American Economic Association

Evolution Of Leadership

Harvard University alumni have held the presidency of the American Economic Association since its early days. Eighteen percent of all presidents were former students at Harvard. Twenty percent served as faculty members there. Six major institutions dominate the leadership roster over more than a century. These schools include MIT, Chicago, Columbia, Stanford, and Princeton alongside Harvard. Francis Amasa Walker served as president from 1886 until 1892. He set an early tone for academic rigor in the role. Richard T. Ely took office in 1900 and steered the association through its transition into pure academia. Alice M. Rivlin became the first female president in 1986. Her election marked a significant change in the demographic makeup of the leadership. Recent years show a steady stream of Nobel laureates serving as presidents. Ben Bernanke led the group in 2019 while Janet Yellen followed in 2020. The current president is Katharine Abraham who began her term in 2025.

When and where did the American Economic Association form?

The American Economic Association formed in 1885 within Saratoga Springs, New York. Richard T. Ely, Edwin Robert Anderson Seligman, and Katharine Coman led the effort to establish this new organization for economists.

Who was the first female president of the American Economic Association?

Alice M. Rivlin became the first female president of the American Economic Association in 1986. Her election marked a significant change in the demographic makeup of the leadership since the association began in 1885.

What is the flagship journal published by the American Economic Association?

The American Economic Review stands as the flagship journal of the organization. It publishes peer-reviewed research on general economic subjects while three other journals joined the portfolio starting in 2009.

How often does the American Economic Association hold its annual meeting?

A three-day gathering takes place every January alongside Allied Social Science Associations. Approximately five hundred scholarly sessions fill the schedule during those days with employers and job applicants meeting one day before the official start date.

When was the John Bates Clark Medal established and what are the eligibility requirements?

Edward H. Chamberlin, Harold Hotelling, and George J. Stigler were the first honorees in 1965 when the award was established. Recipients must be under the age of forty when they receive the honor to qualify for this annual recognition.

American Economic Association.

Evolution Of Leadership

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Common questions

When and where did the American Economic Association form?

Who was the first female president of the American Economic Association?

What is the flagship journal published by the American Economic Association?

How often does the American Economic Association hold its annual meeting?

When was the John Bates Clark Medal established and what are the eligibility requirements?

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Annual Meeting Dynamics

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