The Federal Reserve Act provides that the president of a Federal Reserve Bank shall be the chief executive officer of the Bank, appointed by the board of directors of the Bank, with the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, for a term of five years. Twelve individuals have led the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, ranging in terms of service from one year to 18 years. The first three leaders held the title "Governor." The Banking Act of 1935 abolished the dual role of governor and agent and created a single leadership role – president. Many who served likely shared the sentiment of our current president, John C. Williams as expressed in the 2010 annual report: "As I take on this new role, I feel a keen sense of responsibility both to the Federal Reserve System and to the communities of the Twelfth Federal Reserve District, who rely on us to safeguard the financial system and set a prudent course on monetary policy."
To learn more about Federal Reserve Bank Presidents throughout the System, visit the Federal Reserve Board of Governors site.
Gallery
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Archibald Kains
Served 1914-1917, resigned July 1917
James Kennedy Lynch
Served 1917-1919
John Uberto Calkins, Sr.
Served 1919-1936, retired March 1936
William Aymar Day
Served 1936-1945, retired December 31, 1945
Ira Clerk
Served 1946
Cecil Earl Earhart
Served 1946-1956, retired February 29, 1956
Hermann N. Mangels
Served 1956-1961, retired February 28, 1961
Eliot J. Swan
Served 1961-1972, retired June 1, 1972
John. J. Balles
Served 1972-1986, retired February 1, 1986
Robert T. Parry
Served 1986-2004, retired May 16, 2004
Janet L. Yellen
Served 2004-2010, left October 4, 2010, to serve as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors
John C. Williams
2011 – Present