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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Jeffrey Schmid
| name         = Jeffrey Schmid
| image         = 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, titled "Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges, Today" on February 27, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia - 54.jpg
| image       = 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, titled "Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges, Today" on February 27, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia - 54.jpg
| office       = President of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]]
| office       = President of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]]
| term_start   = August 21, 2023
| term_start   = August 21, 2023
| predecessor   = Kelly Dubbert (Acting)
| predecessor = Kelly Dubbert (Acting)
| birth_date   = {{birth year and age|1958}} ''or'' {{birth year and age|1959}}
| birth_date   = {{birth year and age|1958}} or 1959
| nationality   = American
| nationality = American
| education     = [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]] (BS)<br>[[Southern Methodist University]]
| education   = [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]] (BS)<br>[[Southern Methodist University]]
| occupation   = Central banker, banking executive
| occupation   = Central banker, banking executive
| known_for     = President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
| known_for   = President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
}}
}}


'''Jeffrey R. Schmid''' (born 1958 or 1959) is an American central banker and former banking executive serving as the president and chief executive officer of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]]. He assumed office on August 21, 2023, succeeding [[Esther L. George]], who retired in January of that year.<ref name="kc-announce">{{cite web |title=Kansas City Fed Names Jeff Schmid as New President |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/newsroom/2023-news-releases/kansas-city-fed-president-announcement/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2023 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Before entering the Federal Reserve System, Schmid built a career spanning several decades in commercial banking and financial regulation, including service at the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]] (FDIC), a tenure as chairman and CEO of [[Mutual of Omaha]] Bank, and leadership roles at Susser Bank and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at [[Southern Methodist University]].<ref name="axios">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-08-02 |title=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City names new president |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/08/02/federal-reserve-kansas-city-president |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Since taking office, Schmid has become a prominent voice in Federal Reserve monetary policy discussions, frequently articulating views on inflation, interest rates, and economic growth in public speeches and media appearances.
'''Jeffrey R. Schmid''' (born 1958 or 1959) is an American banker and central banking official who has served as the president and chief executive officer of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City]] since August 21, 2023.<ref name="kcfed-announcement">{{cite web |title=Kansas City Fed Names Jeff Schmid as New President |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/newsroom/2023-news-releases/kansas-city-fed-president-announcement/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2023-08-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Before assuming the leadership of one of the twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks, Schmid built a career spanning community banking, federal bank regulation, and banking education. He served as chairman and CEO of Mutual of Omaha Bank from its formation in 2007 through its sale in 2019, subsequently led Susser Bank in Dallas, and served as president and CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at [[Southern Methodist University]].<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> Since taking office at the Kansas City Fed, Schmid has emerged as a notable voice on monetary policy, frequently articulating cautious positions on interest rate reductions and emphasizing the importance of returning inflation to the Federal Reserve's two percent target.


== Early Life and Education ==
== Early Life and Education ==


Jeffrey R. Schmid was born in 1958 or 1959. Details about his upbringing and family background have not been extensively documented in public sources. He attended the [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]], where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.<ref name="kc-announce" /> He also studied at [[Southern Methodist University]], where he maintained a long association that would later include a professional role at the university's Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation.<ref name="kc-announce" />
Jeffrey Schmid was born in approximately 1958 or 1959. Details regarding his family background and upbringing have not been extensively documented in public sources. Schmid attended the [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]], where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> He also attended [[Southern Methodist University]], where he was associated with the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, an institution with which he would later have a significant professional relationship.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" />


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Career and FDIC ===
=== Banking and Regulatory Career ===


Before entering the private banking sector, Schmid held positions within the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]] (FDIC), the U.S. government agency responsible for insuring deposits and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness.<ref name="kc-announce" /> The specific roles he held and the duration of his service at the FDIC have not been detailed in publicly available sources, though his regulatory experience provided a foundation in bank supervision and financial stability that would inform his subsequent career in banking leadership.
Prior to entering the community banking sector, Schmid held positions within the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]] (FDIC), gaining experience in federal bank regulation and supervision.<ref name="axios">{{cite news |last=Mui |first=Ylan |date=2023-08-02 |title=Kansas City Fed names new president |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/08/02/federal-reserve-kansas-city-president |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His tenure at the FDIC provided him with insight into the regulatory framework governing American financial institutions, experience that would inform his subsequent roles in both commercial banking and central banking.


