Page 7 - NovDec2023 Vol41 No5

Gina Early to learn new things. Fleet Services since January 2023.
A childhood interest in cars spurred While Wilson enjoys this challenge, For Gerhart, fleet has given her a
Gina Early, our Fleet Acquisition she understands that many women unique perspective on the day-to-day
Specialist, to seek out jobs within could feel like they lack the knowledge operations of City government and a
the fleet sector. With eleven years of to enter this field. She also can appreciate new understanding of how integral
experience, she has worn many hats in that other women may have had bad Fleet Services is to the function of her
the positions she has held. experiences in male-dominated work community.
Early believes keeps women may not environments and might hesitate to While she believes that the male-
explore multiple roles offered in Fleet work in a field like fleet. dominated mechanical side of the
Services due to a lack of familiarity Julie Amato industry is what immediately comes to
about available careers that go beyond For Julie Amato, a senior Equipment mind for most people when they think
the strictly mechanical. For her, the and Supply Clerk, learning new things about fleet, Gerhart knows first-hand
ability to work and interact with many keeps her interested in working with that one does not need a mechanic’s or
different people in a real and natural way fleet. With 35 years in the automotive operator’s knowledge to make an impact
is a highlight of working in fleet. business and seven years in fleet, in the field.
Samantha Wilson Amato has a deep understanding of Gerhart said she has most enjoyed
Fleet Specialist and former the perception that these roles can be learning about the support that fleet
Service Writer Samantha Wilson has considered “a man’s job.” However, this provides the City. In her position she
worked nine years in the automotive perception hasn’t stopped her from is often out in the field and can see
firsthand our fleet vehicles at work.
business, four of those being in fleet. excelling in her position. She most enjoys
Never afraid to step out and try
Formerly employed in the dealership the problem-solving aspects, and sees the something new, Gerhart has been
environment, what she enjoys most parts-finding process as a puzzle to solve.
about fleet is the ability to see entire Skye Gerhart instrumental in several research and
inventory projects for fleet. “I have most
processes (like acquisitions) from start Skye Gerhart is a full-time college
to finish and constantly being challenged student, working as an Intern for enjoyed the eye-opening experiences
of seeing how much support our fleet
provides to the City…it seems as though
there is always a City vehicle out and
about helping our community!” she said.
Changing Common Industry
Perceptions
No matter their role, the women of
the City of Knoxville Fleet Services
Department take pride in what they
do and have a deep understanding that
the demands of this field go far beyond
the mechanical. Women have a place
in Fleet Services just as they do in any
other arena; however, changing common
industry perceptions and chipping away
at the masculine saturation will take
time and effort.
Promoting and increasing the
visibility of not only women in fleet
but the variety of careers available
can only contribute positive results in
affecting this kind of change. Embracing
this change will help us overcome the
stickiest remaining obstacle – that of
attracting more women to the trades. As
fleets across the country struggle to fill
mechanic vacancies and women remain
extremely underrepresented in the field,
we are sabotaging ourselves if we don’t
listen to their concerns and adapt.
This article first appeared in the September 2023
issue of the APWA Reporter.

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