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There’s a story within every #MyRichmondFed employee. Today, we asked Laura Ullrich five questions about her journey from university professor to regional economist. 

What attracted you to working with rural communities and community colleges?

Prior to coming to the Fed, I spent most of my career in higher education, working at Winthrop University in South Carolina for 13 years. As I learned more about the area the Richmond Fed covers, specifically North and South Carolina, I couldn’t help but become more interested in community colleges and the role they play. We have a rich district that is diverse in just about any way you can define it. We have growing urban areas that are experiencing a lot of people moving into the region. We have rural communities that are growing and finding ways to leverage their assets--and some that are struggling with maintaining population and employment. Telling those stories and researching outcomes across the Richmond Fed’s district is important, engaging work.

What brought you to the Richmond Fed? 

I loved working in higher education, but I was ready for a new challenge. As an economist, what better place could there be than the Fed? 

What do you enjoy most about your work as a regional economist? 

I am interested in a wide range of economic topics, from local economic development to educational outcomes to labor force participation. As a regional economist, I’m afforded the opportunity to learn about these topics in relation to North and South Carolina. I like the local viewpoint that I get on a daily basis. It’s always interesting to seeing how these local viewpoints compare to a more macro perspective.

Is there a standout moment from your time doing field work on rural economies for the Fed?

There are so many over the past four years! I’d say the biggest highlight has been visiting rural communities and seeing the dedicated local residents who are engaged in economic and community development. People who live in rural communities love where they live, and it’s truly contagious.

What makes the Richmond Fed a great place to work?

I love working for the Richmond Fed because of the high level of collaboration among talented people. I love how we come together to research important topics and to work on projects that really matter.

Visit our YouTube channel to hear Laura share more about her role as a regional economist, or apply today to one of our open careers to start the process of writing your own #MyRichmondFed story.