Atlanta Fed President Bostic to Retire in February

Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic has announced that he will retire at the end of his current term, with his last day as president set for February 28, 2026. Bostic, who has been in the role since June 2017, is the first African American and openly gay leader of a regional Federal Reserve Bank in U.S. history.​

Announcement Details

• Bostic’s retirement was formally announced on November 12, 2025.

• He stated that he would not seek reappointment for another five-year term and plans to pursue new endeavors after leaving the Atlanta Fed.​

• His retirement will create an open seat on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which could influence the direction of U.S. monetary policy.​

Legacy and Succession

• During his tenure, Bostic was recognized for focusing on economic equity and bringing varied perspectives to monetary policy discussions.​

• A search committee formed by non-banking members of the Atlanta Fed’s board of directors will conduct a nationwide search for his successor.​

• If a new president is not appointed by the time Bostic departs, Cheryl Venable, the current first vice president and chief operating officer, will assume interim duties.​

Broader Context

• Bostic’s decision comes amid a politically charged environment, with discussions around the Federal Reserve’s independence and the influence of presidential administrations.​

• His departure is considered a significant moment for the Federal Reserve given his contributions to policy and leadership diversity.​

Bostic’s service since 2017 has been widely acknowledged for its impact on both the Atlanta Fed and the broader Federal Reserve System.