Billy G. Jack

Billy G. Jack is a Professor of Economics and Chair of the Department of Economics at Georgetown University. He co-founded the Georgetown University Initiative on Innovation, Development and Evaluation (gui2de), which focuses on empirical field-based research in development economics. Previously, he held roles at the IMF, Australian National University, University of Sydney, and the US Congress. He earned a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Western Australia, and MPhil/DPhil in Economics from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

His research focuses on development economics, impact evaluations of social interventions, and financial inclusion. Notable work includes studies on credit markets in Kenya, mobile money impacts, and road safety interventions. He designed a top-ranked EdX course on impact evaluation methods for low/middle-income countries.

As Vice Provost of Research (2018–2023), he restructured research administration across Georgetown’s Main Campus and Medical Center, establishing offices like the Joint Office of Research Administration. He also modernized faculty leave policies and led pandemic-era research continuity efforts.

• Awards: Top 10 EdX Course (2022)

His work integrates field experiments, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. gui2de serves as a hub for applied research on global development challenges.