Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner Resigns

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced his resignation on Wednesday, March 19, effective immediately.

In a statement, Gardner said the decision was to ensure “America’s Railroad continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this Administration.”

The federal government is the majority stockholder at Amtrak, also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. The passenger rail service’s board members are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

White House officials told Reuters that Gardner had been asked to step down. 

Gardner has led the rail company’s executive team for four years, stepping into the president role in 2020 and being named CEO in 2022. He first joined the rail company in 2009 as vice president, policy and development. No successor has been named.

In a statement, the Amtrak board thanked Gardner for his contributions to the company: “Stephen departs today, we thank him for his 16 years of service to Amtrak. We will build on his accomplishments and wish him every success. We look forward to working with [POTUS 47] and Secretary Duffy as we build the world-class passenger rail system this country deserves.”