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Economic Leadership in a Changing World: Insights from Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew
As a former U.S. Treasury Secretary, JACK LEW offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global economy today. With experience managing economic policy during times of crisis and stability, he provides critical insights into fiscal responsibility, financial regulation, and global economic trends. His deep understanding of economic governance, from overseeing the response to the 2008 financial crisis to navigating international trade and monetary policy, makes him a leading voice on how economic decisions impact businesses, governments, and everyday citizens.
In today’s uncertain economic climate, with inflation concerns, supply chain disruptions, and shifting global trade alliances, Lew’s expertise is more relevant than ever. He can offer an insider’s view on how fiscal policy influences market stability, the role of government in economic recovery, and the long-term implications of financial regulations. As the world faces growing geopolitical tensions, Lew can also discuss the intersection of economic policy and national security, particularly the use of sanctions, economic diplomacy, and the evolving U.S.-China financial relationship.
Beyond global finance, Lew is well-positioned to speak on domestic economic policies that affect job creation, infrastructure investment, and financial equity. He can provide insights into how government and private sector collaboration can drive sustainable economic growth, as well as the impact of tax policies on businesses and individuals. With experience working at the highest levels of government, Lew offers a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to understanding economic complexity and preparing for the financial challenges ahead. His perspectives provide valuable guidance for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the economic forces shaping the future.
Building Trust and Navigating Difficult Decisions: Lessons from a U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Trust is the foundation of diplomacy, and nowhere is this more critical than in the U.S.-Israel relationship. As a key strategic ally in the Middle East, Israel relies on strong ties with the United States to ensure security, economic growth, and regional stability.
As a U.S. ambassador, JACK LEW played a pivotal role in fostering this trust, particularly during times of crisis and complex negotiations. This speech explores the challenges of building lasting diplomatic relationships, navigating high-stakes decisions, and maintaining stability in one of the world’s most complex geopolitical environments.
A Powerhouse in Policy Debates
JACK LEW's extensive experience in both Democratic administrations and the private sector makes him an exceptional choice for a point-counterpoint discussion. As a former Treasury Secretary, White House Chief of Staff, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under two presidents, Lew has been at the center of fiscal and economic policy debates, often negotiating directly with Republican lawmakers on issues ranging from tax policy to government spending and debt reduction. His tenure as a key advisor to House Speaker Tip O’Neill during the Reagan administration further solidifies his bipartisan credentials, as he played a role in historic negotiations such as the 1983 Social Security reform.
Lew's ability to articulate and defend Democratic economic policies—while understanding Republican counterarguments—stems from decades of navigating high-stakes budgetary battles, entitlement reform discussions, and financial regulatory debates. His private-sector experience at Citigroup and his leadership roles in academia further broaden his perspective, equipping him with insights into both Wall Street and Main Street concerns. Whether debating fiscal responsibility, trade policy, or tax reform, Lew's deep knowledge and history of bipartisan engagement make him a formidable and credible voice in any policy-driven exchange.
Jack Lew returned to Columbia University's SIPA after serving as United States Ambassador to Israel in the Biden Administration. Previously he served as the 76th Secretary of the Treasury and White House Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration. Earlier under President Obama he served as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), a position he also held in President Clinton's cabinet when the U.S. budget operated at a surplus for three consecutive years. Lew started his White House service in the Clinton Administration as Special Assistant to the President. In that position he played a lead role in designing Americorps, the national service program, and worked on health care reform with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
In the private sector Lew served as managing director and chief operating officer for two different Citigroup business units. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of New York University, where he was responsible for budget, finance, and operations, and served as a professor of public administration. He has served on numerous public and non-profit boards, including the Corporation for National and Community Service, where he chaired its Management, Administration, and Governance Committee.
Lew began his career in Washington in 1973 as a legislative aide. From 1979 to 1987, he was a principal domestic policy advisor to House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., when he served the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee as Assistant Director and then Executive Director. He was the Speaker's liaison to the Greenspan Commission, which negotiated a bipartisan solution to extend the solvency of Social Security in 1983, and was responsible for domestic and economic issues, including Medicare, budget, tax, trade, appropriations, and energy issues.
He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Science, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Academy of Social Insurance, and of the bar in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
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