Randall Akee

Randall Akee is a Full Professor in the Department of Public Policy and American Indian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He holds affiliations with the National Bureau of Economic Research and has served in advisory roles for the U.S. Census Bureau and the University of California system. His research focuses on Indigenous economics, labor markets, and policy impacts on marginalized communities. Dr. Akee earned his Ph.D. in Political Economy from Harvard University and has extensive experience in tribal economic development and public health policy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Economy, Harvard University
• M.A. from Dartmouth College
• Bachelor’s degree from Kamehameha Schools

Research Interests: Dr. Akee’s work emphasizes economic conditions affecting Indigenous populations, including tribal casino impacts, healthcare access during crises, and income mobility. He co-founded the Association for Economics Research of/for Indigenous Peoples (AERIP), fostering scholarship on Indigenous economic issues. His recent studies address disparities in mortality rates, pandemic responses on reservations, and policy interventions for socioeconomic equity.

Policy Contributions: Served as a Senior Economist in the White House Council of Economic Advisers (2002–2023), focusing on labor and social inclusion. Authored policy memos on tribal pandemic relief funding and advocated for accurate racial/ethnic data collection in public health surveillance.

Key Themes in Publications: His work synthesizes economic theory with applied research on Indigenous communities, emphasizing systemic inequities in healthcare, labor markets, and public policy. Recent analyses highlight the interplay between tribal sovereignty, economic development, and health outcomes during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional Activities: Member of the National Bureau of Economic Research, co-chair of AERIP, and contributor to federal advisory councils. Active in promoting Indigenous data sovereignty and equitable policy design.