Peter Rupert

Dr. Rupert joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and is the Director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, and Professor of Economics in the UCSB Economics Department. He is also the Associate Director of the UCSB Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance, with Nobel Laureate Finn Kydland. Before joining UCSB in 2010, Peter served as Senior Research Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for 13 years.

Dr. Rupert frequently consults with central banks and is an invited speaker at economic conferences at universities and organizations around the world. His areas of specialization include macroeconomics, monetary economics, and labor and family economics. Prior to joining the Cleveland Fed, he held a variety of teaching and research positions, including professorships at the University of Western Ontario, SUNY Buffalo, and West Virginia University. He has also held visiting professorships at the University of Southern California and University of London. Professor Rupert earned his B.S. at Santa Clara University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Rochester.

A 17 year Santa Barbara resident, Dr. Rupert is an avid cyclist, traveler, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and currently volunteers as the chief economist for the Santa Barbara Zoo.

What does being a Director of MB&T mean to you?

"Helping to maintain a safe and strong bank and community icon, by informing policy and strategy is an honor and privilege. I also very much enjoy the annual Community Dividends^® program which provides meaningful impact to those nonprofit organizations who help make our community vibrant and innovative. The day itself is a clear demonstration of the real passion for community that runs throughout Montecito Bank & Trust's leadership and associates."