As the former CEO and Director of Amtrak, Stephen led one of the nation’s largest and most complex transportation companies, achieving record-setting financial performance, growing ridership, improving customer experience, and driving safety, all while delivering one of the largest capital programs in the U.S.
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Known for building partnerships and navigating complex transactions, Stephen’s career has focused on achieving positive outcomes through creative, multiparty solutions. From 2009 to 2025, Stephen served in senior leadership roles at Amtrak, culminating in his tenure as CEO and Director. He oversaw Amtrak’s corporate functions and major capital delivery efforts during a historic period of federal investment, service growth, and modernization. Previously, as President and Senior Executive Vice President / Chief Operating and Commercial Officer, he led systemwide operations, service delivery, commercial strategy, capital programs, customer experience, and external relations.
Earlier roles from 2009 to 2019 focused on long-range planning, partnerships, and advancing major capital programs across the network, including developing the Gateway Program, the nation’s largest transportation infrastructure program. Before his time working at Amtrak, Stephen served as Senior Professional Staff for the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee shaping or authoring several of the foundational statutes governing Amtrak and U.S. passenger rail today.
Stephen joined Telos Advisers in 2025 as a Strategic Advisory Board Member, supporting the firm’s Principals and clients on high-complexity transportation and infrastructure initiatives. He brings deep experience shaping national transportation strategy and aligning policy, operations, and capital investment to achieve long-range goals.