Ford M. Scudder was confirmed as State Treasurer on September 15, 2016. For the past decade, he worked in the private sector for Laffer Associates, a macroeconomic research firm, serving as Chief Operating Officer before joining State government. Laffer Associates was founded by Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, who was a member of President Reagan’s Economic Policy Board during two terms of that Administration. The firm analyzes macroeconomic trends and the effect of changes in economic policy for its clientele of institutional investors, in addition to engaging in extensive analysis of state economic policies.

Mr. Scudder is a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. He also has analyzed and invested in public equities as a senior analyst at Laffer Investments, a global asset manager. He also has experience investing in private equity, serving as an observer or proxy on the boards of directors of a number of privately held companies.

He was born in Princeton, and his family has a long history in New Jersey. He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics while also receiving certificates in finance and political economy. He earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.  Mr. Scudder serves as a member of the national Annual Giving Committee at Princeton University.