UCI economist hired as Federal Reserve System historian

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has hired Gary Richardson (pictured), UCI professor of economics, as the Federal Reserve System historian. The position was established in connection with the bank’s centennial anniversary in December of 2013. Richardson will collaborate with experts at the Federal Reserve and other organizations to identify, preserve and make accessible the Fed’s historical materials. He also will publish original works on the history of the Fed and its role in the American economy since its 1913 inception. “Gary is well versed in our history and has dedicated a great deal of his professional life to researching the work of the Federal Reserve and its role in our economy,” said Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Richmond Fed, in Virginia. “He will play a critical role in making materials related to the Federal Reserve’s history more transparent for both researchers and the general public.” Richardson has lectured and written numerous articles on banking, monetary policy and the Fed. “I’m excited to be working with the Federal Reserve,” he said. “I’ve been fascinated by the role of this institution. The Fed has a really unique story to tell, and I want to help tell that story by making past information more accessible to the public.”