Bi-State Development announced the selection of Ronald Forrest as the next Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit. Forrest joins Bi-State Development on June 2. He brings an extensive background in transportation management and operational excellence to the top Metro Transit position. The leadership transition comes as current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Charles Stewart prepares to retire at the end of June.
“Chuck has been a pivotal figure in Metro Transit’s growth and success over the last several years, and his dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on our organization as well as the communities we serve,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Forrest, who was selected from a pool of interested candidates from around the nation, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in public transit to his new role at Metro Transit. Forrest successfully led numerous initiatives at other transit agencies to enhance transportation systems and improve customer experiences. His expertise in project management and community engagement has consistently delivered results that prioritize accessibility and sustainability. His dedication to fostering collaboration makes him an excellent fit to guide Metro Transit’s future growth.
Most recently, Forrest served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Metro Transit in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he and his team were responsible for delivering approximately 60 million customer trips annually in the Twin Cities region. His experience, strategic vision and commitment to innovation aligns with Metro Transit’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, promoting inclusion and safety, and elevating customer service across MetroBus, MetroLink, Metro Call-A-Ride, and Transit Assets operations.
“We are excited to welcome Ronald to our transit team,” Roach said. “His extensive expertise in operations management and his dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions will be invaluable to our mission of delivering world-class transit services.”
“We look forward to Ronald joining the team next month,” said Sam Gladney, Chair of the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. “His forward-thinking leadership and proven track record of operational success will be critical as we shape the future of public transit and remain dedicated to exceeding the expectations of the communities we serve.”