Stephen J. Gardner

President

The Amtrak Board of Directors appointed Stephen J. Gardner to President, effective December 1, 2020. In this role, Stephen leads the company’s day-to-day operations, with an emphasis on regaining and growing customers and partners through the strong delivery of Amtrak’s Annual Operating Plan and the company’s long-term goals. Stephen is also responsible for modernizing Amtrak’s products, services, infrastructure and fleet. As President, Stephen has oversight for Marketing, Operations, Planning and Asset Development, and Government Affairs and Corporate Communications.

Previously, Stephen served as Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer from May 2019 through November 2020. Stephen has led Amtrak’s Commercial function as Executive Vice President since October 2017. Since coming to Amtrak in 2009, Stephen has been responsible for efforts to expand state-supported service partnerships; increase Acela capacity; improve Northeast Corridor infrastructure; formulate policies to carry out Amtrak's strategic plan; and guide general development and planning activities.

Prior to Amtrak, Stephen worked for the Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation & Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. In this capacity, he directed all legislative and oversight activities related to the safety, security, infrastructure and operations of railroads, motor carriers, pipelines and hazardous materials transportation, including overseeing all related federal agencies. Prior to this position, Stephen served as Legislative Assistant for Transportation for Senator Tom Carper and Congressman Bob Clement.

Early in his transportation career, Stephen held various operating and managerial positions with Guilford Rail System’s Maine Central Railroad in Maine and Massachusetts, the Buckingham Branch Railroad in Virginia.

Stephen received his Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA.

Title

President

The Amtrak Board of Directors appointed Stephen J. Gardner to President, effective December 1, 2020. In this role, Stephen leads the company’s day-to-day operations, with an emphasis on regaining and growing customers and partners through the strong delivery of Amtrak’s Annual Operating Plan and the company’s long-term goals. Stephen is also responsible for modernizing Amtrak’s products, services, infrastructure and fleet. As President, Stephen has oversight for Marketing, Operations, Planning and Asset Development, and Government Affairs and Corporate Communications.

Previously, Stephen served as Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer from May 2019 through November 2020. Stephen has led Amtrak’s Commercial function as Executive Vice President since October 2017. Since coming to Amtrak in 2009, Stephen has been responsible for efforts to expand state-supported service partnerships; increase Acela capacity; improve Northeast Corridor infrastructure; formulate policies to carry out Amtrak's strategic plan; and guide general development and planning activities.

Prior to Amtrak, Stephen worked for the Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation & Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. In this capacity, he directed all legislative and oversight activities related to the safety, security, infrastructure and operations of railroads, motor carriers, pipelines and hazardous materials transportation, including overseeing all related federal agencies. Prior to this position, Stephen served as Legislative Assistant for Transportation for Senator Tom Carper and Congressman Bob Clement.

Early in his transportation career, Stephen held various operating and managerial positions with Guilford Rail System’s Maine Central Railroad in Maine and Massachusetts, the Buckingham Branch Railroad in Virginia.

Stephen received his Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA.