Robert Howdyshell, director of purchasing and fleet services at Riverside County, Calif., will retire on July 24 after 20 years at the county. Lisa Brandl, currently managing director of the Economic Development Agency, has been appointed to replace him.

Howdyshell started at the county in 1994 as the purchasing and material services director after a 25-year career with the U.S. Navy. In 1999, following the county reorganization, he became the purchasing and fleet services director.

Some of Howdyshell’s fleet-related accomplishments include construction of three maintenance shops and two fuel stations. He was instrumental in enacting the 25 mpg minimum fuel economy and alternative-fuel policy in 2008, and he has overseen the growth of the county’s hybrid fleet to exceed 400 units, with another 200 scheduled to arrive this year. During his tenure, the fleet has received multiple awards, including being named one of the Leading Fleets this year by Government Fleet magazine.

“Fleet Services has been a very exciting, challenging and dynamic environment. Because of the huge capital investment and the critical mission essential nature of vehicles, you must be on your game and make sure you keep superb people around you,” Howdyshell said. “It seems each fleet is unique and with the myriad of vehicles, equipment, technology, software, etc. It takes a lot of expertise to pick what is right for your fleet with the budget constraints we all live within.”

Brandl’s appointment was announced June 26, and Howdyshell has been training her to take over the position since then. She assumes fleet director duties on July 24.