AfMA is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee Sauerwald as its President for the 2024/2025 term. With thirty years of experience in corporate and fleet management, alongside two decades in the Profit for Purpose Sector, Lee brings a unique perspective to the role. His leadership and commitment to sustainability have been key to his career in business and the fleet industry.
Lee’s journey with AfMA began in 2010 when he accepted the Fleet Environment Award on behalf of Uniting Communities. This achievement marked the beginning of his involvement with AfMA, initially joining the South Australian Committee before quickly being appointed Chair. His leadership and dedication led him to the National Board in 2013, where he has served as both Vice President and President on several occasions.
As a strategic thinker with a focus on social, financial, and environmental sustainability, Lee’s expertise extends beyond fleet management. He is a passionate advocate for reducing fleet carbon emissions, managing grey fleets, and optimising operating costs. Lee regularly shares his insights at State, National, and Global Fleet conferences and contributes articles on these important topics.
In his professional role, Lee is a Fellow CPA MBA and leads Uniting Communities’ Corporate Services division. This includes overseeing investment, property, financial management, procurement, fleet management, marketing, and carbon reduction initiatives. Under his leadership, Uniting Communities became Australia’s first carbon-neutral registered charity in 2015 and is now on track to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2035.
One of his notable achievements is his leadership in the development of U City, a multi-award-winning 6-Star Green Star vertical village in Adelaide. This innovative project blends residential, social, and commercial spaces to create a sustainable, inclusive community. U City is also the first certified carbon-neutral building in South Australia.
As President of AfMA, he is committed to continuing his work in advancing fleet management practices that support sustainability and efficiency across the industry. His vision for the future of AfMA focuses on fostering innovation, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the growth and success of the Australian fleet management community.
His leadership will undoubtedly guide AfMA in its mission to create a more sustainable and efficient fleet industry, ensuring that the association continues to drive positive change within the sector.
Board Members Elected for 2024/2025 Term
AfMA has also elected its board members for the 2024/2025 term, bringing together experienced professionals dedicated to supporting the organisation’s goals in fleet management and sustainability.
Vice President: Vince White – QFleet
Vince White, General Manager of QFleet, has over 25 years of experience in infrastructure project management and fleet management in both public and private sectors. He holds a Master of Property Economics and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and oversees more than 10,000 vehicles for the Queensland Government.
Treasurer: Brendan Stooke
Brendan Stooke has worked in fleet management for 36 years, including roles as National Fleet Manager of Telstra Fleet, where he won AfMA’s Fleet Safety Award in 2003 and Fleet Environment Award in 2004. He has served AfMA in various roles over 13 years, including as Treasurer and board member.
Committee Member: Pat Ahern – Mackay Regional Council
With over 30 years in the industry, Pat Ahern has held various positions in government and private sectors, including as Managing Director and Principal Consultant for Fleet Eze. He now manages fleet, plant, and workshops for Mackay Regional Council, contributing his extensive experience to AfMA’s board.
Committee Member: Sharon O’Neill – Ventia
Sharon O’Neill has more than 40 years in the automotive industry, holding positions ranging from spray painting to fleet management. Currently Category Manager at Ventia, she has been an AfMA member since its beginning and chairs the NSW Chapter Committee.
Committee Member: Philip Browne – Autorola Australia Pty Ltd
Philip Browne brings 32 years of experience in automotive remarketing, contributing to the sector’s development in Australia and internationally. His work has introduced innovative strategies in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Middle East.
Committee Member: Meryl (Mez) Connolly – Tabcorp
Mez Connolly has 18 years of fleet management experience with roles at Sydney University, Sydney Water, and CSIRO before joining Tabcorp. She actively supports the adoption of electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology in fleet management.
Committee Member: Chris Dhu – CVDhu Advisory
Chris Dhu has over 20 years in asset management, with experience across multiple sectors. He holds an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Asset and Maintenance Management and currently works in the energy sector, focusing on fleet electrification and infrastructure readiness.