=== Mutual of Omaha Bank ===
=== Mutual of Omaha Bank ===


From 2007 to 2019, Schmid served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Mutual of Omaha Bank. He led the formation of the institution, building it from its inception into a financial enterprise with a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees.<ref name="kc-announce" /> The bank operated as part of the broader [[Mutual of Omaha]] family of companies, one of the largest insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Under Schmid's leadership over a twelve-year period, the bank grew significantly in scale and operations.
In 2007, Schmid became the chairman and chief executive officer of Mutual of Omaha Bank, a position he held until 2019.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> Schmid led the formation and growth of the institution from its inception. Under his leadership, the bank expanded significantly, growing to a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> The bank operated as a subsidiary of [[Mutual of Omaha]], one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the United States.


In 2019, Mutual of Omaha Bank was sold to [[CIT Group]], a financial holding company. The transaction marked the end of Schmid's tenure at the institution he had helped establish and grow.<ref name="kc-announce" />
In 2019, Mutual of Omaha Bank was sold to CIT Group, concluding Schmid's twelve-year tenure at the helm of the institution.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> The sale marked the end of a period during which Schmid had overseen the bank's development from a startup operation into a sizable community banking enterprise.


=== Susser Bank ===
=== Susser Bank and SMU ===


Following the sale of Mutual of Omaha Bank to CIT Group in 2019, Schmid became the CEO of Susser Bank, a family-owned banking institution based in Dallas, Texas.<ref name="kc-announce" /> His tenure at Susser Bank represented a transition from leading a large-scale banking operation to managing a privately held community bank.
Following the sale of Mutual of Omaha Bank, Schmid became the CEO of Susser Bank, a family-owned banking institution based in Dallas, Texas.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> He subsequently transitioned to the academic and professional development side of banking when, in 2021, he joined the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at Southern Methodist University as its president and CEO.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking is a prominent executive education program that has trained banking professionals for decades. Schmid's role there combined his extensive practical banking experience with the institution's educational mission.
 
=== Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation ===
 
In 2021, Schmid joined the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at [[Southern Methodist University]] as its president and CEO.<ref name="kc-announce" /> The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking is one of the oldest and most established banking education programs in the United States, offering executive education and professional development for banking industry leaders. Schmid's appointment placed him at the intersection of banking practice and education, drawing on his extensive experience in commercial banking and financial regulation.


=== Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City ===
=== Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City ===


==== Appointment ====
On August 2, 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City announced that Schmid had been selected as its new president and chief executive officer.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /><ref name="axios" /> He formally assumed office on August 21, 2023, succeeding [[Esther L. George]], who had retired in January 2023 after more than a decade leading the bank. Kelly Dubbert had served as acting president in the interim period between George's departure and Schmid's arrival.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" />
 
On August 2, 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City announced that Schmid had been selected as the bank's new president and CEO.<ref name="axios" /> He formally assumed office on August 21, 2023, succeeding [[Esther L. George]], who had served as president from 2011 until her retirement in January 2023.<ref name="kc-announce" /> During the interim period between George's retirement and Schmid's appointment, Kelly Dubbert served as acting president of the bank.<ref name="kc-announce" />
 
The Kansas City Fed is one of twelve regional Reserve Banks in the [[Federal Reserve System]] and serves the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, the northern half of New Mexico, and the western third of Missouri. As president, Schmid participates in the [[Federal Open Market Committee]] (FOMC), the body responsible for setting U.S. monetary policy, on a rotating basis with other regional bank presidents.<ref name="brookings">{{cite web |title=Who has to leave the Federal Reserve next? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/who-has-to-leave-the-federal-reserve-next-2/ |publisher=Brookings Institution |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
Schmid's selection was notable for his deep background in commercial banking and regulatory oversight, distinguishing him from predecessors who had risen primarily through the Federal Reserve System or academic economics. His experience in building and managing banking institutions, combined with his regulatory background at the FDIC, brought a practitioner's perspective to the role.<ref name="axios" />


