The American Economic Association and the economics profession were saddened to learn of the passing of Rebecca Blank at age 67.

Blank was a labor economist who conducted significant research in the study of labor supply, unemployment, the role of gender and race in labor markets, and inequality.  During her career, she made significant contributions in the public sector as well as numerous accomplishments in academic administration.  Blank most recently held the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison until May 2022, and she had been appointed president of Northwestern University before she announced in July 2022 that she needed to step down to focus on her health and family.

Blank was a member of the AEA Executive Committee from 1995 to 1997, served as vice-president of the AEA in 2007, and was named an AEA Distinguished Fellow in 2021. 

To learn more about Rebecca Blank and her contributions to the economics profession, see Remembering Rebecca Blank.