Jason Furman: Architect of Economic Policy
An in-depth exploration of a leading American economist's career, from academic insights to influential governmental roles.
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Overview
Academic & Policy Leadership
Jason Furman, born August 18, 1970, is a distinguished American economist currently serving as a professor at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. His expertise extends beyond academia, as he is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. His career is marked by significant contributions to economic policy at the highest levels of government.
Presidential Advisor
A pivotal figure in recent U.S. economic policy, Furman was appointed by President Barack Obama on June 10, 2013, to chair the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). Prior to this, he held the crucial role of deputy director of the U.S. National Economic Council and served as an economic advisor during the Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign, demonstrating a consistent influence on national economic strategy.
Educator & Public Intellectual
Since 2019, Professor Furman has co-taught Economics 10, Harvard's foundational year-long introductory economics course, alongside David Laibson. Beyond his teaching, he is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations, the Group of Thirty, and the Aspen Economic Strategy Group. He also contributes regularly to public discourse through articles in the Wall Street Journal and Project Syndicate, and has edited two influential books on economic policy.
Earlylife
Roots in New York City
Jason Furman was born and raised in New York City. His family background includes his father, Jay Furman, a prominent real estate and shopping mall developer, and his mother, Gail Furman, a respected child psychologist. He is of Jewish heritage. His brother, Jesse M. Furman, holds a distinguished position as a judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Formative Education
Furman's academic journey began at the Dalton School, from which he graduated in 1988. He then pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning an AB in social studies in 1992, where he notably shared a freshman year dorm with actor Matt Damon. Furthering his international perspective, he obtained an MSc from the London School of Economics. He returned to Harvard to complete an AM in government in 1995 and a PhD in economics in 2004. His doctoral thesis was advised by Greg Mankiw, who himself had chaired the Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush.
Early Career
Public Service Beginnings
In 1996, while still a graduate student at Harvard, Furman commenced his public service career as a staff economist for the Council of Economic Advisers, under the mentorship of economist Joseph Stiglitz. His collaboration with Stiglitz continued at the World Bank before he transitioned to the National Economic Council as a Special Assistant to the President during the Clinton administration.
Political Campaign Engagement
Furman actively participated in several presidential campaigns. He was involved to varying degrees with the campaigns of Al Gore in 2000 and Wesley Clark in 2004, with his wife, Eve Gerber, also contributing as a speechwriter for Clark. In 2004, he assumed the role of director of economic policy for the John Kerry presidential campaign.
Policy Advocacy & Academia
Following the 2004 election, Furman joined the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), where he played a significant role in opposing the privatization of Social Security proposed by the George W. Bush administration. He also held visiting scholar and lecturer positions at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Columbia University, and Yale University. From 2006 to 2008, he was a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and directed the Hamilton Project, an economic policy research group focused on fostering shared economic growth. During this period, he published research on the tax treatment of healthcare and edited two volumes on economic policy.
Obama Administration
Shaping Recovery & Reform
In 2008, Jason Furman joined Barack Obama's presidential campaign as the Economic Policy Director. Despite initial criticism from some labor activists regarding his defense of Walmart's business model, he became a key economic architect during Obama's first term. As deputy director at the National Economic Council under Lawrence Summers and Gene Sperling, he was instrumental in crafting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which included both stimulus-spending initiatives for the disadvantaged and business tax incentives. He also contributed to the administration's corporate tax-overhaul plan, influenced fiscal policy negotiations, and helped design and negotiate the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Chair of Economic Advisers
On June 10, 2013, President Obama nominated Furman to chair the three-member Council of Economic Advisers. Obama lauded him as "one of the most brilliant economic minds of his generation," emphasizing his reliance on Furman's "straightforward, unvarnished advice." This appointment garnered bipartisan support. As CEA chair, Furman held a cabinet-level position, regularly attending Cabinet meetings, and was pivotal in advancing economic debates and public policies concerning tax reform, market competition, artificial intelligence, innovation, and investment issues.
Affiliations
Global Economic Engagement
Beyond his primary academic and governmental roles, Jason Furman maintains active involvement with several influential organizations that shape global economic thought and policy. These affiliations underscore his broad impact and commitment to economic discourse.
Publications & Commentary
Professor Furman is a prolific contributor to economic literature and public commentary, sharing his insights on contemporary economic issues. His work spans both scholarly journals and widely read periodicals, making complex economic concepts accessible to a broader audience.
Personal Life
Family and Residence
Jason Furman resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with his wife, Eve (nรฉe Gerber), and their three children. His personal life reflects a balance with his demanding professional career, rooted in a vibrant academic community.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional economic or policy advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official government documents, academic research, or seeking advice from qualified economists or policy experts for specific situations. Always refer to primary sources and consult with professionals for detailed analysis and decision-making. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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