Biographical Info
Roger Lewis (January 11, 1912-November 12, 1987) was the first president of Amtrak, serving from 1971 to 1975.
While he is remembered as Amtrak’s first president in railroading circles, his career centered on the aviation and aerospace industries, including stints at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Curtiss-Wright Corporation and Pan American World Airways.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Lewis the Medal of Freedom for his contributions to foreign aid programs while serving as assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force.
Under Lewis, Amtrak hired and trained its first employees, instituted a comprehensive national reservations system and started upgrading and standardizing its rolling stock and station facilities.