Page 6 - NovDec2023 Vol41 No5

KNOXVILLE By Nicholas Bradshaw & Cally Greenway
Women in Fleet Management

Many are familiar with the challenges the misperception that it is just for before taking up her current role. No
women face in Science, Technology, men,” Collins said. For her, it is a point matter what her position, the work
Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, of pride to see the vehicles procured environment shines for her. “Around this
but few may consider the equally valid and acquired by fleet at work in the particular crew there is no such thing as
challenges women face in the trades, community through our police, fire, and a dumb question. They have the patience
and particularly in a field like Fleet public works departments. to work with you until you understand,”
Management. Overwhelmingly a Maranda Bowness she said. Grateful to be a part of this
minority in the fleet work environment, Maranda Bowness is our Fleet team, she believes that fleet can be
women can face unique obstacles, often Specialist with an emphasis on fuel and intimidating, since this may not be the
due to long-standing stereotypes. training. For her, learning new things case everywhere.
At the City of Knoxville, women make is the most appealing part of working When asked why she thinks there
up nearly 20% of our Fleet Department with fleet. Not only does she get to see aren’t more women in fleet, Bowness
(11 out of 54). Currently, they are how the equipment works, but also the offered that because it is a field
employed in a variety of positions from processes behind procuring, acquiring, dominated by men, the atmosphere can
management and administration to and maintaining it as well. She has sometimes bring up doubts about one’s
parts and service. Recently, these women worked in the automotive field for eleven capabilities as a woman to understand
shared some of their experiences getting years and with City Fleet for almost the needs of the fleet. There also can be
into this line of work. Here are some of seven years. a demonstrated lack of respect because
their stories: During that time, Bowness has sometimes one isn’t perceived to have
Keri Collins transitioned through several positions the same knowledge as a technician or
City of Knoxville Fleet Administrative mechanic.
Manager, Keri Collins, has been involved
with Fleet Services since 2007. Initially
starting out as a Vehicle Impoundment
Assistant, Collins worked her way up to
the management position she now holds.
Working in a field like fleet appeals
to her because of the opportunity
it provides to represent women
in an industry where they are
underrepresented. She believes that
women have a unique skill set and a
broad perspective to contribute to fleet
and often excel in the field as a result.
When asked why she thinks there
aren’t more women in fleet, Collins said
the perception is that jobs in fleet are
primarily hands-on maintenance (or
mostly for men). “I think when most
people hear about a job opening in fleet,
they automatically think of a mechanic,
hands covered in grease, changing a tire
or working on a diesel truck,” she said.
While those positions are available,
she said changing this perception could
be instrumental in attracting more
women to the industry, as interests in
finance, business, and technology all Above photo: Fleet Administrative Manager Keri Collins confers with two of her subordinates, Fleet
have a home in Fleet Services. “Plus, Specialists Samantha Wilson and Maranda Bowness. Right top photo: Service Writer Bonita “BG”
women who are already interested in Chamberlain and Supply Clerk III Julie Amato both work in the City of Knoxville’s light equipment repair
vehicles and how they work may not shop servicing police cruisers and other light vehicles. Right bottom photo: Some of the women of City of
think they can get started because of Knoxville Fleet Services: (L-R) Gina Early, BG Chamberlain, Julie Amato, Maranda Bowness, Keri Collins,
Samantha Wilson
6 TPW November/December 2023