Rock Region METRO Names Strange as Chief Financial Officer

Rock Region METRO has announced the appointment of Ember Strange as the organization’s new chief financial officer. Strange brings two decades of experience in governmental accounting, financial management and public-sector leadership.

As chief financial officer, Strange will oversee Rock Region METRO’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, grant compliance, procurement and long-term fiscal planning. Her leadership will help ensure the organization remains financially sound while advancing its mission to provide safe, reliable and efficient public transportation throughout Central Arkansas.

Prior to joining Rock Region METRO, Strange served as chief financial officer for the City of North Little Rock, where she led numerous financial initiatives and played an instrumental role in the city’s recovery efforts following the devastating 2023 tornado. During her tenure, she and her team produced the city’s first Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), earning the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The city went on to receive the prestigious recognition for six consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in governmental financial reporting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ember to the Rock Region METRO leadership team,” said Justin Avery, chief executive officer of Rock Region METRO. “Ember understands the level of technical expertise, integrity, and strategic thinking required to successfully manage public resources.  She has built an outstanding reputation in governmental finance, and her experience, leadership and commitment make her an exceptional addition to our organization. Her knowledge will strengthen our financial foundation as we continue investing in the future of public transportation across Central Arkansas.”

Strange is a member of the GFOA executive board and serves as the ex-officio of the Committee on Retirement and Benefits Administration. Prior to joining the board, she served as the vice chair of the Committee on Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting and is past president of the Women’s Public Finance Network. Ember is also a past president of the Arkansas GFOA.

“I am honored to join Rock Region METRO and contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in connecting people, jobs, education and essential services throughout our region,” Strange said. “Public transportation is a vital investment in our communities, and I look forward to working alongside Justin, the board of directors and the entire METRO team to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while supporting the agency’s continued growth, innovation and service to our riders.”

Strange has continued her professional development through nationally recognized executive education programs, including the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School and GFOA’s Advanced Government Finance Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

In 2023, she was named a finalist for Arkansas Business CFO of the Year in the Public Sector/Education category. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accountancy degrees from Arkansas State University.

Rock Region METRO continues to strengthen its executive leadership team as the agency advances strategic initiatives designed to improve mobility, expand transportation options and provide exceptional service to communities throughout Central Arkansas.