In a significant announcement from the White House, Kim Ruhl, the Curt and Sue Culver Professor of Economics at UW–Madison, has been appointed to the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). As a distinguished role established by Congress in 1946, the CEA consists of three economists who counsel the president on various economic policies grounded in comprehensive research and data.
Ruhl, recognized for his expertise in international economics, will be the first UW–Madison economist to serve on this prestigious council. Notably, he co-directs The Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy (CROWE) and has extensively studied trade dynamics, tariffs, and firm heterogeneity.
Expressing his excitement about this appointment, Ruhl stated, “It is a real honor to be appointed as a member of CEA. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to apply my training and expertise as an economist to timely public policy issues and I am very much looking forward to serving my country and my president.”
The CEA plays a critical role in advising the president on both domestic and international economic matters. Ruhl’s appointment, alongside Pierre Yared from Columbia, brings expert insight to chairman Stephen Miran and the entire presidential economic team.
Dean Eric Wilcots praised Ruhl’s deep understanding of economics, noting that his service at CROWE reflects his commitment to translating research into effective public policy. Meanwhile, Prof. Ananth Seshadri will step up as CROWE’s director during Ruhl’s leave.
Christopher Taber emphasized Ruhl’s prowess, stating, “Kim Ruhl is one of the world’s preeminent trade economists and is an outstanding choice for the CEA. He is gifted with the ability to navigate the gap between academic research and actual implementation of economic ideas.” Thus, Ruhl’s contribution exemplifies the Wisconsin Idea, merging academic expertise with real-world application.
Kim Ruhl, UW–Madison economics professor, has been appointed to the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, becoming the first from the university to hold this role. His focus on international economics, trade policies, and academic research aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in economic policy. Ruhl expressed excitement about the opportunity, while colleagues affirmed his capabilities in influencing national economic decisions.
Kim Ruhl’s recent appointment to the Council of Economic Advisers signifies an honor not just for him but for UW–Madison, marking a pivotal moment in bridging academia and national policy. His expertise in international economics and dedication to applying research to real-world issues underlines the impact he aims to make. With the support of his colleagues, Ruhl is poised to leave a significant mark on economic policy, embodying the principles of the Wisconsin Idea.
Original Source: news.wisc.edu
