During her tenure at the Kansas City Fed, George held a seat on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) – the body responsible for setting short-term interest rates, shaping U.S. monetary policy and managing the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet. This role gave her a front-row seat to key decisions that continue to influence both the U.S. and global economies.
Widely known for her pragmatic yet hawkish stance, George consistently emphasized the need for economic stability while considering the broader societal impact of monetary policy decisions. Her independent thinking often led her to dissent from majority views on the FOMC - not simply to oppose, but to signal thoughtful and principled judgment.
Today, as questions about the Fed’s role and independence intensify, George’s perspective is more relevant than ever. Often described as someone who “surveys cattle ranchers, energy executives, and other business leaders,” her deep ties to rural America offer unique insight into the grassroots economic concerns that are increasingly shaping the debate in the U.S.
George holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Western State University and a master’s degree in economics. She spent over four decades at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and now serves on several boards, including Hallmark Corporation, the National Bureau of Economic
Research and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Join Esther George at SKAGEN Funds’ New Year’s Conference on 8 January 2026 for an insightful look at the forces shaping the Federal Reserve and the global economy.