According to the charter for the City of Worthington first adopted by voters in 1956, a seven-member council appoints a city manager to serve as the city's chief administrative official.

James E. Johnson, 1958-1960
Carl M. Broberg, 1960-1966
George H. Shapter, Jr., 1966-1974
Michael E. Minister, 1974-1974
James L. Brimeyer, 1974-1980
Charles Stinnett, 1981-1981
David B. Elder, 1981-2007
Matt H. Greeson, 2007-2022
Robyn Stewart, 2023-