Overview

May 12

Empowering Departments. Preventing Incidents. Leading by Example. In the City of Abilene, safety isn’t just the responsibility of a single department — it’s a shared commitment across the organization. Watch this webinar to learn how Abilene successfully implemented new fleet technology and expanded its safety program beyond traditional risk management, embedding a proactive safety culture across public works, fleet operations, utilities and more.

You’ll hear how the city has used real-time visibility, data-driven insights and cross-department engagement to reduce risk and foster ownership at every level.

Join your peers from across Texas to learn:

How Abilene built department-level accountability into its safety strategy

Practical steps for rolling out a citywide fleet safety initiative with measurable impact
The role of connected operations technology in improving safety outcomes and team engagement
Lessons learned that other Texas government organizations can apply to strengthen operational resilience

Whether you're focused on using fleet technology for reducing incidents, empowering frontline teams, or building a safety-first culture across departments, this session offers actionable insights grounded in real-world success.

Speakers

Austin Smith

Account Executive State of Texas, Samsara

Austin Smith represents Samsara to the State of Texas and its largest cities, helping public sector organizations leverage the power of AI powered cameras to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of their fleet operations. He serves as a key point of contact for understanding how Samsara's insights can address the unique challenges and opportunities within Texas's governmental and urban landscapes.

Tim Cass

Assistant Director of Fleet Operations, City of Abilene

Tim currently serves as the Assistant Director of Fleet Services for the City of Abilene, Texas, where he oversees both maintenance and procurement for the City’s diverse fleet. With over 31 years of experience in fleet operations, Tim brings a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving technologies and operational challenges. A recertified ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician and Certified Public Fleet Professional, Tim remains committed to operational excellence and innovation. His experience spans both the evolution of vehicle technology and the people who keep fleets moving—supporting and leading exceptional public and private teams throughout his career.

Hershel Becker — Moderator

Senior Fellow Center for Digital Government

Hershel Becker, a seasoned expert in government contracting, brings over 35 years of experience across both public and private sectors. He currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Digital Government and co-founder of Signature Advisory Partners, a procurement advisory firm based in Texas. During his tenure with the State of Texas, spanning nearly two decades, Hershel played integral roles in government contracting. Notably, he directed procurement and contracting functions at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) for seven years, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the Innovative Procurement Lab and worked with state and local governmental entities in addressing their technology contracting challenges. Additionally, under his leadership, the Chief Procurement Office facilitated over $3 billion in annual sales through the agency's cooperative purchasing program. Further, Hershel played a key part in procuring and transitioning the state enterprise to the Next Generation Shared Technology Services, in collaboration with his fellow DIR executive team members. Throughout his career, Hershel Becker has been recognized for his strategic insights, innovative approaches, and dedication to improving government procurement processes.

Webinar

Building a Proactive Safety Culture in Texas: A Case Study with the City of Abilene