==== Monetary Policy Views ====
The selection of Schmid was made by the Kansas City Fed's board of directors, subject to the approval of the [[Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System]] in Washington, D.C., as is standard practice for all regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents.<ref name="brookings">{{cite web |title=Who has to leave the Federal Reserve next? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/who-has-to-leave-the-federal-reserve-next-2/ |publisher=Brookings Institution |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The Kansas City Fed, which is one of the twelve regional Reserve Banks that make up the [[Federal Reserve System]], is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the [[Tenth Federal Reserve District]], which encompasses Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, the western third of Missouri, and the northern half of New Mexico.


Since assuming the presidency of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid has emerged as a vocal participant in national monetary policy debates, frequently delivering public speeches and engaging with media on topics related to inflation, interest rates, and the broader economic outlook.
As president of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid serves as a member of the [[Federal Open Market Committee]] (FOMC), the body responsible for setting U.S. monetary policy, including decisions on the [[federal funds rate]]. Under the Federal Reserve System's rotating voting schedule, regional Fed presidents (other than the president of the [[Federal Reserve Bank of New York]], who holds a permanent vote) rotate onto the FOMC as voting members. Schmid participates in all FOMC meetings and deliberations regardless of his voting status in a given year.<ref name="brookings" />


===== 2025 Policy Positions =====
==== Monetary Policy Positions ====


In August 2025, as financial markets and many economists anticipated a rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its September meeting, Schmid expressed hesitation about lowering interest rates. In an interview with [[CNBC]] on August 21, 2025, he indicated doubt about reducing rates in September, noting that there was "very consequential" economic data still to be released in the coming weeks that could influence the decision.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-08-21 |title=Kansas City Fed's Schmid shows hesitation about widely expected September rate cut |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/21/kansas-city-feds-schmid-shows-hesitation-about-widely-expected-september-rate-cut.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> While he did not rule out the possibility of a rate cut, his comments signaled a more cautious approach relative to market expectations at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-08-21 |title=KC Fed's Schmid wary of September rate cut, notes 'very consequential' data in coming weeks |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kc-feds-schmid-wary-of-september-rate-cut-notes-very-consequential-data-in-coming-weeks-155035984.html |work=Yahoo Finance |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Since taking office, Schmid has become known for his monetary policy commentary, particularly his cautious stance regarding interest rate reductions. His public statements have generally reflected a preference for maintaining restrictive monetary policy until inflation is convincingly on a path back to the Federal Reserve's two percent target.


In November 2025, Schmid delivered remarks at the 2025 Energy Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks, titled "Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy." In the speech, he addressed the theme of "Energy and the Economy: The Geography of Energy Flows," connecting energy market dynamics to broader monetary policy considerations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/maintaining-the-balance-in-monetary-policy/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2025-11-14 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Around the same time, [[Reuters]] reported that Schmid stated inflation remained "too hot" and that monetary policy was positioned appropriately, contributing to a broader pattern of hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials that led traders to bet against a December 2025 rate cut.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-11-15 |title=As Fed hawks press their case, traders bet against December cut |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-inflation-is-too-hot-policy-is-where-it-should-be-2025-11-14/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In August 2025, as financial markets widely anticipated a rate cut at the Federal Reserve's September meeting, Schmid expressed hesitation about such a move. In a CNBC interview on August 21, 2025, Schmid indicated doubt about lowering interest rates in September, noting that "very consequential" economic data was expected in the coming weeks that would inform his assessment.<ref name="cnbc-aug2025">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-08-21 |title=Kansas City Fed's Schmid shows hesitation about widely expected September rate cut |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/21/kansas-city-feds-schmid-shows-hesitation-about-widely-expected-september-rate-cut.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> While he did not close the door to rate cuts entirely, he signaled wariness about acting prematurely given ongoing inflation pressures in the economy.<ref name="yahoo-aug2025">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-08-21 |title=KC Fed's Schmid wary of September rate cut, notes 'very consequential' data in coming weeks |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kc-feds-schmid-wary-of-september-rate-cut-notes-very-consequential-data-in-coming-weeks-155035984.html |work=Yahoo Finance |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


===== 2026 Policy Positions =====
In November 2025, Schmid delivered remarks at the 2025 Energy Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks, titled "Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy."<ref name="kcfed-energy2025">{{cite web |title=Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/maintaining-the-balance-in-monetary-policy/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2025-11-14 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The conference, themed "Energy and the Economy: The Geography of Energy Flows," provided a forum for Schmid to address the intersection of energy markets and broader economic conditions as they related to monetary policy decisions.


