University of Richmond Commencement Speaker is Richmond Fed President and CEO Tom Barkin

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Tom Barkin, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will address University of Richmond graduates during the main Commencement ceremony in May.

Barkin became president and CEO of the Richmond Fed, which serves Virginia, the Carolinas, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., in January 2018. In this role, he is responsible for the Bank’s supervision, regulation, monetary policy, and payment services, as well as oversight of the Federal Reserve System’s information technology organization. In addition, he serves on the Federal Reserve’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee.

Barkin is passionate about engaging firsthand with business, civic, and community leaders in the regions served by the Richmond Fed. These meetings provide insight into how the Fifth Federal Reserve District economy is faring, bring attention to areas facing economic challenges, and inform the community about his monetary policy perspective.

"The University is honored to welcome Tom Barkin, a distinguished leader in both the business and financial sectors, to deliver our 2025 Main Commencement address,” said University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock. “Barkin’s dedication to our regional and national economies and his meaningful community engagement will set an inspiring example for our graduates as they embark on lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership."

Barkin attended Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate, Master of Business Administration, and law degrees.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and chief risk officer at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, and served as the organization’s chief financial officer. He also served on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta from 2009 to 2014, including as the board’s chairman from 2013 to 2014.

Barkin will address undergraduate students from the School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business, and Jepson School of Leadership Studies during the main ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, at the Robins Center.

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