Laurie Goodman is a renowned economist and housing expert with an impressive educational and professional background. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School. She also holds a Master's degree and a PhD in Economics from Stanford University. With over two decades of experience in the finance industry, Goodman has held several high-ranking positions in various reputable organizations. She was the Senior Managing Director and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Amherst Holdings, Head of Securitized Products Research Group and Head of Global Fixed Income Research at UBS, Vice President and Head of MBS Strategy at Merrill Lynch Inc, and other roles at Eastbridge Capital, Goldman Sachs, and Citi. Her expertise in finance, economics, and housing makes her one of the most sought-after professionals in the field. Goodman is the current Director of the Housing Finance Policy Center at The Urban Institute, where she oversees research on housing finance policy and provides important insights on housing-related issues.