Born: 1959 or 1960 (Scotland, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Susan M. Collins is a distinguished American economist and leader in the field of finance. She has made significant contributions to academia, public policy, and the financial sector throughout her illustrious career. Collins currently serves as the 14th president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, a position she assumed on July 1, 2022. Notably, she is the first African American woman and the first woman of color to lead any of the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, marking a significant milestone in both financial and women’s history.
Born in Scotland, United Kingdom, in 1959 or 1960, Susan M. Collins moved to New York City at a young age and grew up there. She embarked on her academic journey at Harvard University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1980. Displaying exceptional talent and drive, she continued her education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), obtaining her Ph.D. in economics in 1984.
Collins’ passion for teaching and research led her to hold positions at esteemed educational institutions, including Harvard University, Georgetown University, and the University of Michigan. During her tenure at these institutions, she made considerable contributions to the field of economics. Her expertise and insights were sought after, leading her to serve on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers from 1989 to 1990 and as a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund in 2001.
From 2007 to 2017, Collins served as the dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, where she also held the prestigious position of Edward M. Gramlich Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Economics. She continued her association with the university as a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution after her move to Michigan.
In January 2020, Collins took on a new role as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Michigan. During her time as provost, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the university, earning the esteemed Regents’ Citation of Honor from Michigan’s Board of Regents upon stepping down from her position in June 2022.
Collins’ professional accomplishments extend beyond academia. From 2013 to 2022, she served on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, further solidifying her extensive experience in the financial sector. Her expertise and insights were instrumental in shaping monetary policy and guiding the nation’s financial institutions.
Throughout her career, Susan M. Collins has played a significant role in shaping economic policies and has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. Her achievements as the first African American woman to become the president and CEO of a regional Federal Reserve Bank serve as an inspiration to aspiring economists and women of color worldwide.
Awards:
– Regents’ Citation of Honor from the University of Michigan for dedication and service to the university.