COVID-19 Conversations: Eric Spitler on the Economy

In a time of social distancing and school closures, The Riley Institute’s new video series brings Furman — and the world — into the homes of students through video chats with notable leaders. 

The Riley Institute’s Center for Critical Issues “brings the world to Furman” by hosting a diverse roster of speakers on campus each year. While our events are on hold due to COVID-19, we’re bringing the world to the fingertips of our Advance Team, a select group of Furman students interested in government and public policy, through our new video series COVID-19 Conversations.

Each week, a few members of the Advance Team sit down for an intimate, virtual conversation with a past speaker to discuss the coronavirus’ impact on life’s many dimensions.

In this first episode, students Alexis Wood, Johnny Aluri, and Diana Oxner chat with Eric Spitler, Furman ’81. Spitler was the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for many years, including during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2019, Spitler spoke at the Riley Institute’s Crisis and Response: Stories of Leadership event held on Furman’s campus.

Spitler is currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he teaches a class on “Legal Response to Financial Crisis.” He also has a consulting firm, Delverton Strategies, that focuses on financial regulatory issues.

During the conversation, Spitler shares his perspective on the differences between the Great Recession and the evolving financial implications of COVID-19 while students inquire about the virus’ impact on the Federal Reserve and the demand for universal basic income legislation.

View all COVID-19 Conversations episodes

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this recording are those of the individuals appearing in the video and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Riley Institute or Furman University.