

During his tenure, Campbell has been an advocate for positive change with staff and fleet operations. Understanding the impacts to the environment and through his involvement with Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Campbell was one of the first fleet leaders to get the B20 Club designation for use of Biodiesel. This is one way the City Fleet helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Campbell and City Fleet’s past achievements also include:

  • Government North America Fleet Manager of the year, 2012
  • Public Fleet Hall of Fame, 2014
  • Clean Cities Award Board Leadership, Biofuel Champion for Diverse Usage of Biofuels and Type of Fleet - the past 18 years
  • Named as one of the 100 Best Fleets since 2004
  • Named Number 1 of the 100 Best Fleets in 2005