ST. LOUIS -

Enterprise Fleet Management announced that out of nearly 900,000 automotive technicians working in the U.S. — its management customer support supervisor Kelley Hatlee is one of only 16 individuals to earn the 2017 ASE World Class Technician Award from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Auto Care Association.

Fewer than 2,000 individuals have been honored since the award program began more than 30 years ago.

"Only a handful of technicians master the skills necessary to earn the ASE World Class Technician Award," Tom Gieseking, vice president of fleet operations for Enterprise Fleet Management said in a news release. "This rare honor speaks to the dedication and professionalism Kelley brings to Enterprise Fleet Management and to our customers on a daily basis."

Individuals must test and procure ASE certification in 22 specialty areas in order to earn recognition as a World Class Technician.

Hatlee receives the prestigious honor after earning the titles of ASE Master Automobile Technician, ASE Master Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician and ASE Master Collision Repair Technician, and two other advanced level diagnostic certifications for gasoline and diesel engines.

Currently, he holds a total of 32 ASE certifications.

Hatlee has more than two decades of automotive industry experience. He joined Enterprise Fleet Management 11 years ago.

As customer support supervisor for Enterprise Fleet Management's National Service Department, Hatlee leads a team of subject matter experts who are responsible for technical assistance, recall management, vendor relations, fleet support, vehicle maintenance and training.

The National Service Department employs more than 100 ASE-certified service technicians.

“Enterprise was the first fleet management company to win the ASE 'Blue Seal of Excellence' award and has won for 20 consecutive years, an industry record,” Enterprise Fleet Management added.