At the October 4 Green Fleet Conference in Texas, a newly created Sustainability All-Star award was presented to recipients based on professional longevity, accomplishments (significant sustainability achievements), innovation (innovative ways individuals have contributed to reducing emissions and fuel consumption), and overall industry involvement. Altogether, these fleet professionals have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, created green fleet and sustainability policies, and have dedicated their time and energy to ensuring the path to sustainability is clear. Standing out amongst the 40 recipients is NGVAmerica’s Stephe Yborra.
As Director of Market Development for NGVAmerica, the US natural gas vehicle (NGV) industry’s national trade association, and as Director of Market Analysis, Education & Communications of the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, Stephe Yborra assesses NGV market opportunities and barriers and then develops programs to address them. This includes preparing market and technology analyses; advising government and industry RDD&D program task forces; presenting educational seminars and webinars; publishing articles and guest columns in niche fleet sector magazines; and managing NGV industry participation in national fleet-oriented trade events.
Yborra also organizes the annual National NGV Conference-Summit and other forums where natural gas engine, vehicle and fuel station equipment providers and their customers share ideas and strategies to build a more sustainable and robust NGV market.
In this pivotal role as a recognized leading NGV market expert, Yborra is a frequent speaker at national conferences, symposia and other educational events, and he is sought out by national fleet executives, fuel retailers and natural gas industry stakeholders concerning NGV program development and implementation best practices.
Several other fleet managers have also made contributions toward the development of the natural gas vehicle industry in the US through their broad commitment to alternative-fuelled fleets:
- Michael Britt serves as Director of Maintenance and Engineering for all international operations for UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services. Britt joined UPS in 1986 and has led efforts in alternative-fuel projects and technology development for the domestic fleet and recently for the international fleet. These projects include compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells. Presently, he manages maintenance and engineering for all international operations and continues to manage fleet sustainability issues in the U.S.
- For the past five years, Andy Douglas, National Sales Manager Specialty Markets, has led Kenworth’s “Green Initiatives” covering the growing markets for diesel-electric hybrid and natural gas trucks and has worked directly with the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle on clean truck strategies.
- Gerald Koss, Fleet Marketing and Production Strategy Manager, Ford Motor Company NAFLRO (North American Fleet, Lease, and Remarketing Operations) began his commitment to sustainable initiatives in 2001 with the development of a fleet sustainability strategy. Included in developments was the launch of CNG/LPG capable powertrains.
All 40 award winners are acknowledged here.
(This article compiled using information from a Green Fleet magazine press release)
