Former Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has joined Telos Advisers, a national advisory firm specializing in complex transportation and infrastructure projects, as strategic advisory board member.
Gardner brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in rail, infrastructure delivery, and national transportation policy to the post at Telos. He most recently served as CEO of Amtrak, where he oversaw the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail operator and North America’s busiest railway, and led major system improvements, service expansions and ridership growth across the country.
He joins a team of former transportation executives providing strategic advisory for complex infrastructure projects to public and private clients. Telos, based in Newark, is assembling a team to help clients navigate highly regulated and operationally complex projects — ensuring execution, securing funding, and solving the toughest challenges.
“Stephen is a seasoned transportation expert with deep experience in railroading and federal transportation policy who has managed complex organizations and led one of the largest capital programs in the United States. We’re excited to welcome him to Telos and to leverage his expertise as we continue to support clients navigating critical infrastructure and investment initiatives,” said Telos Co-founders Eric Daleo and Megan Strickland.
Gardner began his career with Amtrak in 2009 after nearly a decade on Capitol Hill working on surface transportation policy, giving him more than 15 years of experience at the national passenger railroad. His leadership has been instrumental in improving financial performance, strengthening safety and modernizing the customer experience across Amtrak’s network, all while also leading the largest capital program in Amtrak’s history.
“I’m excited to join Telos’s Advisory Board and the committed group of seasoned transportation leaders and experts they’ve gathered to help clients take on challenging projects and achieve major goals,” said Gardner. “In an increasingly complex landscape, Telos has the know-how and unique capacity to support clients through rapid change, major transactions and game-changing deals.”
Gardner’s key areas of focus at Telos Advisers will include rail and transit policy, funding strategy, customer experience and service planning, safety, and network development.
