Janet L. Yellen has shaped modern economic policy from the highest levels of public service, most recently serving as the United States Secretary of the Treasury from 2021 to 2025—the first woman in history to hold that role. During her tenure, she played a central part in guiding the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, advocating for “modern supply-side economics” to foster inclusive, long-term economic growth.
Her leadership helped stabilize relations with key global partners, including China, and she was instrumental in formulating sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Dr. Yellen also oversaw the rollout of clean energy tax regulations under the Inflation Reduction Act, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable economic policy.
Under her guidance, the U.S. economy achieved a remarkable “soft landing” following a period of inflation, marked by falling unemployment, cooling prices, and economic expansion that outpaced many other advanced economies—earning international recognition for resilience and innovation.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Yellen served as Chair of the Federal Reserve, where she helped steer the U.S. economy out of the global financial crisis. Her emphasis on job creation and monetary stability supported one of the longest economic expansions in U.S. history, as inflation remained low and employment steadily rose.
Known for her hands-on leadership, Dr. Yellen has spent time across the country engaging with workers, visiting factories and workforce development centers to better understand local economic needs. She continues to champion investments in infrastructure, green energy, and vocational training to create more inclusive opportunities for American workers.
Her distinguished career also includes roles as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and professor emeritus at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. She currently holds a fellowship at the Brookings Institution, providing expert insight on fiscal and monetary policy.
