Douglas Elmendorf, American economist and politician

Born on April 16, 1962, Douglas William Elmendorf is a highly respected American economist whose distinguished career has spanned significant roles in academia, government, and prominent public policy think tanks. Renowned for his expertise in fiscal policy and economic analysis, Elmendorf has consistently contributed to both the scholarly understanding and practical application of public policy.

Current Academic Leadership

Dr. Elmendorf currently holds the prestigious position of Dean and Don K. Price Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, more commonly known as the Harvard Kennedy School. As Dean, he leads one of the world's foremost institutions dedicated to training public leaders and conducting research on critical policy challenges. The Don K. Price Professorship itself signifies a distinguished appointment, recognizing his significant contributions and leadership in the field of public policy.

Distinguished Public Service at the Congressional Budget Office

Perhaps one of his most impactful public service roles was his tenure as the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from 2009 to 2015. The CBO is a vital, non-partisan agency that provides objective budgetary and economic analyses to the United States Congress. During his leadership, a period marked by profound economic challenges following the 2008 financial crisis and intense debates over healthcare reform, Elmendorf's commitment to delivering unbiased data and projections was crucial for informed legislative decision-making. His oversight ensured that lawmakers had access to rigorous, independent assessments of the budgetary implications of proposed policies.

Contributions to Public Policy Through Think Tanks

Beyond his governmental service, Elmendorf has also made substantial contributions through his work at leading policy research organizations. He served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a prominent Washington, D.C.-based public policy think tank, from 2007 to 2009. He briefly returned to Brookings in 2015 following his directorship at the CBO. During his time there, he also directed the Hamilton Project, an economic policy initiative within Brookings that focuses on developing evidence-based proposals aimed at fostering economic growth and broadly shared prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Douglas William Elmendorf's current position?

Douglas William Elmendorf currently serves as the Dean and Don K. Price Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

When did he serve as the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

He led the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) as its Director from 2009 to 2015.

What role did he play at the Brookings Institution?

Elmendorf was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution from 2007 to 2009 and briefly again in 2015. He also held a leadership role as the Director of the Hamilton Project at Brookings.

What is the significance of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

The CBO is a crucial non-partisan agency that provides the U.S. Congress with independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues, essential for making informed legislative decisions.

What is the John F. Kennedy School of Government known for?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government, or Harvard Kennedy School, is one of the world's leading public policy schools, focused on training public leaders and conducting research on global policy challenges.