Rock Region METRO Hires Worthen as Chief Operating Officer

Justin Avery, CEO of Rock Region METRO announced Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the selection of Fred Worthen as chief operating officer. Worthen comes to METRO with nearly 40 years of experience in public transit. He began his career as a full-time coach operator while attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Worthen has served at varying-sized transit agencies in Texas, Washington State, Colorado, and Florida. He has a strong background in systems innovation, operations, and vehicle maintenance. He is nationally known for his expertise in alternative fueled vehicles with an emphasis on battery electric buses and infrastructure planning.

Avery stated, “Fred brings a tremendous depth of experience and knowledge to Rock Region METRO. His nearly four decades in public transit, combined with his expertise in operations, service planning, and emerging vehicle technologies, will be invaluable as we continue improving and expanding service for our community. We are excited to welcome Fred to the METRO team and look forward to the leadership he will bring to our operations.”

Worthen expressed, “I am excited to join Rock Region METRO. I grew up as a transit-dependent rider. I understand the importance of the services we deliver to the customers we serve. I look forward to contributing to enhancing services and building new relationships in the community.”

Worthen was announced as COO during the March METRO Board of Directors meeting.