Acting Cabinet Secretary Ross Taylor of the Department of Administration announced October 29 the selection of Kenneth H. Yoakum as executive director of the State Fleet Management Office, effective today.
An experienced fleet executive, Yoakum has most recently served as an administrator for Mountaineer Gas, managing the company’s fleet of vehicles and overseeing the maintenance and compliance of the company’s 18 locations throughout West Virginia. His experience also includes working for more than 15 years in public utility administration, negotiating contracts and agreements, providing customer service, and creating marketing strategies.
Yoakum’s responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of the consolidated fleet operation for the state of West Virginia, which consists of approximately 6,500 state-owned passenger vehicles. He will develop short and long term plans, implement best fleet management practices, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as monitor and analyze utilization and maintenance of the fleet. Yoakum will work collaboratively with staff, management, state agencies, state legislators, vendors and other stakeholder groups to develop a streamline, transparent process while achieving optimum operating costs.
“Since the passage of legislation in 2010 which consolidated the state’s fleet, the Department of Administration has focused on continued enhancements to our processes and procedures. Kenny will be instrumental in keeping that momentum moving forward by developing policies to ensure the necessary internal controls and cost-efficiencies,” said Acting Secretary Taylor. “With his extensive knowledge and experience in the management of fleet vehicles along with his negotiation skills, he will bring the tools and resources to our state government that will produce positive changes in this program. Kenny’s leadership skills and understanding of fleet management operations will certainly benefit the state of West Virginia.”
A graduate of West Virginia State University, Yoakum earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.