Telos Advisors, already a national recognized advisory firm focused on complex transportation and infrastructure initiatives, got a step stronger this week when it announced former Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has joined the company as a strategic advisory board member, the firm announced.
Gardner potential impact is obvious. He brings more than 15 years of experience from Amtrak, where he most recently served as CEO. In that role, he oversaw the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail system and North America’s busiest railway network, leading wide‑ranging service expansions, system improvements, safety enhancements and historic ridership growth.
In his new role at Telos Advisors, Gardner will focus on rail and transit policy, funding strategies, customer experience and service planning, safety initiatives and network development.
Telos co-founders Eric Daleo and Megan Strickland were thrilled to make the announcement.
About Telos
Headquartered in Newark, Telos Advisors specializes in guiding public- and private‑sector clients through complex transportation and infrastructure projects. Founded by former transportation executives, the firm provides expertise in infrastructure planning and development, finance, compliance, and public procurement.
“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,” they said in a joint statement. “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.”
Gardner joined Amtrak in 2009 after nearly a decade working on Capitol Hill on surface transportation policy. Throughout his tenure at the national passenger railroad, he played key roles in improving financial performance, modernizing the customer experience, and overseeing major capital investments — the largest 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,” Gardner said. “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.”
