Former Mountaineer Gas administrator Kenneth Yoakum to manage st - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Former Mountaineer Gas administrator Kenneth H. Yoakum was named by Acting Cabinet Secretary Ross Taylor of the Department of Administration as the executive director of the State Fleet Management Office, according to an Oct. 29 news release.

Yoakum managed the Mountaineer Gas fleet of vehicles and oversaw the maintenance and compliance of the company's 18 West Virginia locations, according to the news release. His new position is effective immediately.

Yoakum has experience in public utility administration, contracts, customer service and marketing strategies. His new responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of West Virginia's 6,500 state-owned passenger vehicles, and he will be asked to develop both short- and long-term plans along with implementing best fleet management practices.

Taylor said the Legislature passed a 2010 bill that consolidated the state's fleet, and the Department of Administration has been focused on enhancing its 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," Taylor said in a news release. "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.

Yoakum has a bachelor's degree in business management from West Virginia State University.