William Poole

William Poole has had a distinguished career in economics, culminating in his role as the eleventh chief executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He took office on March 23, 1998, and served a full term beginning March 1, 2001. During his tenure, Poole was an influential voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee in 2007, where he effectively represented the interests of his District in critical monetary policy discussions. His leadership at the St. Louis Fed concluded on March 31, 2008, after a decade of impactful service.

Before his presidency at the Federal Reserve Bank, Poole was the Herbert H. Goldberger Professor of Economics at Brown University, where he contributed significantly to the academic community from 1974 to 1998. He held various leadership roles, including twice serving as chairman of the economics department and directing the Center for the Study of Financial Markets and Institutions. His academic background is further strengthened by his education at Swarthmore College and the University of Chicago, where he earned both an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in economics.

Poole’s extensive experience includes advisory roles at numerous prestigious institutions, such as the Brookings Panel on Economic Activity and the Council of Economic Advisers during the Reagan administration. He has also been a visiting scholar at various Federal Reserve Banks and international institutions, showcasing his expertise on a global scale. His contributions to economic literature include two notable books and numerous published papers in professional journals.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Poole has been recognized with several awards, including the Adam Smith Award and the Frederick Heldring Award. His commitment to community development and economic education is evident through his involvement with organizations like the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Webster University Board of Trustees. Poole’s insights and leadership continue to influence economic policy and education today.