Date: July 23
Time : 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Main Stage
Participants will examine how fleet managers balance policy requirements, volatile fuel and equipment costs, and day-to-day maintenance realities. They will identify strategies for making sound operational decisions when compliance, budgets, and shop capacity are all under pressure. The session will equip attendees to think more holistically about fleet performance, resilience, and risk management.
Matthew Austin heads up business development and ecosystem partnerships for Viatec, Inc, a leading provider of fleet electrification solutions. Prior to Viatec, he has been involved in several technology innovation start-ups in telecommunications, ecommerce and enterprise software. His focus is on building effective partnerships that collectively make a tangible economic and sustainable impact on vocational and transportation applications in public and private sector fleets.
Emil Bobev is a Project Analyst at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), where he works on initiatives that advance renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. His work focuses on developing and managing projects involving renewable natural gas, electric vehicle infrastructure, alternative fuel fleets, energy efficiency, and emerging clean technologies.
Emil holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and Strategic Analytics from Stockton University and leverages data-driven decision-making to support innovative solutions that improve operational performance while reducing environmental impact. He is passionate about helping organizations implement sustainable practices that create long-term economic and environmental benefits for the communities they serve.
Beth Cooley CAFM, Director, Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Fleet Management Services (OFMS).She is also Vice President of the NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Board. Beth has over 20 years of fleet management experience, and her background includes risk management, contract management, capital outlay construction and facility leases. She is responsible for a fleet of 3,000 vehicles assigned to over 175 state agencies and state colleges. In addition, Beth serves as the Secretary/Treasurer with NAFA Board of Directors. The CAFM adventure added to her creditability, expanded her knowledge, and still offers a resource that she uses today.
David Cottingham brings 30 years of fleet experience in his role as Fleet Manager with Chesterfield County. Under his leadership, the county has received the 100 Best Fleet Award for eight consecutive years, recognized as a leading fleet for the last seven years and also named in the Top 50 Green Fleets.
Chad Waller has 20+ years in the school transportation industry, partnering with transportation departments and fleet managers to help address operational challenges, fleet planning, customer support, and vehicle solutions. Through direct work with school districts, he has experience supporting customers with budgeting concerns, alternative fuel discussions, fleet replacement planning, and long-term transportation strategies. Known for his practical, customer-focused approach, he works closely with transportation leaders to help identify solutions that improve reliability, safety, and overall fleet performance.
Moderator – Chuck Feinberg leads the programmatic, operations and business activities of the nonprofit New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition. He has led successful proposal efforts, and managed large grant projects and contracts from the US Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and several other state and federal agencies. In addition to his work at the NJCCC, he is a partner and the Executive Vice President of the clean energy sustainability consulting firm, Greener by Design, LLC. where he also provides a variety of services to other public and private consulting clients. Among his numerous positions, he previously served as Chair of a State Energy Master Plan advisory workgroup on alternative fuels and vehicles, he also chaired the NJ Clean Energy Innovation Council’s committee on alternative transportation fuels, served on the Board of Trustees of the national nonprofit Transportation Energy Partners, Co-Chaired the Sustainable Jersey Green Fleet Task Force, and is on the Advisory Board of Empire Clean Citi es. He routinely works with a variety of stakeholder groups across the region and is a recognized expert and a frequently invited speaker on petroleum reduction topics including electric vehicles, natural gas, biofuels, hydrogen, and others. Among the noteworthy recognitions of his accomplishments, he is an inductee into the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Hall of Fame, and recipient of NGV America’s “Advocate Award” for the advancement of alternative fuel vehicles, the NJ Green Building Council Award for Innovative Sustainability Project, and the Northeast Diesel Collaborative “Breathe Easy Award” for his efforts to reduce diesel emissions.
