Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. is an American economist, attorney, and corporate executive known for his contributions to the financial sector and leadership in various institutions.
Ferguson began his career as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City before joining McKinsey & Company in 1984. He served as an associate director of research and information systems and became a partner, remaining until 1997.
In 1997, he was appointed to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, becoming the third African American to hold this position. He was named Vice Chairman in 1999, serving until 2006. During his tenure, he represented the Federal Reserve on international policy groups and key committees, including Payment System Oversight and Supervision and Regulation.
On September 11, 2001, Ferguson was the only Governor in Washington, D.C., and led the Federal Reserve's response to the terrorist attacks, ensuring the U.S. financial system remained operational and reassuring the global community about the economy's stability.
After leaving the Federal Reserve in 2006, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) in 2008, a role he held until 2021, guiding the organisation as a Fortune 100 financial services company.
Ferguson has served on various international committees, including the Group of Ten Working Party on Financial Sector Consolidation. He was an economic advisor to President Barack Obama from 2008 to 2012, participating in several advisory boards. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and co-chairs its Commission on the Future of Undergraduate Education. He also serves on the boards of Alphabet, Inc., General Mills, Inc., and International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
Ferguson has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Bond Market Association and honorary doctorates from multiple institutions. His extensive career reflects significant contributions to economic policy and stability.
Roger Ferguson, one of just five Black ceos of Fortune 500 companies in 2021, leads organizations and audiences to a deeper understanding that closing the racial wealth gap is a net positive for the economy overall, not just the right thing to do. How is the discussion around race, equity, representation, and justice different than in the past? Roger Optimistically sees organizations moving from talk to commitment and disclosing how they are progressing, annually updating where they stand achieving long-term goals. Roger expertly navigates a conversation of what it was like being the only black executive in boardrooms and the strategies he used to navigate ‘onlyness’ and actionable ways organizations and audiences can do the same and support representation across the corporate landscape.
Roger Ferguson has long focused on financial well-being and security, most recently leading the 17,000 employees of financial services provider TIAA which manages $1.3 trillion in assets through a shift to remote work during a pandemic and the racial reckoning following George Floyd’s death. Roger led TIAA staying true to their values and came through these series of crises as a financially strong and stable company with ample capital. He embodies four specific traits that define a good leader: expertise, vision, perseverance, and empathy – and authentically captures the audience’s attention, explaining why these traits are necessary to lead in uncertain and difficult times.
Join Roger Ferguson, the former President and CEO of TIAA, as he shares his insights on navigating the challenges that arise in a post-COVID world. Drawing from his experience in leadership during times of crisis and his expertise in economics, Roger offers actionable strategies for achieving financial well-being, making the most of government resources, and driving growth through enhanced diversity and inclusion.
