James Poterba

James Poterba is the Mitsui Professor of Economics at MIT and President of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Economic Association, member of the National Academy of Sciences, and fellow of multiple prestigious institutions including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the British Academy. His career spans academic leadership, policy advising, and editorial roles.

• Education:
  • Undergraduate: Harvard College
  • D.Phil.: Oxford University (Marshall Scholar)

His research focuses on taxation's impact on economic decisions, particularly household saving, retirement planning, and asset allocation. Recent work examines retirement savings adequacy, annuity markets, and infrastructure investment economics.

The 15 most recent publications reveal consistent expertise in financial economics and public economics, with recurring themes like retirement security, tax incentives, and asset drawdown strategies. Collaborations with co-authors such as Amy Finkelstein and Steven Venti highlight interdisciplinary approaches.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Daniel M. Holland Medal (2014)
  • Distinguished Fellow, AEA (2022)
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences (2015)
  • Fellow, American Finance Association (2021)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1996)

Poterba's professional activities include serving as a trustee of the College Retirement Equity Fund (CREF), former editor of the Journal of Public Economics, and member of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. He receives compensation from organizations like Dimensional Funds Advisers and the Korea Institute of Public Finance for presentations.