John Leahy

John Leahy is the Allen Sinai Professor of Macroeconomics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan, holding dual appointments in the Department of Economics (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. As Chair of the Economics Department, he focuses on macroeconomic theory, monetary policy, and behavioral economics, particularly rational inattention models. His research emphasizes how cognitive limitations and information processing affect economic decisions, contrasting classical economic assumptions. Leahy has held positions at Harvard, NYU, and Boston University, and served as Coeditor of the American Economic Review and Editor of the American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics. He consults with Federal Reserve Banks, advocating for data-driven, question-first research methodologies. His work bridges theoretical rigor and practical applications, influencing policy analysis and academic discourse.

Education: PhD in Macroeconomics from Princeton University; MSFS from Georgetown University; BA in Math and History. His research spans macroeconomic policy, structural change, and behavioral models of decision-making, with recent focus on wishful thinking and imperfect information processing. He collaborates widely, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and creative problem-solving.

Key contributions include modeling rational inattention, analyzing age structure impacts on monetary policy, and exploring North-South economic disparities. His editorial leadership and academic mentorship reflect his commitment to advancing innovative economic inquiry.