National Fair Housing Alliance Issues Statement Following Dr. Lisa Cook’s Historic Confirmation to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors
Contact: nfha@skdknick.com
Washington, D.C. – May 10, 2022 – After today’s confirmation of Dr. Lisa Cook to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors by the United States Senate, Lisa Rice, President and CEO at the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), issued the following statement:
“We congratulate the eminently qualified Dr. Lisa Cook on her historic confirmation to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Dr. Cook’s confirmation is another barrier-breaking moment in American history, as she will become the first Black woman to serve on the Board in its 108-year history.
“Our nation is facing a precarious economic recovery. Underserved communities like rural and urban areas are struggling. That means leaders on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors should appreciate how the levers they use affect ordinary people. Dr. Cook is a celebrated macroeconomist and widely respected expert on economic growth with decades of experience managing global financial challenges. She understands the barriers faced by people of color and communities long left behind, and how structural inequities harm the economy. Dr. Cook’s broad professional experiences, including serving on the Board of the Federal Reserve of Chicago, the Board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, and as a member of the Council of Economic Advisors, will prove valuable to the Board during such a critical time for our country where the COVID pandemic has exacerbated economic hardships for so many people. Dr. Cook has dedicated her career to economic research that speaks to the mandate of the Federal Reserve, including identifying structural barriers to economic growth and researching the latest data to understand how to improve innovation and maximize fair employment.
As we continue to grapple with rising prices, growing wealth disparities, and global economic uncertainty, NFHA is confident that Dr. Cook will serve this country proudly, and work with her colleagues to help everyday people struggling with financial challenges. Her unique, diverse experience and expertise will positively impact the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, small businesses, and the lives of families throughout the country.”
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The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the country’s only national civil rights organization dedicated solely to eliminating all forms of housing and lending discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people. As the trade association for over 170 fair housing and justice-centered organizations and individuals throughout the U.S. and its territories, NFHA works to dismantle longstanding barriers to equity and build diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities.