Contributor
Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed is President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), where he also serves as Humphreys Family Senior Fellow and Ron Manners Global Ambassador for Liberty. He became FEE’s president in 2008 after years of writing and speaking for the organization and serving as chairman of its board of trustees in the 1990s. He retired from the presidency in 2019.
Before joining FEE, Reed served for 21 years as president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan, from 1987 to 2008. Earlier, he taught economics at Northwood University, where he also chaired the economics department.
Reed holds a B.A. in economics from Grove City College and an M.A. in history from Slippery Rock State University. He has also received honorary doctorates from Central Michigan University and Northwood University.
A prolific writer and speaker, Reed has authored more than 2,000 columns and articles for publications in the United States and abroad, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The American Spectator, The Epoch Times, Detroit News, and Detroit Free Press. He has authored or co-authored eight books, including Was Jesus a Socialist?, Real Heroes: Inspiring True Stories of Courage, Character and Conviction, and Born of Ideas: How Principles, Faith, and Courage Forged America. He has also co-authored and edited five e-books and has appeared frequently on radio and television.
His work in political and economic affairs has taken him as a freelance journalist to 92 countries on six continents. He advises organizations worldwide and has served on the board of the State Policy Network, including one term as president.
Reed’s honors include Poland’s Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, the Mackinac Center’s Champion of Freedom Award, Grove City College’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Citizen Warrior Award from Heirs of the Republic. A native of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, he lives in Newnan, Georgia.