City Manager Tyson Begly has selected Everett Bernard Fleming to fill the position of Director of METRA Transit System.  City Manager Tyson Begly will go before Columbus Council for approval of his appointment on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the next scheduled business meeting of the Council.  

Everett has served the CCG since 2017 as Parking Manager, Planning Manager, Assistant Director and the Interim Director of METRA since December 2025. He has over 28 years of experience in the field of marketing, procurement, program development, finance, transit and federal regulations. He is certified and trained in DBE Procurement Systems, Financial Management Overview; Climate Changes and the Landscape of Electric Vehicles; Procurement – RFP and Competitive Contract Negotiations; Title IV and Public Transit and over 5 years of auditing and tax experience with Lockheed Martin.  

Everett has been nationally recognized in the Fortune Magazine with Qwest; awards for assisting in the implementation of a contract that provided computer firewall protection for Qwest employees among other 
notable awards.  

Everett’s knowledge, background and experience in transit provides for a good transition as the Director of METRA Transit System.  He comes highly recommended by my selection committee of Deputy City Manager’s Lisa Goodwin and Pam Hodge, Finance Director Angelica Alexander, and Human Resources Director Ola Terrell.  

"I am privileged to accept the appointment as METRA Transit System’s Director and am inspired by the opportunity to lead our transit system into its next chapter of growth and service. This role is more than a position, it is a commitment to ensuring that every resident and visitor has access to safe, efficient, and equitable transportation.  I believe that by working collaboratively with our skilled team, community partners, and local leaders, we can create a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but also anticipates the demands of the future. Together, we will build a system that supports mobility, fosterseconomic opportunity, and strengthens the 
fabric of our community”, says Everett Fleming.  

Everett was born and raised in Forrest City, AR and currently resides in Columbus, GA.  He is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting and has a dual Master’s Degree from Regis University in Market Strategy and Information Systems. He has three children and one grandson.