In February 2026, Schmid delivered a speech in Albuquerque, New Mexico, titled "Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook," in which he discussed the state of the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/monetary-policy-and-the-economic-outlook-albuquerque/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2026-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During the same period, Schmid stated that inflation remained "too hot" and that monetary policy was positioned appropriately, reinforcing his view that the Federal Reserve should not ease policy prematurely. His comments were part of a broader chorus of hawkish signals from Federal Reserve officials in November 2025, which led financial market participants to reduce their expectations for an interest rate cut at the December 2025 FOMC meeting.<ref name="reuters-nov2025">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-11-15 |title=As Fed hawks press their case, traders bet against December cut |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-inflation-is-too-hot-policy-is-where-it-should-be-2025-11-14/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


On February 11, 2026, Reuters reported that Schmid argued it was "too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation," asserting that the U.S. central bank needed to maintain tight monetary policy amid continued strong economic growth.<ref name="reuters-feb2026">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-11 |title=Fed's Schmid says too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-says-too-soon-expect-productivity-fix-still-elevated-inflation-2026-02-11/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His remarks pushed back against the notion that gains in economic productivity would be sufficient to bring inflation down to the Federal Reserve's target without maintaining restrictive interest rate policy.
In February 2026, Schmid continued to advocate for maintaining tight monetary policy. In a speech in Albuquerque, New Mexico, titled "Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook," he addressed the economic conditions facing the nation and the implications for the Federal Reserve's policy path.<ref name="kcfed-abq2026">{{cite web |title=Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook |url=https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/monetary-policy-and-the-economic-outlook-albuquerque/ |publisher=Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City |date=2026-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In remarks reported by Reuters on February 11, 2026, Schmid argued that it was "too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation," emphasizing that despite continued strong economic growth, the central bank needed to keep tight monetary policy in place.<ref name="reuters-feb2026">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-11 |title=Fed's Schmid says too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-says-too-soon-expect-productivity-fix-still-elevated-inflation-2026-02-11/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


By late February 2026, Schmid continued to reaffirm his resistance to further interest-rate reductions. Reporting by [[The Wall Street Journal]] and other outlets characterized his position as arguing that further Federal Reserve easing would pose risks to the economy, particularly in terms of reigniting inflationary pressures.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Fed's Schmid Pushes Back on Rate-Cut Prospects |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/feds-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects-c98dc744 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Fed's Schmid pushes back on rate-cut prospects |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/fed-s-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects/ar-AA1W8VeI |work=MSN |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As of late February 2026, Schmid reaffirmed his resistance to further interest rate cuts, arguing that additional easing by the Federal Reserve would pose risks to the economy. His position, as reported by ''The Wall Street Journal'' and other outlets, reflected a broader concern that premature rate reductions could reignite inflationary pressures or undermine the progress already achieved in bringing inflation down from its post-pandemic highs.<ref name="wsj-feb2026">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02 |title=Fed's Schmid Pushes Back on Rate-Cut Prospects |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/feds-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects-c98dc744 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="msn-feb2026">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Fed's Schmid pushes back on rate-cut prospects |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/fed-s-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects/ar-AA1W8VeI |work=MSN |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Taken together, Schmid's public statements since assuming office have consistently emphasized caution regarding monetary easing, a focus on inflation containment, and skepticism about premature rate cuts. His positions have placed him among the more hawkish voices within the Federal Reserve System during this period, frequently cited alongside other regional bank presidents advocating for maintaining or tightening monetary policy in the face of persistent inflation.<ref name="reuters-feb2026" />
Schmid's monetary policy positions have placed him among the more hawkish voices on the FOMC during his tenure. His emphasis on maintaining the current policy stance until inflation data more conclusively indicates a sustained return toward the two percent target has been a consistent theme in his public communications since assuming the Kansas City Fed presidency.


