WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis Kelleher, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Better Markets, released the following statement upon the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Lisa Cook to be a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board.

“For too long, too many talented, experienced, and highly qualified Americans have been discriminated against and excluded from the corridors of power in this country, including in senior government positions.  That injustice has, among other things, tilted policymaking and regulation away from protecting hardworking Main Street families and toward entrenching those who already have power, wealth, access, and influence.

“As the first Black woman to serve on the Fed in its 109 year history, Dr. Lisa Cook’s historic confirmation today is just one of many long overdue steps that must be taken to remedy that ongoing injustice.  Dr. Cook has had a long and distinguished academic and research career and an impressive record of public service, including serving on the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama and various appointments to Federal Reserve Banks throughout the country. She is an unquestionably accomplished and well qualified economist.

“Her confirmation today as a Governor of the Fed is a cause for celebration and should make all Americans proud.  It also highlights the importance of redoubling all efforts to bring the diversity of the country into all the corridors of power, public and private.”

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Better Markets is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization founded to promote the public interest in the financial markets, support the financial reform of Wall Street and make our financial system work for all Americans again. Better Markets works with allies – including many in finance – to promote pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies that help build a stronger, safer financial system that protects and promotes Americans’ jobs, savings, retirements and more. To learn more, visit www.bettermarkets.org.

Contact: Anton Becker at 202-618-6430 or abecker@bettermarkets.org