MTA NYC Transit said that Stephone Montgomery, a 27-year veteran of the MTA family, has been named to the post of vice president and chief officer for Staten Island Railway by Senior Vice President, Department of Subways, Carmen Bianco. Montgomery, who succeeds John Gaul, has served at MTA Long Island Rail Road and MTA New York City Transit, in several positions during his career in rail, most recently as the Line General Manager for the No. 4 and 5 lines as well as the Grand Central Shuttle at NYC Transit.

Before joining Transit as a Deputy Line General Manager in 2008, he held a series of increasingly responsible positions at the Long Island Rail Road where he began as a car cleaner in 1983. He rose through the ranks to become a tower operator, locomotive engineer, road foreman, superintendent of rules and air brake procedures and finally, superintendent of Jamaica operations. Montgomery has also served on several national rule-making committees and is a graduate of the APTA Leadership program.

"Stephone's rail background and hands-on experience make him extremely well qualified for this position." Bianco explained. "He brings knowledge and management skills of both the subway and commuter rail experience that will be of great benefit to employees and customers of the Staten Island Railway."

"I want to serve the Staten Island community with a customer focus, dedicated to cleaner, more secure stations and improved customer communications," said Montgomery.

His appointment took effect on October 18, 2010. In his new position, Montgomery will oversee the efforts of 265 employees serving approximately 25,000 customers each weekday. The 14.3-mile, 22-station rail line is supported by 63 rail cars and its trains make 141 trips each weekday.