MANCHESTER, N.H. – In April, the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen confirmed Christopher Goodnow as the City of Manchester’s Central Fleet Management Director.
Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais nominated Goodnow, with Ward 9 Alderman Jim Burkush moving to suspend the two-week waiting period and approve his confirmation immediately, a motion that was approved without objection from the board.
He replaces Richard Bilodeau, who became Central Fleet Department Director in early 2025.
Goodnow has worked as a superintendent in the department since 2025 and is no stranger to the impacts of the Central Fleet Department on other parts of Manchester’s city government, having worked in the Parking Division (2022-2025) and Police Department (1997-2022).
Goodnow was honored with the Life Saving Medal for his work to help save a man from jumping off the Notre Dame Bridge on July 21, 2013.
During the nomination, Ruais had these words to say about Goodnow.
“Chris brings more than 28 years of public service to this role, including a distinguished career with the Manchester Police Department where he rose to the rank of captain and led complex operations involving personnel, logistics, and citywide coordination. Since joining government in a civilian capacity, Chris continued to demonstrate strong leadership and operational expertise. As parking manager, he successfully oversaw a self-sustaining enterprise operation, and in his current role with Central Fleet, he has already taking on responsibilities involving fleet operations, budgeting and long-term capital planning. Importantly as well as Director Bilodeau noted in his resignation as he was leaving, he has recommended Chris to take his place. In (Bilodeau’s) retirement letter, he noted that he worked closely with Chris and trained him to become his successor to ensure a smooth transition and the continued excellence of fleet operations. That kind of institutional continuity matters. Central Fleet is critical to every department in this city. From public safety to public works, Chris has both the experience and the trust of the leadership to continue that work forward. So I have every confidence that Chris is ready to step in this role on day one.”
The city’s Central Fleet Management Department is responsible for maintaining, purchasing and disposing of the 461 vehicles and other motorized equipment used by city government officials, primarily in the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Works.