==== Kansas City Fed Leadership ====
==== The Kansas City Fed's Role ====


As president and CEO of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid oversees the operations of the regional bank and its branches. The Kansas City Fed plays a significant role in the Federal Reserve System, with particular expertise in areas such as agricultural economics, energy markets, and community banking — reflecting the economic composition of the Tenth Federal Reserve District. The bank also hosts the annual [[Jackson Hole Economic Symposium]], one of the most prominent central banking conferences in the world, organized by the Kansas City Fed since 1978.
As leader of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid oversees one of the Federal Reserve System's twelve regional banks. The Kansas City Fed conducts economic research, supervises and regulates financial institutions within its district, and provides financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government. The Tenth Federal Reserve District that the bank serves encompasses a geographically diverse region that includes significant agricultural, energy, and manufacturing sectors. The Kansas City Fed has historically been known for hosting the annual [[Jackson Hole Economic Symposium]], one of the most prominent central banking conferences in the world.


Schmid's background in commercial banking and bank regulation has informed his approach to the role. His career trajectory — spanning the FDIC, community and regional banking, and banking education — provided him with a range of perspectives on the financial system that differs from the academic or central banking backgrounds more typical of Federal Reserve Bank presidents.
Schmid's background in community banking—particularly his experience building and leading Mutual of Omaha Bank and serving at a family-owned institution like Susser Bank—has informed his perspective on the Federal Reserve's supervisory and regulatory functions. His experience at the FDIC adds an additional dimension of regulatory expertise to his role.


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Limited information about Schmid's personal life is available in public sources. He has maintained a career centered in the Midwest and Southern United States, with professional ties to Omaha, Nebraska; Dallas, Texas; and Kansas City, Missouri. His long association with [[Southern Methodist University]], both through education and professional service at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation, represents a significant connection to the Dallas area.
Limited information about Schmid's personal life has been made publicly available. He relocated to the Kansas City area upon assuming the presidency of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in August 2023.<ref name="kcfed-announcement" /> Prior to that appointment, his career had been based primarily in the Omaha, Nebraska, and Dallas, Texas, metropolitan areas, corresponding to his tenures at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Susser Bank, and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.
 
== Recognition ==
 
Schmid's appointment as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in 2023 was covered by major news organizations, including [[Axios]], [[Reuters]], and regional media outlets.<ref name="axios" /> The [[Brookings Institution]] has included him in its analyses of Federal Reserve leadership and governance.<ref name="brookings" />
 
Since taking office, Schmid has become a frequently cited figure in financial media coverage of U.S. monetary policy. His speeches and public remarks have been reported on by outlets including [[Reuters]], [[CNBC]], [[The Wall Street Journal]], and [[Yahoo Finance]], reflecting his role as an influential participant in national economic policy discussions. His November 2025 remarks on inflation and his February 2026 statements on productivity and monetary policy received particular attention from financial markets and economic analysts.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:American bankers]]
[[Category:American bankers]]
[[Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumni]]
[[Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumni]]
[[Category:Southern Methodist University people]]
[[Category:Southern Methodist University alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Kansas City, Missouri]]
[[Category:People from Kansas City, Missouri]]

Latest revision as of 06:29, 24 February 2026





Jeffrey Schmid
Jeffrey Schmid
BornTemplate:Birth year and age or 1959
NationalityAmerican
OccupationCentral banker, banking executive
Known forPresident and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
EducationUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln (BS)
Southern Methodist University

Jeffrey R. Schmid (born 1958 or 1959) is an American banker and central banking official who has served as the president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City since August 21, 2023.[1] Before assuming the leadership of one of the twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks, Schmid built a career spanning community banking, federal bank regulation, and banking education. He served as chairman and CEO of Mutual of Omaha Bank from its formation in 2007 through its sale in 2019, subsequently led Susser Bank in Dallas, and served as president and CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at Southern Methodist University.[1] Since taking office at the Kansas City Fed, Schmid has emerged as a notable voice on monetary policy, frequently articulating cautious positions on interest rate reductions and emphasizing the importance of returning inflation to the Federal Reserve's two percent target.

