Paul Volcker Lecture in Behavioral Economics

About the Volcker Lecture

The Volcker Chair, which hosts the Paul Volcker Lecture, was endowed by Robert Menschel, former senior director at Goldman Sachs Group and Trustee Emeritus of Syracuse University, in honor of Paul Volcker.

Paul Volcker’s distinguished career included eight years as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve under Presidents Carter and Reagan; four years as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; and two years as chair of President Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board. In addition, he served as undersecretary of treasury for international monetary affairs and was chairman of the prominent New York investment banking firm, J. Rothschild, Wolfensohn & Co. Volcker also chaired the National Commission on the Public Service, which focused on the changes needed to restore vitality and credibility to public service.

"The critically important field of behavioral economics, although relatively new, has quickly become central to policymakers and corporate leaders in their decision making," observes Menschel. "Paul Volcker [was] the nation’s preeminent economist who epitomizes the very best thinking in this area."

The Maxwell School gratefully acknowledges Mr. Menschel's generous support. Funding for policy-relevant research and professional training for future public officials are key components to advancing effective governance at the national, state and local levels.

Leonard Lopoo hosts the Paul Volcker Lecture in collaboration with colleagues in Maxwell's Center for Policy Research and Maxwell X Lab. Lopoo is the Paul Volcker Chair in Behavioral Economics and professor of public administration and international affairs.