Speakers Bureau

On a limited basis, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago provides speakers on topics including the purposes and functions of the Federal Reserve System, banking issues, and regional and national economic conditions. Bank employees can speak to non-profit, professional, business and civic groups of 40 or more. Some examples include academic institutions, non-profit organizations and civic or trade associations.

How Do I Schedule a Speaker?

Speaking engagements may be requested by completing the Speakers Bureau Request form.

How Much Will It Cost?

This is a free service. However, Chicago Fed speakers are provided only for events within the Seventh Federal Reserve District, which includes Iowa and the large parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. If you are outside of the Seventh District, please see the link at right to determine which other Federal Reserve District might be able to assist you.

Who Is Available to Speak?

The Chicago Fed Speakers Bureau evaluates speaker requests according to the forum, subject matter, and the availability of our speakers. Please note that there is limited availability of our speakers and they are not available during Federal Reserve blackout periods, which begin the Tuesday preceding a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, until midnight the Thursday following a meeting.

The following dates correspond to the FOMC blackout periods in 2013 and 2014:

2013	2014

January 22-February 1	January 21-31
March 12-22	March 11-21
April 23-May 3	April 22-May 2
June 11-21	June 10-20
July 23-August 2	July 22-August 1
September 10-20	September 9-19
October 22-November 1	October 21-November 1
December 10-20	December 9-20

Chicago Fed policy prohibits Bank officers and employees from accepting gifts, honoraria or compensation. We kindly ask that you do not purchase or present any gift or memento that our speakers would be required to decline or return.

Subject Matter Experts

	Midwest Economy William Testa Vice President and Director of Regional Research Bill is an expert on specific midwestern economic issues, including economic development programs, regional economic growth trends and state–local public finance initiatives.
	Manufacturing/Economy William Strauss Senior Economist and Economic Advisor Bill analyzes the performance of the manufacturing sector, including the steel and auto industries, as well as the Midwest and national economy. He is the spokesperson for the monthly release of the Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI).
	Agriculture David Oppedahl Business Economist David follows the agricultural sector and monitors agribusiness conditions. Every three months, he conducts a survey of agricutural land values and credit conditions in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa and reports the results in the Chicago Fed's quarterly AgLetter.
	Energy, Higher Education and State and Local Public Finance Rick Mattoon Senior Economist and Economic Advisor Rick is an expert on a wide variety of infrastructure issues that face the Midwest regional economy. Download photo
	Labor Markets Ellen Rissman Economist and Senior Policy Specialist Ellen analyzes labor economics such as self-employment and entrepreneurship, and cyclical movements in employment.
	Alternative Financial Services Maude Toussaint-Comeau Senior Business Economist Maude analyzes the use of formal and informal financial markets by minority groups and the use of alternative financial services, such as check-cashing outlets and payday loan companies. She has also conducted a line of research on immigrant utilization of financial services; labor market adjustment of immigrants; immigrant impact on natives; homeownership attainment of immigrants; and immigrant self-employment and business ethnic networks.
	Community Affairs Supervision Helen Mirza Community Affairs Program Director Helen is a community affairs program director and a senior supervising examiner for both safety and soundness and compliance examinations.
	Community Reinvestment Jeremiah P. Boyle Community Affairs Director Jere is a community affairs director in the community development and policy studies division. His areas of expertise include community reinvestment, consumer protection, concentrated poverty and small business and minority business development
	Auto Industry Thomas Klier Senior Economist Thomas analyzes the structure and geography of the automobile industry, with special emphasis on the auto supplier sector. He also studies other regional economic development issues such as what motivates location decisions of headquarters.
	Fed's Role and Responsibilties Douglas Tillett Vice President of Public Affairs Doug is available to speak about the Fed's role and responsibilties.