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Ask the
Economist
Sean Becketti,
Chief Economist
Freddie Mac
S
ean Becketti has been the Chief
Economist with Freddie Mac since
June 2015. His extensive experience in
the private sector, government, and
academia includes positions with Flagstar
Bank (SVP and head of modeling analytics)
and senior executive roles with Washington
Mutual and Wells Fargo, where he led research
functions focused on mortgage markets and
capital markets. Dr. Becketti recently spoke
with DS News about his role with Freddie Mac
and America's homeownership rate.
What has been your top priority since joining
Freddie Mac as the Chief Economist? Fred-
die Mac has had the advantage of having two
very long-termed Chief Economists. Bob Van
Order was there for years and years, and he was
a thought leader in the industry. Frank Nothaft
was here after him for quite a few years, and he
really had a well-known presence in the industry
and was very well-respected. I certainly want to
maintain that reputation for quality and industry
integration. I'll be adding a few things to the
position that weren't as much a part of the chief
economist role in the past. In particular, we're in
an era now of such rapid evolution in the indus-
try, both on the private side and the GSE part
of the industry. Regulation is changing rapidly.
