Laura Alfaro Takes Leadership as Chief Economist at IDB, Signaling New Directions for Economic Policy

Laura Alfaro Takes Leadership as Chief Economist at IDB



On June 1, 2025, Laura Alfaro officially stepped into her role as the Chief Economist and Economic Counselor at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), marking a significant milestone in her career and for the organization. The IDB, well-known for its commitment to fortifying the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean, conducted a rigorous selection process that recognized Ms. Alfaro’s deep expertise in economic research and public policy.

Extensive Experience in Economics



With a robust academic and professional background, Laura Alfaro previously served as a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and was the Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy in Costa Rica between 2010 and 2012. Notably, she holds dual citizenship in the United States and Costa Rica and earned her Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA, along with degrees from the Universidad de Costa Rica and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Alfaro's new role at IDB comes at a crucial time when the Bank aims to address various urgent economic challenges in the region, such as productivity, competitiveness, private sector-led growth, and technology integration. Her appointment is expected to bolster the IDB's Research Department, which plays a vital role in shaping economic strategies and policies that can lead to measurable improvements in the quality of life across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Aiming for Impactful Economic Solutions



Under her guidance, the Research Department is set to play an instrumental role in realizing the IDBImpact+ vision, which seeks to embed economic analysis directly into operational strategies. "We are thrilled with Laura's appointment, coinciding with the implementation phase of IDBImpact+," said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. He emphasized the central importance of research and knowledge in their strategies, aiming to influence public debate and embed rigorous data analysis into actionable operational plans.

Laura Alfaro expressed her enthusiasm in her inaugural comments: "Joining the Inter-American Development Bank as Chief Economist and Economic Counselor is both an honor and a joy. Knowledge only gains significance when it translates into actionable impact. Our region needs audacious ideas, thorough analysis, and authentic partnerships to transform data into informed decisions that enhance lives. I am eager to collaborate with an exceptional team to achieve this goal during this pivotal time for our region."

Commitment to Sustainable Development



The IDB itself was founded in 1959 to promote social and economic development across Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization aims to create innovative solutions that support sustainable growth and inclusivity. Laura Alfaro’s extensive groundwork in economic policies will enable the IDB to create policies that effectively respond to issues like energy supply, poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and addressing inequalities in the region.

As she embarks on this new journey, her collaboration with a dedicated team at the IDB will be essential in pursuing strategies that lead to tangible benefits for the economies of the member countries. Alfaro’s work will undoubtedly contribute toward enhanced productivity and competitiveness, helping to empower communities and ultimately transform the region’s economic landscape.

In summary, Laura Alfaro's appointment as Chief Economist at the Inter-American Development Bank heralds a new era of progressive economic policymaking aimed at tackling the pressing challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean. Her vision and expertise promise to guide impactful strategies that are both innovative and inclusive, fostering a future rich with opportunities for growth and prosperity for the region’s diverse populations.

Topics Financial Services & Investing)

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