[1]Sean Becketti
Freddie Mac [2] recently announced that Sean Becketti, an executive with broad experience in the private sector, government, and academia was selected to be VP and chief economist for the GSE, according to a press release [3].
Becketti brings extensive mortgage market research, modeling, and analytics experience to his new role at Freddie Mac, the GSE said. In his role as chief economist, he will be expected to lead a team that forecasts mortgage and housing market trends and conducts analysis and research on economic and policy issues affecting Freddie Mac. He also holds a master’s and Ph.D. degree from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree from University of California-Santa Cruz.
"Sean is a seasoned economist who brings a great deal of experience in economic analytics, modeling, financial engineering and risk management," said Jerry Weiss, Freddie Mac EVP and chief administrative officer. "Freddie Mac and our customers will benefit from Sean's deep knowledge of the housing finance industry as our company builds a stronger, more efficient mortgage market for the future."
Prior to his new position, Becketti was SVP and head of modeling and analytics for Flagstar Bank, the GSE said. He also headed up a 70-person team of modelers, analysts, and developers for Fannie Mae's applied research function.
The GSE also noted that Becketti has experience in senior executive roles with Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo where he led research functions focused on mortgage markets and capital markets. He also worked for Freddie Mac previously from 1996-2001 in several senior financial and analytical roles. Earlier in his career, he served as senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and as an assistant professor of economics at UCLA.