Former Federal Reserve Bank President, Wharton Dean, University President
Patrick Harker brings a rare blend of experience to every stage—former Federal Reserve Bank President, university president, Dean of the Wharton School, and accomplished scholar in financial services and operations. What sets him apart as a speaker is his ability to make complex economic and policy issues accessible, relevant, and actionable for business and civic audiences. Drawing from decades of leadership in academia, finance, and government, he delivers insights grounded in data, sharpened by pragmatism, and enriched by firsthand experience at the highest levels of decision-making. Whether discussing the future of the economy, innovation in business, or the role of institutions in driving opportunity, Dr. Harker engages audiences with clarity, candor, and credibility, always leaving them with fresh perspective and practical takeaways.
Patrick Harker on the Process’ of Rate Cuts and More
This keynote explores the economic forces shaping our post-pandemic world: persistent inflation, shifting labor markets, and the acceleration of digital transformation. Drawing on his experience as a Federal Reserve policymaker, Dr. Harker demystifies monetary policy and provides a clear-eyed assessment of where the economy is headed. Audiences will leave with an actionable framework to anticipate economic trends, adapt business strategies, and foster innovation even amid uncertainty.
Risk is no longer just a financial concept, it’s strategic. Drawing on his unique vantage point from leading both a Federal Reserve Bank and a major university, Dr. Harker offers hard-won insights on navigating crises, managing uncertainty, and driving organizational resilience. This session helps leaders reassess how they think about enterprise risk—from cybersecurity and supply chains to public trust and governance—and provides practical guidance for integrating resilience into corporate culture and strategy.
In today’s polarized and rapidly changing world, leaders need more than bold vision—they need disciplined, pragmatic execution. Dr. Harker introduces the concept of radical pragmatism, developed through decades of leading complex institutions. This talk offers practical tools for navigating competing priorities, making data-informed decisions, and building trust in divided environments. Attendees will walk away with new strategies for balancing idealism and realism in boardrooms, classrooms, and civic life.
Workforce disruption is no longer on the horizon, it’s here. In this talk, Dr. Harker outlines what business leaders must understand about reskilling, remote work, wage dynamics, and worker well-being. Grounded in research and policy insights from his time at the Federal Reserve, this presentation equips audiences with a roadmap to create inclusive, high-performing workplaces. Takeaways include actionable ideas for talent development, technology adoption, and aligning human capital with long-term strategy.
This forward-looking session tackles one of the defining challenges of our time: economic mobility. Drawing from cutting-edge research and on-the-ground initiatives launched at the Federal Reserve, Dr. Harker shows how businesses can lead on inclusion—not just as a moral imperative but as a competitive advantage. Participants will learn how to align purpose with performance through inclusive hiring, place-based investment, and cross-sector collaboration that drives long-term value.
Patrick Harker is a distinguished scholar, academic leader, and public policy expert with a career spanning the highest levels of academia, government, and finance. He currently serves as Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and as Director of Academic Engagement for Penn Washington, where he helps connect the University’s thought leadership with national policy discussions in the nation’s capital.
From 2015 to 2025, Dr. Harker was the 11th President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. monetary policy as a member of the Federal Open Market Committee. During his tenure, he helped to guide the economy through significant challenges, including the post-Great Recession recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent inflationary pressures. He also spearheaded initiatives to advance economic mobility, workforce development, and financial inclusion across the Federal Reserve’s Third District and nationally.
Prior to his tenure at the Federal Reserve, Dr. Harker served for nearly a decade as President of the University of Delaware, where he led a successful campus-wide strategic transformation, significantly expanded interdisciplinary research, and forged new partnerships with industry and government. Earlier, as Dean of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he transformed one of the world’s top business schools by enhancing global engagement, launching innovative research centers, expanding executive education, and investing in technology to support cutting-edge teaching and learning. His leadership helped elevate Wharton’s reputation as a hub of applied knowledge, entrepreneurship, and global economic insight.
A recognized authority in management science, financial services, and economic policy, Dr. Harker has authored or co-authored more than 100 scholarly articles. His research has advanced understanding of how financial institutions can use data and modeling to improve efficiency, manage risk, and serve customers more effectively.
Dr. Harker has also served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including those in the healthcare, energy, technology, and education sectors. His governance experience spans audit, risk, and strategy committees, reflecting his deep expertise in enterprise operations and financial oversight.
Early in his career, Dr. Harker served as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, gaining insight into the intersection of public policy, national security, and institutional leadership.
Dr. Harker holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Engineering and a Master of Arts in Economics, all from the University of Pennsylvania.
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