Roger W. Ferguson Jr. (born October 28, 1951, Washington, D.C.) is a prominent American economist, attorney, and corporate executive. He served as the 17th Vice-Chair of the Federal Reserve from 1999 to 2006 and was the first African American in that role. Ferguson later became President and CEO of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) from 2008 to 2021, a Fortune 100 company providing retirement services.
Early Life and Education
- Parents: His father, Roger W. Ferguson Sr., worked in the U.S. Army’s mapmaking office, and his mother, Alberta Lawson Ferguson, was an elementary school teacher.
- Education: Ferguson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University in 1973, a J.D. from Harvard Law in 1979, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard in 1981. He was also a Frank Knox Fellow at Cambridge University from 1973 to 1974.
Career Highlights
- Federal Reserve Vice Chair: Ferguson joined the Federal Reserve in 1997, becoming Vice Chair in 1999. He played a key role in steering U.S. monetary policy during critical events such as 9/11.
- CEO of TIAA: From 2008 to 2021, Ferguson led TIAA, a significant player in financial services and retirement.
- Swiss Re: Prior to joining TIAA, he was the head of financial services at Swiss Re and chairman of its America Holding Corporation.
- McKinsey & Company: Earlier in his career, Ferguson was a partner at McKinsey from 1984 to 1997.
Public Service and Advisory Roles
- Economic Advisor to President Obama: Between 2008 and 2012, Ferguson served on several of President Obama’s advisory boards, including the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board.
- Board Memberships: Ferguson serves on several prestigious boards, including Alphabet (Google), Brevan Howard Asset Management, and The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Ferguson is married to Annette Nazareth, a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell. They have two children.
Roger W. Ferguson Jr. is celebrated for his contributions to economics, public policy, and corporate leadership, making him a key figure in discussions of African American excellence in business and finance.
