lissa cook

Lisa Cook is an accomplished economist and educator who has made significant contributions to her field and served in important policy roles. Here's a detailed look at her career and recent developments:

1. **Academic Background and Research**: Cook holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University and a PhD in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently a Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University, where she has published extensively on economic growth, development, innovation, financial institutions, and economic history.
2. **Professional Experience**: Cook has served as a senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama and as a senior adviser on finance and development in the US Department of Treasury's Office of International Affairs. She is also a distinguished fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
3. **Federal Reserve Service**: Cook was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in May 2022 to fill an unexpired term ending January 31, 2024. She was reappointed in September 2023 for a term ending January 31, 2038. Her appointment makes her the first Black woman to serve on the central bank's board of governors.
4. **Recent Developments**: Despite her reputation as a distinguished economist, Cook has recently found herself in the spotlight for allegations of mortgage fraud. These allegations were made by Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and were amplified by President Donald Trump, who has called for her resignation. Cook has maintained her innocence and stated her intention to defend herself against the allegations.

In summary, Lisa Cook is a respected economist with a distinguished academic and professional background. Her current role as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors is significant, and her recent involvement in a mortgage fraud controversy highlights the political and legal challenges she faces in this position.