OATS Transit names SWMO regional director

Columbia-based OATS Inc., dba OATS Transit, has named a new leader for its southwest Missouri region.

Rene Frazier is scheduled to start as regional director on March 31, according to a news release. She'll succeed Jeff Robinson, who is retiring after 16 years with the organization.

Frazier has served as OATS Transit's operations manager in southwest Missouri since 2018. In her new role as regional director, she'll oversee transportation operations in 17 counties.

“We’re excited to have Rene move up to the role of director," said Dorothy Yeager, OATS Transit executive director, in the release. "Her management experience with OATS Transit, as well as the previous 22 years with another local agency, will be a tremendous asset in the regional director role."

OATS, which was dubbed Older Adults Transportation Service shortly after its founding and recently adopted the tag line Operating Above The Standard, is a 1971-founded nonprofit that provides specialized transportation for the rural general public, senior citizens and people with disabilities in 87 counties statewide, according to past reporting.

The service shortened its name to OATS Inc. in 1980, according to its website.