J.D. Foster, Ph.D.

Dr. J.D. Foster is an economist and policy expert whose career spans more than three decades in American economic policymaking. He has analyzed and researched federal economic policy in Washington, D.C., serving twice in the White House, as well as with the U.S. Treasury, at the behest of three senators, a senior representative, and at three research organizations.

Foster began his public service career on Capitol Hill, serving consecutively under Senators Armstrong, Symms, and Nickles, representing them on the Senate Finance, Budget, and Policy committees. Before that, he was chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisors under Dr. Michael Boskin. Foster served as executive director and chief economist of the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit research organization. He later served as legislative director to Rep. Philip Crane, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, before joining the executive branch.

Foster's White House experience spans multiple administrations. He served as economic counsel in the Office of Tax Policy at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as associate director for economic policy — effectively chief economist — at the Office of Management and Budget in the White House. Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Foster was the Norman B. Ture Senior Fellow in the Economics of Fiscal Policy at The Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. During his tenure at Heritage, he authored work including the report "The Big Choice for Jobs and Growth: Lower Tax Rates Versus Expensing," focusing on long-term changes in tax policy to support economic growth.

Foster served as senior vice president of the Economic Policy Division and chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he analyzed developments in the U.S. and global economies. He also participated in discussions nationwide regarding the economy and economic policy, supporting other functions at the Chamber with economic analysis and guidance. Throughout his career, Foster has written extensively on tax policy, entitlement reform, monetary policy, and international economics. His expertise in fiscal policy, developed across think tanks, congressional offices, and two White House roles, positions him as a leading voice on economic issues affecting American prosperity.