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Key people at Committee for Economic Development.
The Committee for Economic Development is a nonpartisan public policy think tank based in Arlington, Virginia, that conducts independent research and develops policy recommendations on economic and social issues. Operating as a nonprofit funded entirely by voluntary corporate contributions, the organization advocates for sustained economic growth and equal opportunity across both the public and private sectors. The group is governed by trustees comprising senior executives from more than 30 industries, representing over $1 trillion in combined revenue and a workforce exceeding 4 million employees. In January 2015, the entity merged with The Conference Board to serve as its dedicated public policy center, operating under recent executive leadership figures including Steve Odland and Lori Esposito Murray. The Committee for Economic Development was originally founded in 1942 by Paul G. Hoffman, William Benton, and Marion B. Folsom.
The Committee for Economic Development (CED) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led public policy organization that serves as the public policy center of The Conference Board. Its mission is to harness business leadership to develop well-researched, reasoned solutions addressing critical economic and social challenges in the United States, promoting sustained economic growth, equal opportunity, and a sustainable capitalist system[1][2][6]. CED does not operate as an investment firm or portfolio company but rather influences policy through research and advocacy involving senior executives from leading U.S. companies across more than 30 industries[1][6].
Founded in 1942 during World War II by prominent business leaders concerned about the postwar economy, CED initially focused on transitioning the U.S. economy from wartime to peacetime and played a pivotal role in shaping landmark policies such as the Marshall Plan and the Bretton Woods Agreement[1][4][6]. Its founding trustees included Paul G. Hoffman (Studebaker), William Benton (Benton & Bowles), and Marion B. Folsom (Eastman Kodak)[6]. Over time, CED has evolved to address modern challenges including clean energy, infrastructure modernization, education reform, fiscal health, and corporate governance, maintaining a focus on sustainable capitalism and equal economic opportunity[1][4][6].
CED operates at the intersection of business leadership and public policy, riding the trend of leveraging private sector expertise to solve public economic and social issues. Its timing remains critical as the U.S. faces challenges like technological innovation, workforce transformation, infrastructure needs, and fiscal sustainability. By advocating for policies that foster innovation, education, and infrastructure, CED influences the broader ecosystem by shaping the environment in which startups, corporations, and governments operate[1][2][6].
Looking ahead, CED is likely to deepen its focus on emerging economic challenges such as the clean energy transition, digital economy, and workforce reskilling. As economic and geopolitical uncertainties persist, CED’s role as a trusted, business-led policy advisor positions it to continue shaping sustainable growth and equitable opportunity in the U.S. economy. Its influence may expand through greater engagement with global economic trends via The Conference Board’s international network, helping align U.S. policies with global best practices[1][2].
In summary, the Committee for Economic Development is a distinguished, business-driven policy organization with a historic legacy and ongoing mission to promote a prosperous, equitable economy through informed, nonpartisan leadership and research.
Key people at Committee for Economic Development.
