Janet Yellen BIOGRAPHY
Last Updated : 07 Feb 2025
Janet Louise Yellen: A Career in Economics and Public Service Born August 13, 1946, Janet Yellen is a prominent American economist who has held several key positions in the US government. Her career trajectory showcases a deep commitment to economic policy and public service. Early Career and Academic Achievements: Yellen's academic background includes a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University. She held professorships at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, and was also a staff economist for the Federal Reserve Board. Federal Reserve and Beyond: Yellen's career reached significant milestones with her appointments as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1994-1997), chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (1997-1999), president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (2004-2010), and vice chair of the Federal Reserve (2010-2014). In 2014, she became the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve, a position she held until 2018. Secretary of the Treasury: In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Yellen as the 78th Secretary of the Treasury, making her the first woman to hold this position. Her tenure focused on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating complex global economic challenges. During this period, she advocated for policies aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing income inequality. Key Policy Stances: Yellen’s policy positions are generally considered center-left, emphasizing the importance of fiscal and monetary policy tools to manage the economy and promote growth, with a focus on mitigating risks to economic stability. In summary, Janet Yellen's career reflects a significant contribution to economic policy and public service, marked by breaking barriers and holding prominent leadership roles within the US financial system. Her expertise and experience have profoundly shaped economic discourse and policy decisions in the United States.