OCC Appoints James A. Wilcox Its First Chief Economist

WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has appointed its first chief economist, James A. Wilcox, a professor of finance and economic policy and analysis at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley.

Professor Wilcox, one of the nation's prominent financial and banking economists, will manage the OCC's economics department. He will also serve as an adviser to James D. Kamihachi, senior deputy comptroller for economic and policy analysis, on the economic condition and performance of the national banking system and the changing structure of the financial services industry.

"This appointment highlights the importance of strong economic research to the OCC's mission," said Mr. Kamihachi.

Professor Wilcox joined the faculty of the Haas School in 1978 and served as an economist on the President's Council of Economic Advisers in 1990-91 and with the Federal Reserve Board in 1991-92. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University in 1980. He has been published widely on banking and macroeconomic issues.

Professor Wilcox will join the agency on June 7.