Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic to Step Down When Term Ends in February 2026
Published: November 12, 2025 | Updated: An Hour Ago
Raphael Bostic, who leads the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will leave his role when his term ends on February 28, 2026. He has worked in this job since June 2017. He became the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president.
A Key Change Ahead for the Federal Reserve
Bostic’s exit happens as the Fed faces a busy time in national money policy. His term stops when all regional presidents’ five-year terms end, usually in years that end in 1 or 6. This time comes as the Fed’s main rate-setting group, the FOMC, meets for major decisions.
The renewal or replacement of leaders like Bostic now will face more careful review because the current board shows unusual political activity. This year brings extra issues in a process that is normally simple.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also see a change as his term ends in May 2026, even though he stays a governor until 2028. This signals a time of deep change in the Fed’s top leadership.
Bostic’s Years in Office: Successes and Trials
Over nearly eight years at Atlanta, Bostic worked for a growing and fair economy. He said he wanted to make an economy work better for all. He looked ahead to new ways to use his ideas when he left the Fed.
Bostic was known as a calm voice on money matters. In 2025, he spoke with care about not cutting rates too soon when inflation stayed high and jobs fell a bit. Note that he is not a FOMC voter this year; the Atlanta Fed regains its vote in 2027. Fed Chair Jerome Powell praised him, saying, “His view helped the FOMC grasp the changes in our economy. His steady tone showed the best in public service. It was based on careful study, strong experience, and clear goals.”
Until a new leader is named, Cheryl Venable, the first vice president and chief operating officer, will work as the acting president.
Issues That Marked Bostic’s Term
Bostic’s time at the Fed had its share of hard moments. In October 2022, the Fed looked into trading done for him during blackout times before policy meetings. An internal review found 154 trades made during these times. The review did not find proof of insider trading or a conflict in his work.
Some also questioned if he followed rules for reporting finances and the size of Treasury holdings in his investments. Bostic said the trades came from third parties who acted on his behalf and he wished the mistakes had not happened.
This review was one part of a larger check on personal investments by Fed workers. It led to tighter checks and new rules on what securities could be held. The result was a system that works with more clear rules and strong ethics.
Summary of Key Points:
- Raphael Bostic will leave his role as Atlanta Fed President in February 2026 when his five-year term ends.
- He is the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president, having served since 2017.
- His departure comes at a busy time for the Fed, including a change in Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s role.
- During his term, Bostic worked for a fair economy and a careful approach to money policy.
- His time saw issues with trading activities and financial report rules.
- Cheryl Venable will act as Atlanta Fed President until a new leader is named.
As the Fed moves through this change in leadership, market watchers and policy experts will keep a close eye on money policy and plans for the economy in the coming years.
For continuous updates on the Federal Reserve and economic policy, stay tuned to our coverage.
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