Early Life and Education

Jeffrey Schmid was born in approximately 1958 or 1959. Details regarding his family background and upbringing have not been extensively documented in public sources. Schmid attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.[1] He also attended Southern Methodist University, where he was associated with the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, an institution with which he would later have a significant professional relationship.[1]

Career

Banking and Regulatory Career

Prior to entering the community banking sector, Schmid held positions within the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), gaining experience in federal bank regulation and supervision.[2] His tenure at the FDIC provided him with insight into the regulatory framework governing American financial institutions, experience that would inform his subsequent roles in both commercial banking and central banking.

Mutual of Omaha Bank

In 2007, Schmid became the chairman and chief executive officer of Mutual of Omaha Bank, a position he held until 2019.[1] Schmid led the formation and growth of the institution from its inception. Under his leadership, the bank expanded significantly, growing to a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees.[1] The bank operated as a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha, one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the United States.

In 2019, Mutual of Omaha Bank was sold to CIT Group, concluding Schmid's twelve-year tenure at the helm of the institution.[1] The sale marked the end of a period during which Schmid had overseen the bank's development from a startup operation into a sizable community banking enterprise.

Susser Bank and SMU

Following the sale of Mutual of Omaha Bank, Schmid became the CEO of Susser Bank, a family-owned banking institution based in Dallas, Texas.[1] He subsequently transitioned to the academic and professional development side of banking when, in 2021, he joined the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at Southern Methodist University as its president and CEO.[1] The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking is a prominent executive education program that has trained banking professionals for decades. Schmid's role there combined his extensive practical banking experience with the institution's educational mission.

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

On August 2, 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City announced that Schmid had been selected as its new president and chief executive officer.[1][2] He formally assumed office on August 21, 2023, succeeding Esther L. George, who had retired in January 2023 after more than a decade leading the bank. Kelly Dubbert had served as acting president in the interim period between George's departure and Schmid's arrival.[1]

The selection of Schmid was made by the Kansas City Fed's board of directors, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, D.C., as is standard practice for all regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents.[3] The Kansas City Fed, which is one of the twelve regional Reserve Banks that make up the Federal Reserve System, is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, the western third of Missouri, and the northern half of New Mexico.

As president of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid serves as a member of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the body responsible for setting U.S. monetary policy, including decisions on the federal funds rate. Under the Federal Reserve System's rotating voting schedule, regional Fed presidents (other than the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, who holds a permanent vote) rotate onto the FOMC as voting members. Schmid participates in all FOMC meetings and deliberations regardless of his voting status in a given year.[3]

Monetary Policy Positions

Since taking office, Schmid has become known for his monetary policy commentary, particularly his cautious stance regarding interest rate reductions. His public statements have generally reflected a preference for maintaining restrictive monetary policy until inflation is convincingly on a path back to the Federal Reserve's two percent target.

In August 2025, as financial markets widely anticipated a rate cut at the Federal Reserve's September meeting, Schmid expressed hesitation about such a move. In a CNBC interview on August 21, 2025, Schmid indicated doubt about lowering interest rates in September, noting that "very consequential" economic data was expected in the coming weeks that would inform his assessment.[4] While he did not close the door to rate cuts entirely, he signaled wariness about acting prematurely given ongoing inflation pressures in the economy.[5]

In November 2025, Schmid delivered remarks at the 2025 Energy Conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks, titled "Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy."[6] The conference, themed "Energy and the Economy: The Geography of Energy Flows," provided a forum for Schmid to address the intersection of energy markets and broader economic conditions as they related to monetary policy decisions.

