Congress created the council in 1946 to give the president and the public economic analysis and advice independent of political slant. In practice, chairmen end up promoting the president's economic policy agenda and trying to steer clear of controversy. So far, Romer's main job has been to document the progress toward Obama's goal of creating or saving 3.5 million jobs through the $787 billion stimulus plan. Before joining the administration, she taught at the University of California (Berkeley); Romer has earned top honors as a macroeconomist and is considered an expert on the causes of the Great Depression. Conservative economist Martin Feldstein of Harvard recruited Romer and her husband, David, to serve on the committee that determines when recessions begin and end. Romer, 50, was born in Alton, Ill., and graduated from high school in Canton, Ohio. She got her undergraduate degree at Prince-ton and earned her doctorate at MIT, where she was a protege of Lawrence Summers, now director of the National Economic Council.
| Is a Lawyer | |
| Has a PhD |
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| Has Worked in Congress | |
| Has State or Local Experience | |
| Has Lobbied | |
| Has Worked at a Think Tank or in Academia |
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| Has Military Experience | |
| Has Worked as a Business Executive | |
| Has Held Elective Office | |
| Undergraduate Alma Mater | William and Mary |
| Graduate Alma Mater | MIT |
Established: 1789
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500
Phone: 202-456-1414
Website: www.whitehouse.gov
Functions: The Office of the President provides advice and administrative support to the president.
