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Austan Goolsbee    

10th President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; Former Robert P. Gwinn Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago

Austan Goolsbee is the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, but he started his career as an economist and writer. His academic prowess earned him the position of the Robert P. Gwinn Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. His academic research, published in various peer-reviewed journals and books, focuses on critical areas such as the Internet, productivity, taxes and government policy, and inflation. These varied areas of study showcase his ability to analyze and articulate complex topics, which he brought to the television screen as the host of "History's Business" on the History Channel.

Goolsbee's career turned towards public service when he served as the 26th Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama. His role as Chief economist and chief-of-staff to Paul Volcker at the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board further cemented his expertise in economic policy-making. His understanding of the intricate relationships between government policy, economic trends, and societal impact came to the fore when he predicted the unusual conditions in 2023 could lead to a dramatic fall in inflation without causing a major recession. His foresight and nuanced understanding of economics were recognized when he was appointed the 10th President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2023.

Not limiting his influence to academia and public service, Goolsbee made his mark as a journalist. He wrote the "Dismal Science" column for Slate.com and won the 2006 Peter Lisagor Award for Exemplary Journalism. His ability to break down complex economic issues for a wider audience was further demonstrated through his multiple appearances on shows like "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report."

Speech Topics

Economic Innovation: Keeping Corporations Competitive in the 21st Century

Austan Goolsbee analyzes the key economic challenges facing the U.S. and the importance of innovative solutions that will keep businesses competitive. As the nation looks to increase growth on the long term, continuing uncertainty over economic policy remains a critical issue at the forefront of corporate executives’ minds. Addressing the fiscal challenges that lie ahead for America, he explores how focusing on spurring investment and innovation and improving U.S. exports will have long-term positive impact—while a failure to act risks a lasting period of painful economic stagnation. Commenting on key challenges including attracting top talent, protecting innovation in a global marketplace, as well as macroeconomic factors like lingering high unemployment, the burdens of regulation and the increasing federal deficit, he analyzes the nation's economic health and disseminates complex economic policy with his insightful humor. Austan Goolsbee will help you decide how the policy decisions in Washington influence the middle-class, the competitiveness of various industries and how it will impact you and your company.

The Economic and Political Realities Facing the President and Congress

With jobs, taxes, deficits and spending dominating the headlines, it is clear that political and economic issues are now more intertwined than at any time in recent history. A renowned economist who has extensive experience working in and around politics—most notably as Chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, Austan Goolsbee understands both the economic and political realities that face both President Obama and Congress as the President moves into his last two years in office. An analyst for ABC News and sought-after by the media for his views on the politics of economics and his clear style, Goolsbee thoughtfully examines the industries, groups and geographies that will be doing better or worse in 2015 and beyond—and what this means for future elections and policy outcomes for the President, the Senate and the House. Taxes, trade, regulatory, financial and energy policies are all at stake and Goolsbee shows just what this means for America moving forward.

Stumbling Home: The Promise and Pitfalls of Recovery in the US and the World

Why does the global economic recovery seem to be taking one step forward and a half step back and not coming back more quickly? Austan Goolsbee, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers of the United States draws on his recent policy experience to examine the problems and the opportunities that lie ahead for the U.S. economy, global growth and the ways the dysfunction of policy makers has complicated the road back. Providing a candid and holistic analysis, Goolsbee notes the factors likely to determine the strength and duration of the recovery, and how those key indicators at home—exports, innovation, housing, business capital spending, energy prices and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy— and abroad—the Eurozone debt crisis, currency wars and uncertainty in emerging markets—will impact growth and the prospects for sustained recovery.

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