During the same period, Schmid stated that inflation remained "too hot" and that monetary policy was positioned appropriately, reinforcing his view that the Federal Reserve should not ease policy prematurely. His comments were part of a broader chorus of hawkish signals from Federal Reserve officials in November 2025, which led financial market participants to reduce their expectations for an interest rate cut at the December 2025 FOMC meeting.[7]

In February 2026, Schmid continued to advocate for maintaining tight monetary policy. In a speech in Albuquerque, New Mexico, titled "Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook," he addressed the economic conditions facing the nation and the implications for the Federal Reserve's policy path.[8] In remarks reported by Reuters on February 11, 2026, Schmid argued that it was "too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation," emphasizing that despite continued strong economic growth, the central bank needed to keep tight monetary policy in place.[9]

As of late February 2026, Schmid reaffirmed his resistance to further interest rate cuts, arguing that additional easing by the Federal Reserve would pose risks to the economy. His position, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and other outlets, reflected a broader concern that premature rate reductions could reignite inflationary pressures or undermine the progress already achieved in bringing inflation down from its post-pandemic highs.[10][11]

Schmid's monetary policy positions have placed him among the more hawkish voices on the FOMC during his tenure. His emphasis on maintaining the current policy stance until inflation data more conclusively indicates a sustained return toward the two percent target has been a consistent theme in his public communications since assuming the Kansas City Fed presidency.

The Kansas City Fed's Role

As leader of the Kansas City Fed, Schmid oversees one of the Federal Reserve System's twelve regional banks. The Kansas City Fed conducts economic research, supervises and regulates financial institutions within its district, and provides financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government. The Tenth Federal Reserve District that the bank serves encompasses a geographically diverse region that includes significant agricultural, energy, and manufacturing sectors. The Kansas City Fed has historically been known for hosting the annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, one of the most prominent central banking conferences in the world.

Schmid's background in community banking—particularly his experience building and leading Mutual of Omaha Bank and serving at a family-owned institution like Susser Bank—has informed his perspective on the Federal Reserve's supervisory and regulatory functions. His experience at the FDIC adds an additional dimension of regulatory expertise to his role.

Personal Life

Limited information about Schmid's personal life has been made publicly available. He relocated to the Kansas City area upon assuming the presidency of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in August 2023.[1] Prior to that appointment, his career had been based primarily in the Omaha, Nebraska, and Dallas, Texas, metropolitan areas, corresponding to his tenures at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Susser Bank, and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Kansas City Fed Names Jeff Schmid as New President".Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.2023-08-02.https://www.kansascityfed.org/newsroom/2023-news-releases/kansas-city-fed-president-announcement/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. 2.0 2.1 MuiYlanYlan"Kansas City Fed names new president".Axios.2023-08-02.https://www.axios.com/2023/08/02/federal-reserve-kansas-city-president.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Who has to leave the Federal Reserve next?".Brookings Institution.https://www.brookings.edu/articles/who-has-to-leave-the-federal-reserve-next-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. "Kansas City Fed's Schmid shows hesitation about widely expected September rate cut".CNBC.2025-08-21.https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/21/kansas-city-feds-schmid-shows-hesitation-about-widely-expected-september-rate-cut.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. "KC Fed's Schmid wary of September rate cut, notes 'very consequential' data in coming weeks".Yahoo Finance.2025-08-21.https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kc-feds-schmid-wary-of-september-rate-cut-notes-very-consequential-data-in-coming-weeks-155035984.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. "Maintaining the Balance in Monetary Policy".Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.2025-11-14.https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/maintaining-the-balance-in-monetary-policy/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. "As Fed hawks press their case, traders bet against December cut".Reuters.2025-11-15.https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-inflation-is-too-hot-policy-is-where-it-should-be-2025-11-14/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. "Monetary Policy and the Economic Outlook".Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.2026-02.https://www.kansascityfed.org/speeches/monetary-policy-and-the-economic-outlook-albuquerque/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. "Fed's Schmid says too soon to expect productivity to fix still-elevated inflation".Reuters.2026-02-11.https://www.reuters.com/business/feds-schmid-says-too-soon-expect-productivity-fix-still-elevated-inflation-2026-02-11/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. "Fed's Schmid Pushes Back on Rate-Cut Prospects".The Wall Street Journal.2026-02.https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/feds-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects-c98dc744.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. "Fed's Schmid pushes back on rate-cut prospects".MSN.2026-02-23.https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/fed-s-schmid-pushes-back-on-rate-cut-prospects/ar-AA1W8VeI.Retrieved 2026-02-24.