I have a PhD in economics from the University of Wisconsin, where Ken Rogoff served as my thesis advisor. In addition, I have an MSc degree in Developmental Economics from the London School of Economics, and MA and BSc (honors program) degrees from the University of Wisconsin. My first full-time jobs were at Data Resources, Inc. and Fleet National Bank.
During 1989-2013, I worked at the International Monetary Fund on both practical policy work and academic analyses as an economist, senior economist, and deputy division chief. My assignments included the transition economies during the early 1990s, the Asian crisis of 1989, and Europe and the U.S. during the Great Recession beginning in 2008. I led surveillance and technical assistance missions to countries in Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
In 2013, I was invited to serve as the first Deputy Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of State to establish the analytical function of the new Office of the Chief Economist (OCE). I was appointed Acting Chief Economist (Assistant Secretary level) during July 2014-July 2015 where I represented the United States at the Paris Club and at other high-level events and meetings. My analytical work at OCE addressed economic sanctions generally and especially regarding Iran and Russia, as well as climate change and global financial stability.
I have published many journal papers, working papers, and books mainly on monetary policy, financial stability, and growth. Most of my publications can be found here. My empirical paper on the impact of sanctions on Russian asset prices can be found here.