Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair (2006-2011) joins an exclusive group of difference makers as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Truman Medal for Economic Policy. Ms. Bair emerged as one of the most respected voices during the 2008 financial crisis. She championed accountability for financial institutions deemed “too big to fail” and consistently advocated for policies that protected taxpayers, consumers and community banks. Her leadership earned her the Profiles in Courage Award and twice on the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women. Bair said of the Truman Medal honor, “I’d like to think one of the reasons I was given the award was recognition for my outspokenness on certain things to protect the public. Harry Truman was certainly known for his outspokenness as well.” The Truman Medal for Economic Policy is organized in part by The Economic Club of Kansas City. Click on Programs to learn more about past honorees.