Rock Region METRO Hires Foreman as Chief of Staff

Justin Avery, CEO of Rock Region METRO announced Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the appointment of Ateca Foreman as chief of staff. Foreman comes to METRO with several years of experience in the public and private sectors.

CEO Justin Avery, said, “Ateca is the kind of leader who helps organizations move from where they are to where they need to be. Her vast experience in public service, compliance, and government relations will strengthen our foundation while helping Rock Region METRO advance a bold vision for mobility, accountability, and community trust across Central Arkansas.”

Foreman expressed her gratitude to Avery for the opportunity to serve the community. “I have always enjoyed working with and providing a service to the public. I look forward to working with Justin and the METRO team for continued growth and success.”

As chief of staff, she will be responsible for compliance, legislative affairs, and public engagement. Foreman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College and a Master in Public Administration from Arkansas State University. She has worked with the Metropolitan Housing Alliance and Memphis Housing Authority serving in compliance roles in ensuring adherence to federal regulations. In 2019, she was named as an honoree of Arkansas Business 40 Under 40. Previously, she served in former Governor Asa Hutchinson’s administration as deputy chief of staff and executive director of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission.

Foreman is active in her community serving as chair of the Conway Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, secretary of the Hendrix College Alumni Association Board of Governors, member of Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and was most recently appointed as board member of Rise House.